---
id: pyarmor
version: "9.2.6"
license: Free To Use But Restricted
license_treatment: unclear
maintenance: active
---

# pyarmor — A tool used to obfuscate python scripts, bind obfuscated scripts to fixed machine or expire obfuscated scripts.

License: unclear · Maintenance: active · Downloads: 649.7K/mo

## What it is and what it does

Pyarmor is a command-line tool that transforms Python scripts into obfuscated versions that remain valid `.py` files but with renamed identifiers and optional C-compiled functions. It supports binding obfuscated scripts to specific machines or adding expiration dates, making it useful for protecting proprietary code before distribution.

The tool generates obfuscated output that can typically replace original scripts without modification. It offers multiple obfuscation strategies to balance security and performance, and supports Python 3.7–3.15 across Windows, Linux, macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), and embedded systems. No runtime dependencies are required beyond the pyarmor command itself.

Use it for:

- Obfuscate proprietary Python applications before shipping to customers or deploying to untrusted environments
- Bind obfuscated scripts to specific machines to prevent unauthorized copying or redistribution
- Add expiration dates to obfuscated scripts for time-limited licenses or trial periods
- Convert performance-critical Python functions to compiled C code while protecting the overall codebase
- Protect intellectual property in closed-source Python tools distributed as standalone executables

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Pyarmor obfuscates Python scripts to protect source code, and can bind obfuscated scripts to specific machines or set expiration dates.

Yes, if you need to protect Python source code and the non-standard license terms are acceptable for your use case. The tool is actively maintained, has no dependencies, and installs easily. However, verify the 'Free To Use But Restricted' license carefully before using it in commercial or open-source projects, and test obfuscated output thoroughly in your target environment.

## Install

pip install pyarmor
uv add pyarmor
poetry add pyarmor

## Installing pyarmor

Before you install: Low install friction with no runtime dependencies. Actively maintained with a recent release 22 days ago and ongoing repository activity.

License in practice: License is marked 'Free To Use But Restricted' with no SPDX identifier, meaning terms are non-standard and unclear—review the actual license before relying on this tool in commercial or open-source projects.

Quickstart:

pip install pyarmor
pyarmor gen foo.py
python dist/foo.py

Verify before relying:

- Whether 'Free To Use But Restricted' license permits commercial distribution of obfuscated scripts
- Whether obfuscated output maintains full compatibility with all Python 3.7–3.15 features in practice
- Performance overhead of obfuscated scripts compared to originals

## Package facts

- License: Free To Use But Restricted (unclear)
- Python support: unspecified
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: active
- Downloads: 649.7K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

python script obfuscation, protect python source code, python code encryption, machine binding for python, python script expiration, python code protection tool, irreversible python obfuscation, code-protection, obfuscation, licensing-unclear

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