No. 65 of 138 ·Knowledge base software

Stoplight Elements

Web · Self-hosted

Freedom report

Two barsScore 6.2

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

Stoplight Elements is ranked #65 of 138 in knowledge base software on Freedom251. It runs on Self-hosted, Web. There is a free plan.

Stoplight Elements plans and pricing

All plans

Stoplight Elements Free Open-source API documentation building blocks · Embed into existing CMS · Host anywhere · Interactive API console · OpenAPI 3.1 support stoplight.io · 2 Oct 2026

Compared on knowledge base software

Free plan: Yes

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The record

What it does: Stoplight Elements builds customized, interactive API documentation from OpenAPI documents using embeddable web components.
Developer layout: It offers customizable left navigation and a three-column layout for browsing API documentation.
Standards: Elements uses OpenAPI and JSON Schema, including OpenAPI 3.1 support.
Interactive console: The embedded API console lets readers test requests and responses within the documentation.
Code samples: Elements provides code samples in languages including Curl, Python, Ruby, and Java.
Markdown: Stoplight-flavored Markdown supports tabs, callouts, and embedded JSON examples.
Setup and frameworks: Elements requires no build steps, is built on web components, and can be used with any framework or HTML project.
Hosting: The product page says Elements can be hosted anywhere, including S3 or GitHub.
Notable limits: Compared with Elements DevPortal, Elements does not list multiple APIs, mocking, Markdown articles, branch version selection, or search.
Integration: Elements can use any OpenAPI editor and optionally point to an OpenAPI document or a Stoplight Workspace.
Examples: The product page says Spotify uses Elements for its “Get Artist” documentation on Spotify for Developers.
Security: Stoplight says it uses industry-standard technologies and services to protect data and conducts employee background checks and recurring security training.
Maker: The Stoplight site identifies SmartBear as its parent company.
Headquarters: Somerville, Massachusetts, United States
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

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Sources

stoplight.io/open-source/elements· checked 2 Oct 2026
stoplight.io/security-practices· checked 2 Oct 2026
stoplight.io/about· checked 2 Oct 2026
stoplight.io/open-source/spectral· checked 28 Sept 2026