Arm Toolchain for Embedded

Spec sheet

Purpose

Arm Toolchain for Embedded is an open-source embedded C/C++ compilation toolchain for developing high-performance products based on Arm designs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Intended users

Arm identifies high-performance embedded projects, including projects needing AArch64 optimization or newer Arm architecture support, as candidates for the toolchain.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Support

Arm provides support only for the Professional and FuSa editions; other editions rely on community support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Architecture limit

The listed support excludes pre-Cortex architectures, including Armv6 and earlier.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Company headquarters

Arm lists its global headquarters at 110 Fulbourn Road, Cambridge, UK, CB1 9NJ.Read 8 Oct 2026 · arm.com

Company history

Arm says it was established in 1990 as a joint venture between Acorn Computers, Apple Computer, and VLSI Technology.Read 8 Oct 2026 · investors.arm.com

Compiler and linker

The listed components include Clang compiler front ends and the LLVM LLD linker.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Components

The toolchain includes Clang C/C++ drivers and front ends, LLVM linkers, and other tools such as the llvm-ar archiver.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Downloads

The free edition is downloaded via GitHub, while the Professional edition is downloaded via Arm Product Download Hub.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

FuSa edition

The FuSa edition is described as safety-qualified, with code isolated from upstream changes and downstream patches for safety-related defect fixes; it is expected in 2027.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

GNU compatibility

It supports GNU-ld linker scripts, though Arm says it is not fully compatible with GCC and migration may require project changes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

License requirements

Professional and FuSa editions require a User-Based License and are not available through older NL/FL license technology or standalone licenses.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Migration limit

Projects using Arm Compiler for Embedded 6 scatter files require migration because this toolchain uses GNU-ld linker scripts.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Open source

The Arm Toolchain for Embedded edition is described as 100% open source and free to use.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Optimization

Arm describes the toolchain as focused on performance for AArch64 and Armv8.1-M projects.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Professional edition

The Professional edition adds professional support and is enabled by User-Based Licenses for Keil MDK 6, Arm Development Studio, and Arm Success Kits.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Redistribution

Projects that link the C library have obligations to retain open-source copyright statements and license information.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Supported architectures

The product page lists Application, Real-time, and Microcontroller architecture classes, and says pre-Cortex architectures (Armv6 and earlier) are not supported.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Target use cases

Arm identifies AArch64 performance optimization, newer Arm processors, and GNU Embedded Toolchain compatibility as reasons to consider the toolchain.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Toolchain integrations

Arm says the toolchain is highly compatible with the GNU Embedded Toolchain and uses GNU-style linker scripts, but migration from Arm Compiler 6 scatter files is required.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Usage telemetry

The Professional edition can collect usage telemetry locally for administration; Arm says it has no access to that information.Read 8 Oct 2026 · developer.arm.com

Plans and prices

Every Arm Toolchain for Embedded plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Embedded Systems Toolchains#6 of 308.3