Free Software Directory
A collaborative catalog of free software
The Free Software Directory is a searchable catalog of free software maintained by the Free Software Foundation. It helps users find programs that respect the freedoms to run, study, share, and modify software, and serves as a reference for license verification against the Free Software Definition. Entries are drawn largely from Debian's main repository, with individually submitted packages checked by staff and volunteers.
The directory is built on MediaWiki with Semantic MediaWiki, storing structured metadata fields covering licenses, source repositories, target operating systems, user interfaces, and build requirements. It offers browsing by category (such as security, business, and interface), license type queries, collections, featured packages, GNU packages, and high-priority projects. Submissions undergo editorial review before publication.
It is aimed at individuals, educators, activists, organizations, distribution maintainers, and researchers seeking free software alternatives. Contributing requires creating an FSF Central Login account; participation includes submitting packages, updating entries, and joining weekly IRC meetings. The directory is freely accessible with no stated pricing tiers.
12 alternatives to Free Software Directory
Ranked by how well each tool replaces Free Software Directory: shared features, audience, price and popularity.
End-of-life dates and support lifecycles for various products.
Covers 3 of 5 key features.
Free planOpen source58 out of 100 matchFreeFree digital tools for teachers and educators.
Covers 2 of 5 key features.
Free planOpen source58 out of 100 matchFreeA free gaming encyclopedia covering games developed as open source with open media.
Covers 1 of 5 key features.
Free planOpen source57 out of 100 matchFreeOpen Source Software, Open Source Alternatives.
Covers 1 of 5 key features.
Free planOpen source57 out of 100 matchFreeCloud-based library management and circulation system for schools, organizations, and home
Covers 4 of 5 key features.
Free plan57 out of 100 match$9/moThe home for technical questions and answers at Microsoft
Covers 2 of 5 key features.
Free plan55 out of 100 matchContact salesPublic.Law — Online law library providing access to statutes and legal resources
Covers 2 of 5 key features.
Free plan54 out of 100 matchFree- 54 out of 100 match—
Czech public portal for looking up the progress of court proceedings by file reference.
Covers 3 of 5 key features.
Free plan54 out of 100 matchFree- 53 out of 100 matchFree
A community for discovering, making and sharing 3D printable designs
Covers 5 of 5 key features.
Free plan53 out of 100 matchContact sales