Qt Creator
Qt Creator: A capable C++ and QML IDE for Qt projects across desktop, mobile, and embedded targets. Ranked #2 of 24 in C++ IDEs by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for qt and cross-platform application development.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forQt and cross-platform application development
- Free planYes
- Paid from€546/user/yr
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- C++ and QML workflows with integrated debugging, testing, and profiling
- Build support for CMake, qmake, Qbs, Meson, and Autotools
- Deploys to desktop, mobile, embedded, remote devices, and containers
Where it doesn't
- Commercial pricing starts at €546 per user per year
- Advanced device-development licensing costs €1,090 per user per year
- Its strongest capabilities are centered on Qt-based development
Our verdict on Qt Creator
Qt Creator is a cross-platform integrated development environment for building desktop, mobile, and embedded applications with Qt. It supports C++, QML, and Python workflows, combining project management, code editing, build configuration, debugging, profiling, testing, deployment, and device connectivity. Linux, macOS, and Windows are supported, and the open-source Qt Community Edition includes Qt Creator. It is a strong fit for teams building Qt applications across multiple target environments.
The product has a free plan through the open-source Qt Community Edition, while the published paid plans are Qt licenses that include Qt Creator. Qt for Application Development Enterprise (ADE-SB) costs €546 per user per year with annual billing and includes desktop and mobile application development plus standard support. Qt for Device Creation Professional (DCP-SB) costs €1,090 per user per year and adds application and device development, additional embedded support features, and no Qt Distribution license requirement for qualifying small businesses. The paid choice therefore depends on whether desktop and mobile work is sufficient or embedded device development is central.
Qt Creator’s main advantage is the breadth of its development toolchain. It integrates with CMake, qmake, Qbs, Meson, Autotools, GDB, CDB, LLDB, CTest, Boost.Test, Catch2, Google C++ Testing Framework, Qt Quick Test, Qt Test, and Docker. Built-in capabilities include code analysis, coverage, profiling, development containers, AI agents, and deployment to remote devices. Choose it when Qt, QML, cross-platform delivery, or embedded deployment is a priority. Teams seeking a C++ IDE outside the Qt ecosystem may prefer a tool with a less Qt-centered workflow.
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Qt Creator pricing
All 2 Qt Creator plans and prices →
Qt Creator fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | €546/user/yr |
| Supported platforms | Not verified |
| Build systems | Not verified |
| Compiler toolchains | Not verified |
| Debugging scope | Not verified |
| Remote development | Not verified |
| Built-in profiler | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 15 integrations: CMake, qmake, Qbs, Autotools, Meson, GDB … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | qt.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Qt Creator integrations
Qt Creator lists 15 integrations on its own site.
- CMake
- qmake
- Qbs
- Autotools
- Meson
- GDB
- CDB
- LLDB
- CTest
- Boost.Test
- Catch2
- Google C++ Testing Framework
- Qt Quick Test
- Qt Test
- Docker
Alternatives to Qt Creator
- CLionA full-featured C++ IDE for professional, cross-platform development.9.3
- Visual StudioA broad Windows C++ IDE with strong debugging, testing, build, and CI/CD workflows.8.9
- PlatformIO IDEA free, multi-platform environment for building, flashing, debugging, and testing embedded C++.8.8
See all Qt Creator alternatives →
Qt Creator vs the competition
- Qt Creator vs Visual Studio
- Qt Creator vs PlatformIO IDE
- Qt Creator vs Code::Blocks
- Qt Creator vs KDevelop
- Qt Creator vs CodeLite
- Qt Creator vs Code Composer Studio
Compare Qt Creator with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Qt Creator is ranked in 9 of our directories; the 6 strongest besides C++ IDEs.
Used Qt Creator? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Qt Creator for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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