Open Source Hardware Checklist

Make sure your project is heading in the right direction!

This checklist is made up from key points of the Open Source Hardware Definition and Best Practices for a quick reference guide to ensure your project is being properly labeled as Open Source Hardware.

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  • Does your hardware comply with the open source hardware definition?

  • Have you allowed anyone to study, modify, distribute, make, and sell the hardware?

  • If you used a Creative Commons license for your source files (documentation), did you choose options compatible with the definition? Non-Commercial and No Derivatives are not open source.

  • Did you put the oshw logo on your hardware so people can easily identify it as open source hardware? (Strongly recommended)

  • Do all company logos on the hardware belong to you? Do not infringe on trademarks!

  • Are your source files in an easily attainable format? ! Are the source files publicly available online?

  • Are your source files easy to find, for example, linked to from the product page?

  • Have you documented your project in a way that people will be able to copy?

  • Is your documentation free of charge?

  • Have you included images in your documentation? (Strongly recommended)

  • Are you emotionally prepared to allow your project to be copied?

  • If not all parts/versions are open, have you clearly specified which portions of the design are being released as open source hardware and which are not?

If you answered yes to all these questions, your project is considered open source hardware! Go to the oshw logo folder to download the open source hardware logo to use on your hardware.