Guides

Start at the top if you're new. Each guide stands on its own, and they link to each other where the topics overlap.

  1. G01

    What open-source hardware is (and what it isn't)

    The community definition, what has to be published, and the projects that look open but aren't.

    5 min read · updated November 3, 2026

  2. G02

    How to publish an open hardware project

    Repository layout, design files, the bill of materials, documentation and tagged releases.

    5 min read · updated November 3, 2026

  3. G03

    OSHWA certification explained

    How OSHWA's free third-party certification works, what it asks of you and what the logo means.

    5 min read · updated November 3, 2026

  4. G04

    Choosing an open hardware license

    CERN-OHL v2, Solderpad, TAPR OHL and Creative Commons compared, and the questions that decide.

    5 min read · updated November 3, 2026

  5. G05

    How open hardware businesses make money

    Selling units and kits, brand and trademarks, services, crowdfunding, and living with clones.

    5 min read · updated November 3, 2026

  6. G06

    A short history of open hardware

    Early certification efforts, open cores, Arduino and RepRap, the definition, OSHWA and modern licenses.

    5 min read · updated November 3, 2026