Launchpad is a suite of web-based tools that help people and projects to collaborate in the creation of free software.

Several high-profile free software projects use Launchpad, including:

• Ubuntu - Linux-based operating system.
• Bazaar - distributed version control.
• Zope 3 - web application server.
• Jokosher - easy to use audio recorder and editor.

What you can do with Launchpad

You run a free software project

• Track your project's bugs.
• Host your project's code and downloadable files.
• Plan and track work on your project.
• Translate your project into different languages.
• Provide an easy way for users to ask for and give help.
• Package experimental versions of your software for Ubuntu and host them using Launchpad.

As an individual

• Report and find out more about bugs in free software.
• Translate free software into your language.
• Find the source code for free software projects.
• Propose and develop ideas for new features in free software projects.
• Ask for help if you get stuck when using free software.
• Offer help to other users of free software.
• Download installers and documentation for free software projects.
• Package software for Ubuntu and make it available in a Launchpad apt repository.

Getting started with Launchpad

The first step to using Launchpad is to register your user account. Follow our guide to creating your Launchpad account.

If you want to use Launchpad for your free software project, follow our guide to registering your project.