Launchpad

Rating: 4.0

User Satisfaction: 75%

Launchpad is a tool that lets software teams host code, track bugs/blueprints, manage translations and publish packages so they can collaborate, release and maintain projects efficiently.

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Overview

Launchpad is a web-based software collaboration platform developed by Canonical Ltd.. It provides a suite of services including code hosting (Git, previously Bazaar), bug tracking, specification (“blueprints”) tracking, translation support, mailing list integration and Ubuntu-package hosting.

If you’re working on an open-source or community-driven project (or even a team-based internal project), you often need to host code, manage issues and roadmap items, coordinate translations, and publish packages. Launchpad bundles many of those capabilities in one place—especially with a leaning toward Linux/Ubuntu packaging and collaborative workflows. It helps reduce friction: contributors can file bugs, propose translations, and developers can merge code, all in a unified ecosystem.

Details

Tool Launch / Founded Date

Approx. 2004

Best for

Open source project maintainers, Linux/Ubuntu-based teams, community-driven teams where contributors from outside the core team may file bugs or translations, any team needing a somewhat integrated “forge” environment

Access Type

Free for open source projects; you can create an account and projects without cost. (There may be paid services or hosting support depending on the project but typical usage is free.)

Licensing Model

Launchpad itself is open source software (released under GNU Affero General Public License since July 21, 2009) Projects you host may choose their own license; you should review the project settings for visibility and rights.

Feature

Unified hosting for code + bug tracking + translation + package publishing.
Supports Git repositories (and historically Bazaar).
Bug tracking across project boundaries (you can forward bugs, link across projects, etc.).
Translation platform built-in so you can crowd-source localization work.
Package building and hosting via PPAs for Ubuntu.
Blueprints (specification tracking) to manage planned work, features, dependencies across projects.

Pricing Tables

Free

For open source projects you can use Launchpad without cost.
(No clearly published multiple paid tiers listed on the official site) — For private or enterprise-level paid hosting you may need to contact Canonical or check the specific project/options.
Since pricing tiers beyond free are not clearly public, you’ll want to verify directly with Canonical if you require private repositories, enterprise support, etc.

Analytics

Traffic Analysis

Domain Rating
90

Organic Traffic
20092

Majority Users
United States

Visits Over Time

No visit data found.

Traffic Sources

No traffic data found.

Last Update Date: 2025-11-16

FAQ

Can I use Launchpad for a private commercial project? ▼

Yes, but you’ll need to check the specifics of the service. Launchpad is free for open source projects, but private/closed-source hosting and enterprise support may require contacting Canonical and verifying terms.

Does the code I host remain mine? Who owns the rights? ▼

You retain ownership of your code; you set the license for your project. Launchpad is simply a host and tool-suite. Always verify your project’s settings to ensure visibility and access control are set as you require.

How many bugs / issues / translations / users can I have? ▼

For open source projects the limits are generous; for very large scale enterprise use you should consult Canonical. The system is built to scale (the dashboard shows millions of bugs/branches across thousands of projects). (Launchpad)

Can I integrate Launchpad into my CI/CD pipeline / use its API? ▼

Yes — Launchpad offers an API and supports automation around its services. Check the API documentation for details on endpoints and authentication.

Does Launchpad train on my content / claim rights over it? ▼

Launchpad itself is an infrastructure service; you control your project’s code, issues, translations, etc. Launchpad’s licensing is open source and you retain rights over your project. Always review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to ensure compliance with your use case.

What does the top plan give me that the free plan doesn’t? ▼

If there is a paid/enterprise tier (which is not clearly detailed publicly), advantages would presumably include private repository support, enhanced performance, enterprise SLA, advanced integrations and dedicated support. You’ll want to contact Canonical for specifics.