Free materials are materials such as photos, images, music, etc. that can be used for free. While free materials have the advantage of being able to be produced at a reduced cost if used wisely, using them without properly understanding copyrights, model releases, etc. can cause trouble and lead to legal action. There is also a risk of connection.
In this article, we will explain the knowledge necessary to use free material sites correctly and introduce recommended free material sites. If you want to use free materials but don’t know the rights involved, or if you want to know about recommended free material sites and the scope of their use, please refer to this article.
What is free material?
Free materials are data materials such as images, fonts, music, etc. that can be used free of charge within the specified terms and conditions.
When creating videos, websites, articles, and other products, you can fill in the missing parts and improve the quality of your work by using free materials distributed on the Internet.
Materials are distributed not only for free but also for a fee, and because free materials can reduce costs, they are often seen on the Internet and in public places, regardless of whether they are used by individuals or companies.
Although they are free, many of them are created by professionals, and one of the characteristics of free materials is that they have a high degree of perfection. There are also sites that only distribute free materials. As long as it is within the terms and conditions, anyone can use it easily and without any cost, so it should be actively used.
What is copyright?
Copyright is an intellectual property right held by the person who created a copyrighted work (creative work), and it prevents a third party from misappropriating the copyrighted work without permission.
Materials are no exception, and if you use materials that are not labeled as free materials without permission, you may be in violation of the law as copyright infringement.
When using materials, be sure to check whether they are paid or free, whether they are copyright free, and whether any actions are prohibited by the terms and conditions.
What does copyright free mean?
As mentioned above, works (creative works) are basically protected by copyright, so they cannot be used without the permission of the creator.
On the other hand, the phrase “copyright free”, which is a keyword when using materials, indicates that the person who created the material has abandoned or extinguished the copyright to the work.
If there is a phrase “copyright free”, it basically means that you can use the material without worrying about copyright.
However, be sure to keep in mind that even if the material is copyright-free, it cannot be used beyond the scope of the rules set by the distribution site or creator.
Also, it does not mean that “free material = copyright free.” Please be sure to check the terms of use set up for each site, as they contain information about copyright.
The word “CC0 (Creative Commons 0)” that you see when searching for free materials means “No rights reserved.”
Materials with the wording CC0 are treated as copyright-free because they are in the public domain and the copyright has been abandoned or expired.
What does royalty free mean?
Royalty-free is a system in which anyone who wants to use copyrighted material can use the material as many times as they like by paying a license fee to the author or his agent.
Although it is often confused with copyright-free, it is important to note that the copyright of royalty-free material is not waived. Additionally, royalty-free materials may have a fee that varies depending on the intended use.
Furthermore, the terms of use may change depending on the price, so when using royalty-free materials, be sure to clarify in advance what kind of use and conditions you want to use the materials for.
Points to note when using free materials
Because free materials are called “free,” it is easy to misunderstand that they can be used freely without restrictions, but this is a big mistake. If you use free materials without checking the precautions, it may cause trouble. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to the points listed below when using free materials.
I will explain each in turn.
Always check the copyright
If you want to use distributed materials, not just free materials, check to see if they are copyright-free. If the copyright has expired or the author has abandoned the copyright, there will be a phrase that says “copyright free”.
Please be aware that copyrighted materials may cause trouble if you do not use them in accordance with the procedures established by the creator or distribution site.
Also, even if it is copyright-free, there are terms of use, so you must abide by the terms and conditions.
Be sure to understand the “Terms of Use” mentioned below, as these are important matters that must be checked along with the copyright.
Check terms and conditions
Material distribution sites always have “Terms of Use.”
Regarding the terms of use, prohibitions on distribution and restrictions on usage conditions are clearly specified, and if the material is used outside the scope of the established terms, the use of the material will be prohibited, the work will be deleted, and a fee will be charged. This may lead to other problems.
Terms of use can be set freely for each site, and are not common to all sites, so it is necessary to read and follow the terms and conditions of each site you use. To prevent problems, please read the terms and conditions each time you use the service.
Understand model releases
A model release refers to a portrait rights license agreement obtained from the person who is the subject of a photograph in which the person can be identified.
Therefore, if you use photographic material for which you have not obtained a model release, you may be sued for infringement of portrait rights by the person who was the subject of the photograph.
Using images that include people’s faces may cause trouble. To avoid trouble, be sure to check that you have the model release before using it.
Also, some free material sites obtain all model releases for the human photo materials used on the site.
Model releases may be stipulated in the terms and conditions, so be especially careful and check the terms and conditions when using photographic materials of people.
Absolutely no pictures taken from the internet
When searching for materials, it is extremely dangerous to enter keywords in the search field and use the displayed images as they are. Many of the images that hit search engines include images that have not been distributed as materials.
Most images are not intended for use by third parties, are protected by copyright, and many cannot be reused.
There are no rules and regulations, so if you use it casually for commercial purposes, it could lead to claims for compensation or lawsuits. Therefore, when looking for materials, instead of entering keywords into
a search engine
, use the search within free material sites that have established rules.
7 recommended free image sites
By researching and bookmarking sites that distribute many free materials in advance, you can always use the materials for free.
The images posted on free image sites have different characteristics, so it is important to find a site with a style that best suits your work. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of each site before using images.
Recommended free image sites are listed below.
We will explain the site colors and important points for each in turn.
Unsplash
| Paid images | None (all free) |
| commercial use | Possible |
| Permission to use | Unnecessary |
| Credit notation | Unnecessary |
| Image processing | Possible |
Unsplash is an overseas free image site. Therefore, please be careful as English is used not only in the terms and conditions but also on the site. All images on Unsplash’s site are free, so you can easily choose an image.
Reference:
Unsplash
Pakutaso
| Paid images | None (all free) |
| commercial use | Possible (cannot be commercialized) |
| Permission to use | Unnecessary |
| Credit notation | Unnecessary |
| Image processing | Possible |
Pakutaso is not a copyright-free free image site. Use images with that in mind.
The photographic materials of people handled by Pakutaso have a model release if they have a model name written on them.
Materials that do not have a model name listed are materials that have not been model released, so please be careful when using them.
Pakutaso is a free image site that handles many photographs of people. Even if the photo has a model release, be sure to understand that you are dealing with a person and read the terms and conditions carefully.
Reference:
Pakutaso
Photo AC
| Paid images | Yes (unlimited downloads for premium members) |
| commercial use | Possible (use of goods requires commercialization license) |
| Permission to use | Unnecessary |
| Credit notation | Unnecessary |
| Image processing | Possible |
Photo AC is a free photo site that boasts a wealth of photo materials. To use it, you need to register as a free member, but the basics can be used for free.
Also, Photo AC is not copyright free, just because the license fee is free. When it comes to photos of people, if there is no model release notation, try editing them so that the person cannot be identified.
Reference:
Photo AC
GIRLY DROP
| Paid images | None (all free) |
| commercial use | Commercial use in industries related to photos is prohibited (to prevent misidentification with services) |
| Permission to use | Unnecessary |
| Credit notation | Unnecessary |
| Image processing | Possible |
GIRLY DROP is a free image site that distributes cute photo materials for women.
Suitable for eye-catching images of content aimed at women.
GIRLY DROP’s portrait photos rarely feature people’s faces, so the appeal is that you don’t have to worry about model releases.
Reference:
GIRLY DROP
Blank Phostock
| Paid images | None (all free) |
| commercial use | Possible |
| Permission to use | Unnecessary |
| Credit notation | Unnecessary |
| Image processing | Possible |
Blank Photostock is a site that distributes photographic materials such as landscapes and textures. A feature of Blank Photostock is that it not only allows you to use photos as is, but also specializes in tracing and processing materials for use in illustrations and manga. Please note that this is also not copyright free.
Reference:
Blank Photostock
Kaboompics
| Paid images | None (all free) |
| commercial use | Possible |
| Permission to use | Unnecessary |
| Credit notation | Unnecessary |
| Image processing | Possible |
Kaboompics is a site that distributes copyright-free photo materials. As this is an overseas site, the terms and conditions are written in English, so please be careful. We carry stylish and sophisticated photographs, and color codes are also included along with the photographs, which is useful when considering the design of sites, pages, and productions.
Reference:
Kaboompics
Pixabay
| Paid images | None (all free) |
| commercial use | Possible |
| Permission to use | Unnecessary |
| Credit notation | Unnecessary |
| Image processing | Possible |
Pixabay is a platform where registered users can freely post and share materials. Anyone can download it. Basically, it can be used with CC0 (copyright free), but please be careful as some may lead you to paid material sites.
Various contributors provide materials, so be sure to check the license information on the material page if you want to use it.
Reference:
Pixabay
summary
In this article, we have explained the definition of free materials, an overview of copyright, and points to note when using them.
Since free materials can be used free of charge, on the other hand, you will be asked to check the terms and conditions and whether or not you have knowledge of copyright and royalty-free materials.
Of course, there are many materials that can be used commercially as long as they are within the terms and conditions, and CC0 sites and materials have the advantage of being easy to use. If you can use free materials wisely, you can reduce costs and produce.
Please use this article as a reference to deepen your knowledge on how to use materials and use free materials correctly and skillfully.