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CMake

Free plan iPhoneLinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

What CMake is

CMake is a free, open-source family of tools for building, testing, and packaging software. Its configuration files describe how compilation should work while letting each project use its native build environment. One set of inputs can define builds for multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, and high-performance computing systems. CMake supports dependency tracking, minimal rebuilds, Fortran and C++ modules, and multiple build trees from one source tree. It can work with build systems and IDEs such as Visual Studio, Xcode, Ninja, Make, and VSCode.

For testing, CTest runs tests defined in project source code, supports parallel execution, and can send results to CDash. CMake’s CPack system creates installers for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and the tool family also provides a cross-platform installation system. CMake implements the Debug Adapter Protocol for interactive debugging of CMake code with third-party tools. The download page provides source and binary distributions for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus SunOS binaries. Kitware offers technical support, including pre-paid support for $2,500 once; those services must be used within one year. CMake is distributed under the BSD 3-clause License.

Who it suits

CMake suits developers who need to configure builds across operating systems and connect projects to native build tools or IDEs. It also fits teams that want project-defined test runs, installer creation, or interactive debugging support for CMake code.

What it does well

One input set can describe builds for multiple platforms.
Supports dependency tracking and minimal rebuilds.
Works with Visual Studio, Xcode, Ninja, Make, and VSCode.
CTest supports parallel runs and can send results to CDash.
CPack creates installers for Linux, Windows, and Mac.
Free and distributed under the BSD 3-clause License.

What to know first

The free plan has no free trial.
Pre-paid support costs $2,500 once and expires after one year.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
CMake	Open source · BSD 3-clause license	Free
Pre-Paid CMake Support	Price shown as $2,500 · Services must be used within one year · Support ceiling of $2,500	$2,500, paid once

As cmake.org lists them, read 2 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the CMake website.
Choose a source or binary distribution for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Install CMake and configure a project with its input files.
Select a supported build system or IDE for the target environment.
Use CTest for project-defined tests or CPack to create installers.

Verdict

Choose CMake if you need a cross-platform way to configure software builds and connect them to a range of build systems. Its free BSD-licensed plan includes tools for building, testing, packaging, and installation. Teams seeking paid expert help should account for the $2,500 pre-paid support option and its one-year use period.

Questions

Is CMake free?

Yes. The CMake plan is free and is distributed under the BSD 3-clause License.

Is there a free trial?

No. CMake has a free plan, and no free trial.

Which platforms can I use it on?

The listed platforms are iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and Windows. The download page also offers SunOS binaries.

Which build systems and IDEs does CMake support?

Listed targets include Visual Studio, Xcode, Ninja, Make, and VSCode.

Who makes CMake?

Kitware offers CMake support. Kitware says it was founded in 1998 and began with an office in Clifton Park, New York.

How much does CMake support cost?

Pre-Paid CMake Support is listed at $2,500 once. Services must be used within one year of purchase.

Facts from CMake's own pages

Build configuration: CMake manages compilation using simple, independent configuration files and works with the native build environment. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Build features: CMake supports accurate dependencies, minimal rebuilds, Fortran and C++ modules, and multiple build trees per source tree. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Build systems and IDEs: CMake supports target build systems including Visual Studio, Xcode, Ninja, Make, and VSCode. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Cross-platform builds: A single set of input files can describe builds for multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, and high-performance computing systems. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Debugging: CMake implements the Debug Adapter Protocol for interactive debugging of CMake code with third-party tools. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Downloads: The download page offers source and binary distributions for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as SunOS binaries. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Founded: 1998 · cmake.org, 28 Sept 2026
Headquarters: Clifton Park, New York, United States · cmake.org, 28 Sept 2026
License: CMake is distributed under the OSI-approved BSD 3-clause License, and its source tree includes third-party components with compatible licenses. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Maker: Kitware says it was founded in 1998 and began with an office in Clifton Park, New York. · kitware.com, 2 Oct 2026
Packaging and installation: Its CPack system creates cross-platform installers for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and CMake includes a cross-platform installation system. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Purpose: CMake is an open source, cross-platform family of tools for building, testing, and packaging software. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Security and integrity: The download page publishes SHA-256 cryptographic hashes and PGP signatures for releases. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Support: Kitware offers access to CMake experts for guidance, technical questions, and help resolving issues, with flexible support options. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Support terms: Pre-paid support services must be used within one year of purchase; custom support sets a contract ceiling and invoices monthly for services used in the previous month. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026
Testing: CTest runs tests specified in project source code, supports parallel runs, and can send results to CDash. · cmake.org, 2 Oct 2026

Where CMake stands on Freedom251

Game Build Automation Software#12 of 43