App Guidelines

OpenLib lists apps that are useful, understandable, and meaningfully open source.

Acceptance checklist #

• The source code is publicly accessible.
• The project uses an open-source license.
• The app has a real use case.
• Metadata is accurate and not promotional.
• Links point to official project resources.
• The app is not malware, deceptive software, or a clone intended to impersonate another project.

License expectations #

OpenLib prefers licenses recognized by open-source communities, such as MIT, Apache-2.0, GPL, LGPL, AGPL, MPL-2.0, BSD, and similar licenses.

Metadata quality #

Good listings are specific. Avoid vague descriptions like "best app ever" or "all-in-one tool." Explain what the app does, who it helps, and what it replaces.

Good: Open-source password manager with local vaults and browser extensions.
Weak: Amazing security app for everyone.

Safety signals #

Maintainers may reject or unpublish apps when:

• Download links are suspicious or unrelated.
• The project distributes binaries without source parity.
• The app imitates another project in a confusing way.
• The repository contains malware reports that are not resolved.

Deprecation #

Apps can remain listed but marked deprecated when they are historically useful, replaced by a maintained fork, or no longer recommended for new users.