How to Remove Watermarks from Shutterstock

If you've ever used Shutterstock, you've probably come across images with watermarks. These watermarks protect the image from unauthorized use, ensuring that the content creator or Shutterstock itself is credited. However, if you want to use an image without the watermark for your project, it's essential to know the right process to remove it. In this article, we'll guide you through the methods to legally remove Shutterstock watermarks and provide you with useful tips on how to avoid issues with copyright infringement.

Why Shutterstock Images Have Watermarks

Watermarks on Shutterstock images serve an important purpose: they protect the intellectual property of the creators and Shutterstock itself. Here’s why they are placed on images:

• Copyright Protection: Watermarks prevent unauthorized users from downloading and using images without purchasing the proper license.
• Credit to Creators: Shutterstock places watermarks to ensure that photographers and artists receive credit for their work, even if the image is shared or viewed in its unlicensed form.
• Prevention of Image Theft: By watermarking their images, Shutterstock reduces the risk of their content being stolen and used without permission.

Watermarks are visible on preview images, allowing potential buyers to view the image but not use it freely. Once an image is purchased or downloaded legally, the watermark is removed, and you can use the image as intended.

Legal Considerations for Removing Watermarks

Removing watermarks from Shutterstock images without purchasing the proper license is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences. Here are some important points to consider:

• Copyright Law: Shutterstock images are protected by copyright laws, meaning the content creator holds exclusive rights to the image. Removing a watermark without permission is a violation of these rights.
• License Purchase: To use an image legally without a watermark, you must purchase the correct license. The license grants you the right to download and use the image as you see fit, without any watermark.
• Fair Use Doesn’t Apply: Some people may think they can use watermarked images under the "fair use" doctrine, but this is not the case. Fair use typically applies to educational or commentary purposes, not for commercial use or personal projects.

To avoid any legal issues, always make sure to purchase the necessary license or subscription before using any Shutterstock image. This ensures that both you and the original creator are protected.

Methods for Removing Watermarks from Shutterstock Images

When you purchase an image from Shutterstock, the watermark is automatically removed. However, if you're looking for methods to obtain images without watermarks, here are the proper steps:

• Purchase the Image: The most straightforward and legal way to remove a watermark is by purchasing the image. Once you buy the image, you get access to the high-quality, watermark-free version.
• Shutterstock Subscription Plans: If you're a frequent user, opting for a subscription plan allows you to download images without watermarks regularly. Subscription plans offer a variety of pricing options based on your usage.
• Shutterstock On Demand Credits: For those who don’t want a subscription but need an image or two, purchasing credits on demand can be a cost-effective way to get watermarked-free images. Each credit corresponds to one download of a non-watermarked image.

Remember, using third-party tools or software to remove watermarks from Shutterstock images without paying for the content is illegal. The best and safest option is always to pay for the license that grants you access to the watermark-free version.

Using Shutterstock’s Subscription Plans to Avoid Watermarks

Shutterstock offers different subscription plans that make it easy for users to access images without watermarks. These plans are ideal if you need high-quality images regularly and want to avoid paying for individual downloads each time. Let’s look at the available options:

By subscribing to one of these plans, you can avoid watermarked images and get access to a wide range of content. Choose a plan based on how often you need images and how many downloads you require each month. Subscriptions also often come with additional benefits like access to premium content and better pricing for bulk purchases.

Third-Party Tools and Software for Removing Watermarks

There are various third-party tools and software available that claim to remove watermarks from Shutterstock images. While these tools may work in some cases, it's important to note that using them to remove watermarks without obtaining a proper license is illegal. Here’s a brief overview of these tools:

• Photoshop: Advanced image editing software like Photoshop allows users to manually remove watermarks by using the clone stamp or healing brush tools. However, this is only legal if you have purchased the image and obtained the necessary rights to use it.
• Online Watermark Removers: There are numerous websites that claim to remove watermarks for free. These tools often ask you to upload an image, and they attempt to erase or obscure the watermark. However, these websites may violate Shutterstock's terms of service, and using them can lead to legal issues.
• Mobile Apps: There are some mobile apps available for Android and iOS that offer watermark removal features. Again, these are only useful for images you have legally purchased. Using these apps for images you don't own the rights to is a copyright violation.

While these tools may appear convenient, always remember that watermark removal should only be done on images that you legally own or have permission to use. Using third-party tools to alter Shutterstock images without proper licensing is illegal and can result in legal action.

Risks of Using Watermarked Images Without Proper Licensing

Using watermarked images without obtaining the correct license is not only unethical but also illegal. Many users may be tempted to bypass the watermark by using images without permission, but this can lead to serious consequences. Here are the risks associated with using Shutterstock images without a proper license:

• Legal Consequences: Shutterstock, along with its contributors, holds the copyright to the images. Using these images without a valid license can result in legal actions, including fines and lawsuits. Copyright infringement can be costly, both financially and reputationally.
• Reputation Damage: If you use an image illegally, your business or personal brand could face significant reputational damage. If you’re caught, customers or followers may lose trust in you, affecting future opportunities.
• Removal of Content: Websites or platforms that use illegal content can be flagged or even shut down. If you're using watermarked images on your website or social media, the content might be taken down, and your account may face penalties.
• Loss of Future Access: If you repeatedly use images without permission, Shutterstock may block your account or prevent you from purchasing or downloading any further images from their site. This can disrupt your business or project, especially if you rely on quality imagery.

To avoid these risks, always purchase the necessary license or opt for a subscription that gives you access to watermark-free images. This ensures that you are legally covered and respecting the work of content creators.

FAQs

Q: Can I legally remove watermarks from Shutterstock images?

A: No, you must first purchase or subscribe to a Shutterstock plan to access images without watermarks legally. Removing watermarks from images you haven’t bought is illegal and a violation of copyright laws.

Q: Why does Shutterstock watermark their images?

A: Shutterstock places watermarks on their images to protect the copyright of the creators and prevent unauthorized use. This ensures that the images are only used after proper licensing.

Q: Can I use Shutterstock images for free?

A: No, Shutterstock images are not free to use. You need to either subscribe to a Shutterstock plan or purchase individual images to legally download them without watermarks.

Q: Are there any risks to using third-party watermark removal tools?

A: Yes, using third-party tools to remove watermarks from Shutterstock images without purchasing the image is illegal. These tools may also put your device at risk by exposing it to malware or violating the site's terms of service.

Conclusion

Watermarked images from Shutterstock serve an important role in protecting the rights of creators and Shutterstock itself. The only way to legally use these images without watermarks is by purchasing a license or subscribing to a Shutterstock plan. Using third-party tools or attempting to bypass watermarks can lead to legal issues and reputation damage. It's always best to pay for the content you need and avoid the risks associated with using watermarked images. By doing so, you ensure that you respect copyright laws and support the talented photographers and artists behind the images you use.