How Open Source Everything works
What it is, how it's sorted, and how to get something added.
What this is
Open Source Everything lists open-source replacements for the closed-source apps people use every day, from Google Docs to Photoshop. It also shows where nothing good exists yet, so people who build software can see what's worth making.
It's supported by the r/TrueOpenSource community. Right now it holds 104 groups and 453 listings.
How it's organised
Categories
Shelves for browsing, like Creative or Office & productivity.
Groups
One job each, like Photo editing or Video calls. Photoshop and Canva sit in different groups because they do different jobs, so they're never compared with each other.
Closed apps
The apps a group replaces. One app can sit in several groups if it does several jobs.
Open alternatives
Open-source projects that do the group's job. Replaces fully means it does the main job; replaces partly means it covers some of it.
What counts as open source
Only projects under a license the Open Source Initiative approves are listed. That's what lets anyone use, change and share the code.
Open core
Open source, but with some parts paid or under another license. These are listed, with an "Open core" tag so you know.
Source-available
You can read the code, but the license limits what you can do with it. These aren't listed, even when they're often called open source. For example, n8n uses a "Sustainable Use License", which isn't open source.
Where the listings come from
- The first version was filled in once from free, openly licensed lists of alternatives. They're named on the Credits page.
- Each project's own page was read to write a short, neutral description and to check what it really replaces. That was done with AI, then checked again with a stronger AI model, and every change it made was recorded with its reason.
- Licenses are read from each project's code. Where the host doesn't report one, a mod confirms it before it counts.
- Verified means r/TrueOpenSource mods checked it themselves: an open-source license, still maintained, and it really does the job.
Get listed, or suggest something
Built an open-source alternative, or know one that's missing? Fill in a short form on GitHub: add a project, fix something, add a closed app, suggest a missing job, or report a project.
A robot checks the license and the project's age first (the same checks as r/TrueOpenSource), then a mod reviews it. Once a mod approves, the change goes on the site. Every suggestion and decision stays public.
This site is open too
The site's code, its data and its design are all open. Anyone can read them, copy them, or help improve them.