What Makes an Image Free to Use? A Guide to Creative Commons and Public Domain

Learn what qualifies an image as free to use, including licenses and attribution requirements. Get the facts now!

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An image is considered free use if it falls under a Creative Commons license, public domain, or specific terms set by the creator. Check for licenses like CC0 (public domain) or others that explicitly state free use for commercial or personal projects. Always attribute the creator if required by the license to respect their work.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is Creative Commons? Creative Commons is a licensing organization that allows creators to choose how their work can be reused by others.
  2. How do I properly attribute a Creative Commons image? To attribute a Creative Commons image, include the creator's name, the title of the work, the license type, and a link to the original source.
  3. Can I use public domain images for commercial purposes? Yes, public domain images can be used for both personal and commercial purposes without the need for permission.
  4. What is the difference between public domain and Creative Commons? Public domain works are not subject to copyright, while Creative Commons licenses specify how creators allow their work to be used.