Legal Guide
How to use content legally.
This guide translates complex copyright licenses into simple, actionable rules. Use it to quickly determine if an item is right for your project, how you can use it, and whether you need to give credit.
Note: This guide explains licenses in simple terms. Always check the source page for specific details or additional restrictions.
At-a-Glance Reference
| License | Commercial Use | Modify | Attribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Domain | Yes | Yes | No |
| CC0 | Yes | Yes | No |
| CC BY | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CC BY-SA | Yes | Yes | Yes (Same license required) |
| CC BY-ND | Yes | No (Formatting only) | Yes |
| CC BY-NC | No | Yes | Yes |
| CC BY-NC-SA | No | Yes | Yes (Same license required) |
| CC BY-NC-ND | No | No | Yes |
* ND = no content changes (basic formatting only).
License Breakdown
Public Domain
Public Domain – Free UseContent in the Public Domain belongs to everyone. Its copyright has expired, been forfeited, or is inapplicable.
Yes. Use it to make money, sell it on products, or use it in ads.
Yes. Alter, remix, crop, or completely change the content.
No. You do not need to credit the original creator (though it is always a nice gesture).
Bottom line: Do whatever you want with it. It is yours to use.
Great for: Social posts, blogs, ads, product designs, and any commercial project.
CC0 (Creative Commons Zero)
CC0 – Free UseCC0 is a specific tool creators use to waive all their copyright and related rights, effectively placing their work into the public domain worldwide.
Yes. Fully cleared for business and commercial use.
Yes. Change it however you see fit.
No. You do not have to credit the creator.
Bottom line: Just like Public Domain. No rules, no restrictions.
Great for: Social posts, blogs, ads, product designs, and any commercial project.
CC BY (Attribution)
CC BY – Attribution RequiredThis license lets you do almost anything with the content, as long as you give credit to the original creator.
Yes. Use it for your business or products.
Yes. Remix, tweak, and build upon the work.
Yes. Provide appropriate credit, a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made.
Bottom line: Free to use and change, but you must say who made it.
Great for: Blogs, social posts, and commercial projects where you can display a credit line.
Avoid for: Contexts where attribution is not possible (e.g., printed merchandise without space for credits).
CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike)
CC BY-SA – Attribution + ShareAlikeLike CC BY, but with one extra condition: if you remix or modify the content, you must share your new creation under the exact same license.
Yes.
Yes, but your new work must use the same license.
Yes. Credit the original creator and link to the license.
Bottom line: Free to use, but your remixes must stay open too.
Great for: Blog posts, editorial content, and educational materials.
Avoid for: Projects where you need to keep your own work under a different or proprietary license.
CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivs)
CC BY-ND – No Content ChangesYou can use this content as-is, but you cannot alter it. Basic formatting like resizing or reformatting for display is fine — but no edits, crops that change meaning, overlays, or remixes.
Yes.
No content changes. Basic formatting (resize, reformat) is allowed, but do not alter the content itself.
Yes. Credit the original creator.
Bottom line: Use it exactly as-is. No editing allowed.
Great for: Using an image or piece of audio exactly as-is in a blog, article, or ad.
Avoid for: Product designs or projects that require cropping, editing, or remixing the content.
CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial)
CC BY-NC – Non-Commercial OnlyYou can use and modify this content, but not for commercial purposes. It is for personal, educational, or non-profit use only.
No. Cannot be used to make money or for business purposes.
Yes.
Yes. Credit the original creator.
Bottom line: Great for personal projects. Off-limits for business.
Great for: Personal projects, educational content, and non-profit use.
Avoid for: Any business, branded, or revenue-generating content.
CC BY-NC-SA & CC BY-NC-ND
CC BY-NC-SA / CC BY-NC-ND – Most RestrictedThese combine the most restrictive conditions. They are never allowed for commercial use, always require attribution, and either force you to share under the same license (SA) or forbid any content changes (ND).
No. Never for commercial use.
NC-ND: No. NC-SA: Yes, but under the same license.
Yes, always.
Bottom line: Personal or educational use only.
Great for: Personal or educational use only.
Avoid for: Any commercial project, product design, or branded content.
Quick Reference Checklist
Ask these three questions before using any item.
Is it for a business or making money?
If Yes: Choose licenses that allow commercial use (Public Domain, CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC BY-ND) and check any attribution requirements.
Do I need to change or edit it?
If Yes: Avoid anything with ND (NoDerivs).
Can I easily give credit where I am posting it?
If No: Stick strictly to Public Domain or CC0.