License FAQ

Basics

• What are the main differences between the regular license and the extended license?

  In simple terms, the main difference is that under the regular license, your end product (incorporating the item you've licensed) is distributed for free, whereas under the extended license your end product may be sold. Of course, if it was all that simple, we'd have a one sentence license, so please do read the licenses and the rest of these FAQs for more details! If you're a freelancer, you are allowed to create an end product for a client using the regular license and charge them for your services - see the FAQ below.

• What do you mean by item and end product?

  The item is what you purchase from the Envato marketplaces. The end product is what you build with that item.

  Example: The item is a business card template; the end product is the finalized business card. The item is a button graphic; the end product is an app using the button graphic in the app's interface.

• What does royalty free mean?

  Royalty free means you just need to pay for the item once per end product. You don't need to continue to pay based on the number of people who see or use it. Please note that there are limits on the number of times you can use an item under our PhotoDune licenses (see PhotoDune FAQs for more information).

  Example: If you license a brochure template and create a printed brochure given out for free, you don't need to pay based on the number of copies of the brochure you make. If you use a 3d model in a game under an extended license, you don't need pay based on the number of times the game is sold.

• Which license do I need for an end product that is only accessible to paying users?

  If the end users need to pay to see the end product, you need an extended license. There can be more than one end user as long as there is only one end product.

  Example: A website that requires money before you can access the content

• I am planning to use the item in a product that I will sell. Which license do I need?

  If the item is part of a product for sale, you need the extended license.

  Example: A game or t-shirt for sale

• What does non-exclusive mean?

  Non-exclusive means that you are not the only person with access to the item. Others will also be licensing and using the same item.

• I'm a freelancer. Can I use the item for an end product I'm doing for a client?

  Yes. You're essentially buying the file on your client's behalf. Whether a regular or extended license is needed will depend on your client's use of the end product. With both the regular and extended license you are allowed to charge your client for creating the End Product. Once you transfer the end product to the client (eg giving them source files for the item), be sure to link your client to our licenses and delete the item itself from your computer.

  Example: If you create a website for a client using a WordPress theme, you could give him the theme as long as you deleted it and linked to our license

• What are some examples of permitted end products?

  • You can buy a web template, add your text and images, and use it as your website.
  • You can buy an HTML site template, convert it to WordPress, and use it as your website (but not as a stock template for sale).
  • You can buy a flyer template, modify the text, print a flyer, and hand it out.
  • You can buy a game starter kit, compile it, and put the game on an app store.
  • You can buy a music track and use it in your radio or TV ad.
  • You can buy a sound effect and put it in your game.
  • You can buy an After Effects template, include your own footage, and use it for a show.
  • You can buy a photo to use in a blog post.
  • You can buy a t-shirt template, get it printed on shirts, sell the shirts.
  • You can buy a Photoshop brush, paint a digital painting using the brush, and sell the painting.
  • You can buy a JavaScript gallery, input your own images, and display the gallery on your site.
  • You can buy a 3d model, rig it, animate it, and include it in your game or movie.

• Which license do I need for an end product that is freely accessible or freely distributed to users?

  As long as the end users can freely access the end product, the regular license is fine. There can be more than one end-user (the person who uses the end product, such as the end consumer) as long as there is only one, unique end product.

  Example: A flyer that you freely give out or a YouTube video that's free to view

• I am a commercial entity or run a business. Do I always need an extended license?

  No, just using the item in a commercial setting doesn't necessarily mean you need an extended license. You need an extended license if the end product is sold to end users. If the end product is free, even if you are a commercial enterprise, you only need a regular license.

  Example: Even though a web store is commercial, as long as users can access the site itself without having to pay, a regular license is sufficient.

• Do I need an extended license to use an item in the packaging for a physical end product that I'm selling? What about for advertising for an end product that I'm selling?

  No, the regular license is fine. You only need the extended license if the item is actually part of the product itself.

• Which license do I need for an end product that is free, but has parts you need to pay to access?

  If the item is used within the free part, the regular license if fine. If the item is used only in a part that requires payment to access, you need the extended license.

  Example: If you were using a 3d model of a sword for a game and you could only get the sword by buying it, you'd need the extended license. If it was the starting weapon that even non-paying users could use, all you'd need is the regular license.

• Which license do I need to use an item in a commercial?

  You only need a regular license where the end product is an advertisement. It doesn't matter if the advertisement is for things that are being sold.

  Example: Footage used in a TV commercial would only need the regular license

• Which license do I need to use an item in a film or broadcast TV (excluding ads)?

  If the end product is a broadcast TV show or a movie, you need the extended license.

  Example: Even using an item on a TV show on a free-to-air channel requires an extended license, because the end product is the show and that is being sold to the network.

• Am I allowed to modify the item that I purchased?

  Yes. You can customize our items to fit the needs of your end product.

  Example: You could change the colors, text, and layout of a flyer template or convert an HTML template into a WordPress theme for a single client.

• Can I re-distribute an item? What about under an extended license?

  No. You can't license items and then make them available to others 'as-is' (that is, as a stand-alone item or as stock), regardless of which license you purchase.

  Example: You can't buy a business card template and distribute it as a template, source files and all.

• Can I use an item as an element of my logo or branding?

  Only items from the logo category on GraphicRiver are intended to be used as logos. Other items can't be used in logos or branding. None of our items, not even logos, can be trademarked.

• Do I have to credit the author of the item in my end product?

  No, it's not mandatory to give the author credit. But we do suggest that if your end product has credits as part of its design, please credit the author. Also, as the author retains ownership of the item, you shouldn't claim copyright in the item.

  Example: If you used footage in your movie that already has credits, we ask that you include a credit. If you use a button graphic in a website, you don't have to credit the author of the button graphic.

• Do you have a developer license?

  No. At this time we don't have a developer or multi-client license.

  Example: You cannot buy a WordPress theme once and use it for more than one client

• I'm not sure if my use is covered. What should I do?

  Contact us through Support and we'll do our best to help you out.

What is a single application?

• What is a single application?

  A single application means one unique end product (which can be copied and made available to end users of that product). The end product depends on the nature of the item - for an item like a logo template, the end product is the final, unique logo, which can be used in unlimited ways. The next few FAQs explain some situations where we consider a series of related uses to be a single application.

  Example: A website theme can only be customised to create one customised website. If you want to create a second website from the same theme, you should purchase another license.

• Do I need a separate license each time I use an item in a series?

  No. You only need to purchase the item once per series.

• What constitutes a series (eg TV series, webisodes, or a magazine with monthly editions)?

  To be considered a series, all things in the series (eg episode, edition) must be connected, and be released within 1 year of the first installment. There is also a maximum of 52 episodes or editions within the series.

  Example: A 12 episode TV series that starts in December and ends in July would only require a single extended license. A YouTube series that releases an episode every week (52 total) would only need to purchase a regular license once every year. A free magazine that releases an edition every other month would need to purchase a regular license once every year. A paid magazine would need to buy an extended license every year.

• I am doing an ad campaign with several variations on the same ad. Do I need a new license for each ad variation?

  You should purchase 1 license for each substantially different ad.

  Example: If you have 3 identical ads with just minor text changes, just one regular license is fine.

• Can I use a tool (brush, font etc) to create different end products?

  Yes. Anything considered a tool uses the Tools License and can be used, by one person, an unlimited number of times on an unlimited number of end products.

  Example: You could purchase a Photoshop action and apply it to every photo you ever take.

• My end product will be distributed via multiple mediums. Do I need one license for each medium?

  No. As long as it's all the same end product, you can distribute it via different mediums without having to purchase new licenses.

  Example: With a single license, you could play your commercial online and on TV.

• Are item packs still limited to a single end product?

  Each item within the pack essentially gets its own license. Meaning each item can be used on a maximum of one end product.

  Example: If you purchase a bundle of 10 themes, you could use each theme to create a different website

What is not a single application?

• Can I use the item in different end products? What about if I buy an extended license?

  No. Items purchased from the Envato marketplaces are limited to a single end product. The exceptions are images from PhotoDune, and tools (which have their own license).

Extended license questions

• Can I purchase an extended license for an item and use it within another item I plan to sell as stock?

  Please see the Author Licensing FAQs for more info.

• Can I use a template to create my printed end product and, without any further customizations, sell the end product?

  Yes. Some templates are designed to create a printed product and require little or no modification before use in the printed product. You will need an extended license to sell the end product. Keep in mind that you should not sell the template itself.

  Example: You purchase a greeting card template and get it printed on cards that you sell.

• If I purchase an extended license, do I get a multi-use, multi-domain, multi-client or developer license?

  No. The extended license is still limited to a single end product, but you can re-sell that product The exceptions are images from PhotoDune, and tools (which have their own license).

• Does the extended license allow me to create an app or service that generates customized versions of the file for my users? Or can I sell multiple customizations of an item under an extended license?

  No. The extended license only allows for a single end product. By allowing your users to download their own customized versions, you're allowing the item to be used in multiple end products. You could purchase a single license for each user that picks that template.

  Example: You can't use a flyer template within an online flyer generator that allows users to include their information and download a customized flyer

Permitted multi-use

• Can I use a PhotoDune item in different end products?

  Yes. You can use a PhotoDune item in different end products. See the FAQs below for PhotoDune. Our PhotoDune license is a multi-use license. But it's not a multi-client license, so if you are a freelancer, you'll need one license per client.

• What does the tools license allow me to do?

  For a tool, such as a font or Photoshop brush, you are allowed to install the tool on up to 2 computers and use it yourself. You can then create many different end products using the tool. The tool itself is not to be re-distributed.

Company usage

• Can multiple people within my company have access to the item?

  Yes, as long as it's for a single end product.

  Example: You could give all of your designers and developers access to the same website template so they can all work on your website

• Can I store the item on an intranet so everyone has access?

  No, items must be stored in a location where only those who need them have access. Once the item has been used in a single end product, the only place you should store it is in the archive files for that end product.

• We want to create a product that will only be distributed internally. Do we need an extended license?

  No. If you are distributing the end producut internally, you only need the regular license.

  Example: You only need a regular license to use an item in your internal staff training DVD.

• I'm a business and want to talk to you about a new way to license or use marketplace items. Whom should I contact?

  Contact us through Support and we'll put you in touch with the right people.

Advanced questions

• Can I license an item and then use components from it, instead of using the entire item?

  Yes, to some extent. You can modify an item and so you're allowed to delete components from it that you don't want (still only using the item in one end product). But you are not allowed to take just one single component from an item and use it on a stand-alone basis.

  Example: You can delete unwanted components (like button graphics) from a website theme. You may not take a photo from a flyer template and use it on its own. You may not pull a music track out of an After Effects template and use it on its own.

• Your license has changed. Which version of the license applies to the item I purchased?

  The one that applied when you purchased the item. See your license certificate or ask us for details.

• Is my license transferable?

  Generally, your license is not transferable. The exception is if you are a freelancer using the item for an end product for one client, or if you sell the single instance of an end product, such as a website installation. In those cases, point the client or buyer to the license terms and delete the item from your computer.

  Example: You use a theme to create your website. Later, you sell that website to someone else. You are allowed to do this, but you then must delete the theme from your systems.

• Are warranties offered on the items?

  Yes, the authors (sellers) warrant their items. See the Membership Terms for details.

• Do I need to protect the items within my end product from being re-used?

  You should not permit end users of the end product to extract an item from the end product. You should do this by technological means if feasible, or by other means, like in the user terms for your end product.

  Example: When you upload your website template, be sure to not also upload the ZIP with all the source files.

• The item I licensed was removed from the marketplace. What happens to my license?

  Your license continues even if an item is removed from the marketplace. We highly recommend you download an item as soon as you have licensed it.

ThemeForest & CodeCanyon

• What does '100% GPL' on an item mean?

  Sometimes an author will chose to distribute a theme or plugin item on the basis that it's 100% GPL (GPL stands for "general public license" and is an open source license). If so, this is noted on the item page and license information will be included in the download files. In these cases, the GPL license applies to the whole item instead of the terms of the Regular or Extended License. Different versions of the GPL exist and the relevant version of the GPL will identified. You will need to make sure that you read and abide by the GPL terms. Other items have a split license - more info on that here

• What does the split license mean? What about the GPL for WordPress themes and plug-ins?

  Please see this KnowledgeBase article on how split licensing works.

• Can I use an email template for all my newsletters or do I need to buy a license for each one?

  Just like a series (see the single application FAQs), newsletters must be connected, and be released within 1 year of the first installment. There is also a maximum of 52 newsletters released per license.

• Do I need to buy a new license each time I create a landing page within my site using a landing page template?

  As long as it's all on the same domain, a single license is fine.

• Can I use the logo or branding that's in a website template?

  No. You cannot use the logo or other trademark elements in a website template, as these are retained by the author and are included for demonstration purposes only.

• Can I use a website template or theme in a website hosting service where my customers can customize and create their own websites?

  Please contact us through Support and we'll put you in touch with the right people to discuss options.

• I have a paid service where users can customize their own web pages. I am purchasing an admin template to use in this service, which is accessed by my users. Which license do I need?

  You need the extended license, because your users are charged to access your service.

VideoHive

• Do I need to include the author or site in the credits for my video?

  No, it's not mandatory to give the author credit. But we do suggest that if your end product has credits as part of its design, please credit the author. Also, as the author retains ownership of the item, you shouldn't claim copyright in the item.

• Are there any restrictions on how I can use stock footage or photos?

  There are some restrictions. See the FAQ under PhotoDune below.

• I am using an AE template to create my logo sting (logo reveal). Do I need to buy a license for each movie that logo sting goes in?

  No. The logo reveal is the project and it can be used in every movie without having to purchase another license. Remember that you need a new license for each use of the template to create a unique logo reveal.

• I am creating an app that allows users to pick a video template, input their information, and download a rendered video. Can I use your video templates to offer to my users?

  Only if you purchase a license each time a user downloads a video created with that template. An extended license does not allow you to distribute a rendered video to multiple users.

• Can I use an AE template to create multiple customised rendered videos to sell to different clients?

  No. You would need one license per end client.

AudioJungle

• Can I use an AJ track in a stand-alone music track? What about sound effects?

  You may not use music in stand-alone music tracks, but you could use sound effects in a music track. If the end track containing a sound effect is sold, you'll need the extended license.

  Example: You can't add lyrics to an audio track and sell it on iTunes

• Do I need to pay a music collecting society (performing rights organization) each time my end product containing AudioJungle music is publicly broadcast or communicated?

  AudioJungle has a requirement that its authors cannot register their AudioJungle tracks with a performing rights organization (PRO). This requirement is so that buyers should not have to pay any further fees to a collecting society/PRO. You will need to check this in your country, as different PROs have different approaches to collecting fees on public performance of music.

GraphicRiver

• I have a store that sells greeting cards. Can I buy a greeting card template and sell the printed end product, even if I don't modify the template?

  Yes. For a template intended to create a printed end product, you don't necessarily have to modify the template design. You will need an extended license.

• I have a store that sells t-shirts. Can I buy a t-shirt template and sell the printed end product, even if I don't modify the template?

  Yes. For a template intended to create a printed end product, you don't necessarily have to modify the template design. We have specific t-shirt template licenses. The standard t-shirt license allows free distribution, or sale, of up to 10,000 printed t-shirts. The t-shirt extended license is required for more than 10,000 prints.

• Do I need to buy a new Powerpoint template for each presentation?

  No. One license is all you need.

• Do I need a new license each time I use my logo created from a logo template?

  No. You only need one license for each unique logo that you create. That is the end product, which you can then use in unlimited ways. Remember that you need a new license for each finished logo that you create.

PhotoDune

• Is there a limit of the number of times a photo can be reproduced?

  Yes, under the regular license for all end products, except websites, the photo can only be reproduced up to 250,000 times. You'll need one regular license per block of 250,000 copies. Under the extended license there is no reproduction limit.

  Example: If you use a photo in a flyer, you can print 250,000 copies of that flyer.

• Can I use a photo for different end products?

  Yes, subject to the 250,000 limit under the regular license (see the previous FAQ). But if you're a freelancer, it needs to be all for the same client.

• Can I use the same photo for multiple clients?

  No. The photo license allows use in multiple end products but is still restricted to a single client. If you're a freelancer, you'll need one license per client using the photo.

  Example: You can use a photo for one client's website, business cards, and flyers. You would not use a photo for two different websites for two different clients.

• Are there any restrictions on how I can use stock footage or photos?

  There are some restrictions. Even if images of people are model released, footage or photos with images of people can't be used in a way that implies the model is personally endorsing something. They also cannot be used for sensitive subjects. Sensitive subjects are those that could be offensive or highly unflattering to the model or put them in a bad light (using a reasonable standard), such as medical and health issues, sexual activity, pornography (adult content), substance abuse, tobacco use, or immoral or illegal activity. This is not an exhaustive list so if you're not sure, contact us,

Author licensing FAQ

• Can I use a marketplace item in my own item's preview without a license?

  Yes, if you only use it in your preview on an Envato marketplace and you only use the watermarked item. You must link to the original item in your item description. Remember not to include the item in the download. See this article.

• Does the regular license allow me to use a marketplace item in my item preview?

  Yes. This is the option to use if you don't want to include a watermark in your item preview. But remember not to include the item in the download.

• Do I need to pay to use my own items within the regular or extended terms?

  No. You can use your own items for free in your freelance work for clients. If you're exclusive, remember you can't distribute your own items elsewhere.

  Example: You could use your own web template for your client's website.

• Can I add special requirements to the license terms for my file?

  No. The marketplace licenses apply to all items, for consistency.

• I'm an exclusive author. Someone has approached me to buy my item on different license terms. Can I do this?

  No, if you are an exclusive author then please point the buyer back to the marketplace to license the item under the usual license terms.

• Could I put several items together to create a pack for sale?

  No. You are not permitted to pack or bundle files together and re-sell them.

  Example: You could not buy 10 WordPress themes and sell them yourself as a bundle.

• Can I purchase an item to use as a small element within a larger project that I plan to sell as stock or a template? For example, could I purchase a button graphic for a theme I plan to sell?

  No, this is not within the regular or extended license terms. But see the next FAQ for more detail.

• Can I allow another author to use my item within their stock item? Or can I ask another author if I can use their element within my larger project?

  Yes. This can be done with the permission of the author of the first item. To keep things simple, the first author can permit the second author to do this under the terms of the extended license. Keep a copy of the permission.

  Example: A CodeCanyon author has a slider and gives permission by email to a ThemeForest author to use the slider, under the extended license, in a theme.

  The first author can also give a blanket permission to all other authors to do this with their item using the extended license, in the item description. Keep a record of this permission if you use an item in this way (eg save a screenshot).

  Example: A CodeCanyon author has a slider and states in the item description that any buyer is permitted under the extended license to use this item in a larger stock item.

  If your items are exclusive, you can't redistribute them on other marketplaces. But you can give another author permission to use your item in another, larger stock item (of a different scope and nature to your item) without breaching your exclusivity.