VIPM Edition Comparison

VI Package Manager (VIPM) is available in multiple editions to serve different needs within the LabVIEW development community. This guide compares the features and capabilities of each edition to help you select the most appropriate version for your requirements.

Available Editions

The three primary VIPM editions are:

VIPM Community: Advanced features typically reserved for Pro, but restricted to non-commercial use only
VIPM Free: Basic version that is free for commercial use
VIPM Pro: The full-featured commercial version for professional development

Legend

✅ Fully included
☑️ Partially included
❌ Not included

Features and Functionality Comparison

Feature	Community	Free	Pro
Commercial Use	❌	✅	✅
Included with LabVIEW (*Requires online activation)	❌*	✅	❌*

Build Automation

Feature	Community	Free	Pro
VIPM API for LabVIEW	✅	✅	✅
New Command-line Interface (CLI) (2026+)	☑️	☑️	✅

Package Installing

Feature	Community	Free	Pro
Install addon	✅	✅	✅
Multiple LV version & target (64 vs 32 bit)	✅	✅	✅
Create VIPC for dependency management	✅	✅	✅
Store packages inside VIPC file for offline installation	✅	❌	✅
Apply VIPC	✅	✅	✅
Per Project Install (in development ~2027+)	✅	❌	✅

Package Building

Feature	Community	Free	Pro
Build reuse library packages	✅	✅	✅
Build reuse system packages	✅	✅	✅
Build LabVIEW developer extension packages	✅	✅	✅
Customizable function and control palettes	✅	✅	✅
Link to external dependencies	✅	✅	✅
3rd party licensing and activation	❌	❌	✅
VI password protection	✅	❌	✅

Package Publishing

Feature	Community	Free	Pro
Create and manage repos	❌	❌	✅
Publish addons on private internal repo	❌	❌	✅

Package Finding

Feature	Community	Free	Pro
Subscribe to additional ("custom") repo	✅	❌	✅
Subscribed to "NI Tool Network" and "VIPM Community" repo	✅	✅	✅

Project Dependency Management (DRAGON)

Feature	Community	Free	Pro
Dependencies on NI drivers/nipkg (in development)	✅	✅	✅
.dragon file project package dependencies	✅	✅	✅
Dragon Project GUI	✅	✅	✅