Open Source Initiative keyhole

A keyhole mark identifying the body that certifies open-source licences.

Also known as: OSI logo, Open source symbol

Currency & commercialEveryday & digitalStandard profile

Meanings

The keyhole marks the Open Source Initiative, which certifies whether a licence meets the Open Source Definition. It identifies the body, not any particular licence — a work carrying it still has terms that need reading.

Officially standardisedVerified fact
Identifies the Open Source Initiative, the body that reviews licences against the Open Source Definition and maintains the list of those that meet it.
Contexts: Software
Common modern usageVerified fact
Denotes the certifying body rather than any single licence, so it says a licence has been approved as open source and nothing about what that licence requires.
Contexts: Software

Visual description

A keyhole shape: a circle at the top opening downward into a narrow slot that widens slightly toward its base.

Symmetry: vertical
Orientation: upright

Used alongside: Copyleft symbol
Both are built from circles, and both are used in software contexts.

Confidence

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is defined by a current official standard.
Historical originModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useHigh confidence: High confidence because the current use is defined by a current official standard.
Visual matchHigh confidence: High confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references.

Sources

Open Source Initiative — The Open Source Definition
Open Source Initiative · retrieved 2026-08-01
Authoritative for what the Open Source Initiative certifies and for its own keyhole mark. It defines a category of licence rather than any single one, and the mark denotes the body rather than any particular licence's terms.
Open source
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-08-01
Tertiary reference. Used for identity, origin and current use, not for the legal effect of any licence — that is taken from the issuing body's own deed.

Last reviewed 2026-08-01

Part of

Licensing and rights marks

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Meanings

Officially standardisedVerified fact

Identifies the Open Source Initiative, the body that reviews licences against the Open Source Definition and maintains the list of those that meet it.

Contexts: Software

Common modern usageVerified fact

Denotes the certifying body rather than any single licence, so it says a licence has been approved as open source and nothing about what that licence requires.

Contexts: Software

Confidence

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is defined by a current official standard.
Historical originModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useHigh confidence: High confidence because the current use is defined by a current official standard.
Visual matchHigh confidence: High confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references.

Sources

Open Source Initiative — The Open Source Definition
Open Source Initiative · retrieved 2026-08-01
Authoritative for what the Open Source Initiative certifies and for its own keyhole mark. It defines a category of licence rather than any single one, and the mark denotes the body rather than any particular licence's terms.
Open source
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-08-01
Tertiary reference. Used for identity, origin and current use, not for the legal effect of any licence — that is taken from the issuing body's own deed.

Last reviewed 2026-08-01

Meanings

Visual description

Related & commonly confused symbols

Meanings

Visual description

Related & commonly confused symbols