What it does
Arm Keil MDK is a software suite for embedded development on Cortex-M and Ethos-U processors. MDK v6 brings together Keil Studio's Visual Studio Code extensions, the µVision IDE, Arm Compiler for Embedded and Fixed Virtual Platform models. Its CMSIS software packs add board and device support, middleware, templates and example projects that can be used from the IDE or command-line workflow.
Choose the MDK workflow for the target
Start by selecting a supported board or processor and using its example project or software pack. The pack supplies device support and related components; the suite can manage those components as part of the application. MDK v6 supports IDE and command-line workflows, so a team can use Keil Studio for a VS Code-based setup or continue with a µVision project.
The product is a suite rather than only one editor. Its current page lists Keil Studio, µVision, the Arm compiler and virtual platform models. The non-commercial Community Edition is free; commercial use requires an Essential or Professional edition, which Arm offers on monthly or annual subscriptions. µVision is specifically identified as the MDK v5 IDE and is available for Windows hosts only, even though the wider MDK v6 workflow covers major operating systems.
Strengths
- Software packs deliver device and board support, middleware, code templates and examples that can be added independently of the toolchain.
- MDK v6 provides both IDE and command-line paths, with build and test workflows that can fit into CI.
- The Community Edition permits non-commercial use without a commercial edition subscription.
Watch out for
- The µVision IDE itself is Windows-only; teams using another operating system need the broader Keil Studio or command-line workflow.
- Commercial projects require an Essential or Professional edition rather than the non-commercial Community license.
Best for
- Embedded developers building firmware for Arm Cortex-M processors with CMSIS packs and board examples.
- Teams that need to choose between a µVision project workflow, VS Code extensions or command-line builds.
- Non-commercial embedded projects that can use the Community Edition terms.
Sources
- Arm Keil | Development Tools for IoT, ML, and Embedded (Oct 25, 2026)
- Arm Keil | MDK-Community edition (Oct 25, 2026)
- Arm Keil | Development Tools for IoT, ML, and Embedded (Oct 25, 2026)
- Arm Keil | Support for Keil MDK (Oct 25, 2026)