If you install via npm using their standard packages (e.g., @ckeditor/ckeditor5-editor-classic ), you may not need a key for basic editing. But if you use their pre-built ZIP files from the online builder or the CDN, you will need a trial or open-source key.
| Scenario | Result | |----------|--------| | Valid license key | All features work normally. | | No license key + premium features | Error thrown: Missing license key for premium features . | | Expired trial key | Premium features disabled, console warning. | | Invalid key format | Editor fails to initialize with clear error. | | Open-source core + no key | Works fine (GPL compliant). |
CKEditor allows multiple keys. Generate one for *.yourdomain.com (wildcard), one for localhost:3000 (development), and one for specific staging URLs. ckeditor 5 license key
Offers cloud distribution via CDN with up to 1,000 editor loads per month and a limited feature set.
import ClassicEditor from 'ckeditor5'; import 'ckeditor5/ckeditor5.css'; If you install via npm using their standard packages (e
License keys are tied to major versions. A CKEditor 5 key will not work with CKEditor 6 (when released). Always check compatibility.
You still need a "key" but it is a generic value for self-hosted versions. | | No license key + premium features
Once you have your key, you must include it in the EditorConfig object during initialization. javascript