Date: 2025 05-May 07

Great — here's a complete setup:

✅ 1. NOTICE File (for LGPLv3+ compliance with FreeSimpleGUI)

NOTICE

This software includes the FreeSimpleGUI library,
which is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3 or later (LGPLv3+).

You can find a copy of the LGPLv3 license at:
https://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl-3.0.html

FreeSimpleGUI source code is available at:
https://github.com/dfurman/FreeSimpleGUI

No modifications were made to FreeSimpleGUI by this software's author.

If you do make changes to FreeSimpleGUI, update that last line to say:
"Modifications were made to FreeSimpleGUI. Modified source code is available upon request."

✅ 2. LICENSE File for the Rest of Your Program

If you want your own code to be closed source and require permission to use, you typically use a custom proprietary license. Here's a simple, legally conservative example:

📄 LICENSE

Copyright © [2025] [Your Name or Company]

All rights reserved.

This software is proprietary and confidential. No part of this software may be copied, modified, distributed, or used without the express written permission of the copyright holder.

Permission to use, distribute, or modify this software must be obtained in writing. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

This software is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied.

Third-Party Components:
This software includes the FreeSimpleGUI library, which is licensed separately under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3 or later (LGPLv3+). See the NOTICE file for details.

✅ Summary

• Your software stays closed source, and you protect it with a simple custom license.

• You comply with LGPLv3+ by documenting FreeSimpleGUI usage and license.

• You don’t need to open source anything else, as long as you don’t modify and embed the LGPL code improperly.

Would you like to automate this into a CLI tool that generates these files?

Update:

Got it — since you're also using the Autodesk FBX SDK, which comes with its own strict proprietary EULA, we’ll include a clause in both the NOTICE and LICENSE files to reflect that. Autodesk's license does not allow redistribution of the SDK itself and limits usage to applications that interact with Autodesk software.

✅ Updated NOTICE File

NOTICE

This software includes the following third-party components:

1. **FreeSimpleGUI**  
   Licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3 or later (LGPLv3+).  
   License: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl-3.0.html  
   Source: https://github.com/dfurman/FreeSimpleGUI  
   No modifications were made to FreeSimpleGUI.

2. **Autodesk FBX SDK**  
   Provided under the Autodesk FBX Software Development Kit License Agreement.  
   The FBX SDK is subject to its own terms and conditions, which restrict redistribution.  
   For more information, see: https://www.autodesk.com/developer-network/platform-technologies/fbx-sdk-2020-0  
   This software uses the FBX SDK solely for importing/exporting 3D assets in compliance with Autodesk's terms.

✅ Updated LICENSE File (Proprietary)

Copyright © [2025] [Your Name or Company]

All rights reserved.

This software is proprietary and confidential. No part of this software may be copied, modified, distributed, or used without the express written permission of the copyright holder.

Permission to use, distribute, or modify this software must be obtained in writing. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

This software is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied.

---

Third-Party Components:

1. **FreeSimpleGUI**  
   This software includes FreeSimpleGUI, which is licensed separately under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3 or later (LGPLv3+).  
   See the NOTICE file or https://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl-3.0.html for license terms.

2. **Autodesk FBX SDK**  
   This software uses the Autodesk FBX SDK, which is provided under the Autodesk FBX Software Development Kit License Agreement.  
   The SDK is not redistributed with this software and must be obtained directly from Autodesk.  
   Use of this SDK is governed by Autodesk’s terms: https://www.autodesk.com/developer-network/platform-technologies/fbx-sdk-2020-0

The inclusion of these components does not alter the licensing terms of the proprietary portions of this software.

✅ Final Notes:

• You cannot bundle the FBX SDK binaries or headers in your distribution.

• Users must download the SDK themselves from Autodesk.

• If you dynamically link to the SDK (typical), you remain in compliance — as long as you don’t hide or redistribute it.

Would you like these generated automatically into files in your project structure (e.g. with a poetry run gen_license command)?

FBX SDK exposure

Excellent follow-up — this gets into the nuances of Autodesk's FBX SDK license, which is very restrictive but has some wiggle room depending on how you use it.

✅ What’s Actually True About the Autodesk FBX SDK License?

❌ You Cannot Freely Redistribute the FBX SDK (binaries or headers)

• The FBX SDK EULA explicitly restricts redistribution of the SDK itself.

• That includes DLLs, static libraries, header files, etc.

• You must not package the SDK itself into a public installer or bundle it as part of your distributed files.

✅ But You Can Use the SDK in Your Software (With Conditions)

✅ You Can:

• Build your app with the FBX SDK and distribute your app (without bundling the SDK).

• Use the SDK to import/export FBX files internally.

• Distribute your app with FBX support baked in — as long as you’re not redistributing Autodesk’s SDK files.

❗ You Cannot:

• Redistribute the SDK itself, even dynamically linked DLLs or header files.

• Use it in a public SDK or API where other developers can indirectly access or depend on the Autodesk SDK through your interfaces.

✅ So in Your Case:

“What if the software does not expose the FBX SDK, but just uses it to generate export files?”

Yes — that's perfectly acceptable. You’re using the SDK as a tool, not exposing it or redistributing it.

You can:

• Include FBX export/import as a feature in your 3D software.

• Ship your software with compiled binaries that internally use the FBX SDK.

• Avoid giving users access to the SDK's functionality outside of what your software does.

⚠️ But:

• You must not ship the Autodesk SDK DLLs with your installer (unless Autodesk has granted you special redistribution rights).

• You can document that FBX functionality is available only if the user installs the FBX SDK (and possibly prompt them or guide them through it).

✅ In Summary:

Would you like a sample installer approach or user prompt that checks for the FBX SDK and guides users to install it if missing?

Clayton 4:

the fbx sdk is rolled out in my python project using poetry and pyproject.toml to reference gitlab.irna.fr/api/v4/projects/18692/

My software is packaged into an exe (both setup and portable) using pyinstaller, which obfuscates everything except for configuration files

ChatGPT 4:

Thanks for the detailed setup — your case is nuanced, but here’s a clear breakdown of how your FBX SDK integration and distribution via PyInstaller and Poetry aligns with Autodesk’s license, and what steps you should take to remain compliant.

✅ Summary of Your Setup

• You're using FBX SDK via a private GitLab-hosted wrapper or wheel (e.g. from gitlab.irna.fr/api/v4/projects/18692/).

• Your project is built with Poetry and packaged into an EXE using PyInstaller (obfuscating code).

• Your app does not expose the FBX SDK, only uses it internally for import/export.

📜 Legal Implications & Risk Areas

✅ What You're Doing Right

• ✅ Using the SDK only internally (not offering FBX as a plugin interface or API to others).

• ✅ Obfuscating and bundling the SDK via PyInstaller means you're not distributing it separately or as a library.

• ✅ Not modifying or directly redistributing Autodesk's SDK source, headers, or standalone DLLs.

• ✅ Using a private Git-based source for installation, likely a compiled Python wrapper.

⚠️ Potential Risks

1. Redistribution of compiled FBX binaries inside your EXE — PyInstaller may still bundle .dll or .so files from the SDK.

2. If the FBX SDK was not statically or completely bundled, or if the GitLab package replicates Autodesk binaries or headers, you are technically redistributing Autodesk binaries.

3. If Autodesk audits your setup and sees unlicensed distribution (even via a compiled EXE), you could be non-compliant.

✅ How to Stay Safe (and Professional)

1. Add a NOTICE Clause

Update your NOTICE file with this stronger disclaimer:

3. **Autodesk FBX SDK**
This software uses the Autodesk FBX SDK internally for FBX file import/export. The SDK is not publicly exposed through this software's API or UI.

The FBX SDK is licensed under the Autodesk FBX Software Development Kit License Agreement. For terms, visit:
https://www.autodesk.com/developer-network/platform-technologies/fbx-sdk-2020-0

Any required components of the FBX SDK are used internally and only as permitted under the SDK's licensing terms.

2. Document the SDK Source (If Using a Private Wrapper)

Make clear that you’re not packaging Autodesk binaries separately, but relying on a custom-built internal dependency. You might add to pyproject.toml metadata:

[tool.poetry.dependencies]
fbx-wrapper = { git = "https://gitlab.irna.fr/api/v4/projects/18692/", rev = "commit_or_tag" }

And document in your README or LICENSE:

The fbx-wrapper dependency is a private, internal Python binding to Autodesk’s FBX SDK. It is used strictly under Autodesk’s SDK license. The FBX SDK itself is not redistributed independently.

3. Optional: Include a Runtime SDK Check

To stay extra compliant, you could:

• Dynamically link to FBX DLLs.

• Prompt the user to install the FBX SDK (from Autodesk) if missing.

• Or, document that FBX functionality is not guaranteed unless the user installs the SDK themselves (safer in some jurisdictions).

✅ Conclusion

You're probably compliant given:

• You don’t expose the SDK,

• You bundle everything with PyInstaller,

• The SDK is used only internally,

• You don’t re-host Autodesk binaries or headers publicly.

Still, add strong license notes in NOTICE and LICENSE, and consider keeping your EXE's FBX functionality modular in case you ever need to disable or separate it later.

Would you like a PyInstaller hook to isolate the FBX SDK parts and optionally disable them at runtime?

Clayton 5:

I use inno installer to convert my pyinstaller portable exe into a setup exe

How can i now make a msix which can be submitted to the app store?

Chat GPT 5:

To convert your Python-based application (currently a PyInstaller-built EXE wrapped in an Inno Setup installer) into an MSIX package suitable for submission to the Microsoft Store, you’ll need to follow these steps:

✅ Overview

🔧 1. Prepare Your EXE

Make sure your PyInstaller app behaves like a standard Windows app:

• No console window unless required (use --noconsole)

• Single EXE or folder structure (MSIX supports both)

• No admin privileges required (MSIX apps cannot request them)

If your app depends on writing to system folders, registry, or Program Files, refactor to use AppData or LocalAppData instead.

📝 2. Create an App Manifest

Create a file like AppxManifest.xml. Here's a simple example:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Package
  xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/foundation/windows10"
  xmlns:uap="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/uap/windows10"
  IgnorableNamespaces="uap">

  <Identity Name="com.yourcompany.myapp"
            Publisher="CN=Your Company, O=Your Company, C=US"
            Version="1.0.0.0" />

  <Properties>
    <DisplayName>MyApp</DisplayName>
    <PublisherDisplayName>Your Company</PublisherDisplayName>
    <Logo>Assets\StoreLogo.png</Logo>
  </Properties>

  <Dependencies>
    <TargetDeviceFamily Name="Windows.Desktop" MinVersion="10.0.17763.0" MaxVersionTested="10.0.22000.0" />
  </Dependencies>

  <Resources>
    <Resource Language="en-us" />
  </Resources>

  <Applications>
    <Application Id="MyApp"
                 Executable="myapp.exe"
                 EntryPoint="Windows.FullTrustApplication">
      <uap:VisualElements DisplayName="MyApp"
                          Description="3D visualization software"
                          Square150x150Logo="Assets\Logo.png"
                          Square44x44Logo="Assets\SmallLogo.png"
                          BackgroundColor="transparent"/>
    </Application>
  </Applications>
</Package>

🧰 3. Use the MSIX Packaging Tool (GUI or CLI)

🔽 Install

Download from the Microsoft Store:
MSIX Packaging Tool
https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/msix-packaging-tool/9n5lw3jbcxkf

🧱 Use It

1. Select Application Package > Create package on this computer

2. Point it to your folder (EXE and all resources)

3. Add your AppxManifest.xml

4. It will bundle everything and create an .msix file

🧪 Alternatively, use PowerShell:

MakeAppx pack /d MyAppFolder /p MyApp.msix

🔐 4. Sign the MSIX

MSIX apps must be digitally signed:

Options:

• Use a certificate from a trusted CA (required for Store submission)

• For testing only: use a self-signed certificate and install it to Trusted Root

Example (test only):

New-SelfSignedCertificate -Type CodeSigningCert -Subject "CN=MyApp" -CertStoreLocation "Cert:\LocalMachine\My"

Then:

SignTool sign /fd SHA256 /a /f mycert.pfx /p password MyApp.msix

📦 5. Submit to the Microsoft Store

1. Register at the Microsoft Partner Center
   https://partner.microsoft.com/

2. Create an App submission

3. Upload your .msix file

4. Fill in metadata, screenshots, pricing, etc.

5. Submit for certification

✅ Notes Specific to Python Projects

• PyInstaller apps are fully compatible with MSIX as long as:

  • You avoid hardcoded system paths

  • You don’t request admin rights

  • You statically bundle your dependencies

Would you like a full example with the directory structure and build script for packaging into .msix from your PyInstaller output?

Clayton 6:

🔐 4. Sign the MSIX
MSIX apps must be digitally signed:

Options:
Use a certificate from a trusted CA (required for Store submission)

For this step, what is the typical cost? How long does it last?

ChatGPT 6:

Great question — here's a breakdown of the cost, validity, and options for getting a code signing certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), which is required for Microsoft Store MSIX submission:

🔐 Code Signing Certificate — Overview

💡 OV = Organization Validated, EV = Extended Validation
For the Microsoft Store, OV is enough. EV helps with SmartScreen warnings for sideloaded apps.

⏳ Certificate Validity

• Certificates typically last 1 to 3 years

• Some CAs offer multi-year discounts

• You must renew and re-validate before expiration to keep signing

✅ Required for Microsoft Store?

Yes. Microsoft requires:

• A valid OV certificate issued by a Trusted Root CA

• You cannot use a self-signed certificate

• You do not need EV unless sideloading outside the store

📌 Note: SmartScreen Reputation

If you distribute your app outside the Microsoft Store (via direct download), SmartScreen may block it even if signed. EV certificates bypass SmartScreen faster, but store apps are trusted automatically.

Would you like recommendations for where to buy a low-cost OV certificate that works for MSIX submissions?

Clayton 8:

What is the best way to provide a superuser shell within a gui application? A separate window can launch?

Chat GPT 8:

To provide a superuser shell (i.e., an interactive terminal with elevated privileges) within a GUI application, while keeping it separate but integrated, the best approach depends on your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) — but here’s a general cross-platform strategy that’s both user-friendly and secure:

✅ Best-Practice Design

Launch a separate terminal window from your GUI that:

1. Opens an elevated shell (sudo, runas, etc.)

2. Runs with its own privileges

3. Can return exit code or output to the GUI (optional)

🪟 On Windows

You can use runas or powershell Start-Process:

✅ Example (Python)

import subprocess

def launch_admin_shell():
    subprocess.run([
        "powershell", "-Command",
        "Start-Process powershell -Verb runAs"
    ])

This opens a new PowerShell window as Administrator.

🐧 On Linux/macOS

You can launch gnome-terminal, xterm, or similar with sudo -s or su.

✅ Example (Python)

import subprocess

def launch_root_shell():
    subprocess.run(["x-terminal-emulator", "-e", "sudo -s"])

Replace x-terminal-emulator with gnome-terminal, konsole, or xterm as needed.

🔐 Security Tips

• Don't bundle a hidden shell in the main GUI — it's dangerous and confusing.

• Do not store the user's sudo password or escalate silently.

• Explicitly prompt the user and log the request or reason in your app.

💡 UX Tips

• Add a button like "Open Admin Shell" in a settings or advanced menu.

• Optionally pass environment variables or project-specific context.

• If using PyInstaller, mark the subprocess as detached to avoid freezing the GUI.

Would you like a working cross-platform Python function that tries to detect and launch the right terminal with elevated rights based on OS?

Clayton 9:

Can a "Open Admin Shell" button launch a special instance of powershell or cmd or windows console host?

ChatGPT 9:

Yes, an "Open Admin Shell" button in your GUI can absolutely launch a special instance of:

• PowerShell

• CMD

• or even a custom shell like Windows Terminal or Console Host

…with admin privileges and optional environment variables or working directory.

✅ Example: Launch PowerShell as Administrator from Python

import subprocess

def open_admin_powershell():
    subprocess.run([
        "powershell", "-Command",
        "Start-Process powershell -Verb runAs"
    ])

This will:

• Prompt the user with UAC

• Launch a new PowerShell window running as Administrator

• Inherits working directory from your app (unless overridden)

🪟 Alternative: CMD as Admin

def open_admin_cmd():
    subprocess.run([
        "powershell", "-Command",
        "Start-Process cmd -Verb runAs"
    ])

🧪 Customize Environment or Start Directory

You can launch with:

• Custom starting path:

  Start-Process powershell -Verb runAs -WorkingDirectory "C:\MyApp"
  

• Preloaded variables or scripts:

  Start-Process powershell -Verb runAs -ArgumentList "-NoExit", "-Command", "$env:MY_VAR='123'; cd 'C:\MyApp'"
  

In Python:

def open_admin_shell_with_env():
    subprocess.run([
        "powershell", "-Command",
        "Start-Process powershell -Verb runAs -ArgumentList '-NoExit','-Command','cd C:\\MyApp; $env:MYVAR=42'"
    ])

🧩 Can I Launch Windows Terminal?

Yes — if the user has Windows Terminal installed:

def open_admin_windows_terminal():
    subprocess.run([
        "powershell", "-Command",
        "Start-Process wt -Verb runAs"
    ])

You can also pass it profiles, commands, directories, etc.

Would you like to include a dropdown or settings menu in your GUI for selecting which shell to launch (PowerShell, CMD, etc.)?

Clayton 10:

How is this different from "Don't bundle a hidden shell in the main GUI — it's dangerous and confusing." ?

ChatGPT 10:

Great follow-up — here’s the clear distinction between launching an admin shell from a button and the "dangerous hidden shell" anti-pattern:

✅ Safe Approach (What You're Doing)

• You launch a visible, standalone terminal (PowerShell/CMD/WT) as admin when the user clicks a button like "Open Admin Shell".

• The user:

  • Is prompted via UAC (Windows security)

  • Sees the terminal window appear

  • Has full visibility and control

• This is expected, auditable, and user-initiated.

🛡️ Security posture: High — user consents, system enforces access, no deception.

🚫 Dangerous Anti-Pattern

• The GUI spawns a hidden or embedded shell with elevated privileges without the user clearly knowing.

  • Often done with subprocess.Popen(..., shell=True, creationflags=...) and hidden windows.

• The shell:

  • May run background admin tasks invisibly

  • Might be hijacked or abused if input isn't sanitized

  • Can be a privilege escalation risk

⚠️ This is what’s meant by:

“Don’t bundle a hidden shell in the main GUI — it’s dangerous and confusing.”

Especially bad: when the app runs with admin privileges just to allow GUI access to system tasks, and then pipes everything through that process.

👁️ Summary

Would you like help creating a self-contained function that launches a chosen shell with elevated rights, optionally passing some context?