---
title: mdflow pricing and costs
url: https://mdflow.dev/pricing.md
---

# Pricing and costs

The mdflow CLI is free, open-source software under the [MIT license](https://github.com/johnlindquist/mdflow/blob/main/LICENSE). You can inspect the [source repository](https://github.com/johnlindquist/mdflow) and install the [official npm package](https://www.npmjs.com/package/mdflow) with `npm install -g mdflow` or invoke it with `npx mdflow`. Workflows execute only through the local CLI; the website serves read-only documentation and source facts.

## External engines may charge

mdflow launches the engine CLI you select. That engine may require a subscription, provider account, API credentials, or usage-based payment. Provider turns, tokens, tool calls, and currency costs vary by engine and task; check your selected provider's current terms. A free mdflow license does not include free provider usage, and this page does not quote external providers' prices.

## Know the operation before approving it

- `FREE`: no engine invocation. Static `md doctor --json` and eval/evolution planning help inspect readiness and likely work. Other free inspection commands may resolve imports, including URLs or local context providers.
- `LOCAL_WRITE`: changes local files or private state without an engine turn. Deterministic init, recording feedback, and applying a reviewed proposal are examples.
- `ENGINE`: launches one or more provider-backed invocations. A real flow run, engine-guided setup, real eval suite, and proposal generation can incur external costs.

Eval plans include repetitions and print the planned invocation count before consent. Preview with `md eval <flow.md> --plan`; preview proposal work with `md evolve plan <flow.md>`. Invocation count is not a guaranteed currency quote. Approval for a flow run does not approve an eval, a proposal, or a source-changing apply.

See [the operation contract](https://mdflow.dev/facts.json), [documentation](https://mdflow.dev/docs/), [privacy](https://mdflow.dev/privacy/), and [security policy](https://mdflow.dev/SECURITY.md) before running unfamiliar flows or connecting credentials.