WordPress now labels plugins with paid upgrades as “Commercial Plugin”

WordPress.org has introduced labeling of free plugins that offer paid upgrades for additional features or add-ons as “Commercial Plugin”.  

WordPress Commercial Plugin

WordPress “Commercial Plugin” label means that although the plugin is free there are additional features that you have to pay to use. It is more like saying the plugin is freemium.

If you visit the WordPress.org plugin repository and open a plugin that offers additional features or upgrades at a fee, then you will see this label “Commercial Plugin” followed by a description that reads, “This plugin is free but offers additional paid commercial upgrades or support.”   A link will also be available that goes to the support page of the plugin’s website as shown in the featured image above.

The label is currently not enabled for all plugins that offer additional paid upgrades or features. If you want your plugin to have the notice displayed, email WordPress.org through plugins@wordpress.org. In the future, WordPress plugin developers will be able to add the label in their plugins.

The main purpose of the label is to help users to know whether a plugin is 100% free or it is supported by additional features that come at a cost. It also helps in providing direction as to where users who have questions related to paid features should seek support.

WordPress Themes will also have a label to indicate whether a theme is supported by the community or commercial.