Understanding Depositphotos Licenses: Standard and Extended

Depositphotos offers various licenses to ensure users can legally use the images and media they download. The most common licenses are the Standard and Extended licenses, each catering to different needs. Understanding these licenses is crucial for anyone planning to use Depositphotos content for personal or commercial purposes. In this post, we’ll break down what these licenses mean and how they affect the way you can use images. Whether you’re a designer, content creator, or business owner, knowing the right license for your project will help you avoid legal issues and ensure you're using content correctly.

What is a Standard License on Depositphotos

The Standard License is the most common type of license offered by Depositphotos. It allows you to use the images in a variety of projects, both personal and commercial, but with some limitations. The main feature of a Standard License is that it grants permission to use an image in a wide range of media, such as websites, presentations, advertising, and more, as long as it doesn’t involve resale or redistribution. Here are the key points about the Standard License:

• Usage Types: You can use the image in personal, commercial, and editorial projects.
• Media Types: The image can be used in print, digital media, and on websites.
• Restrictions: You cannot use the image for resale or distribution in a way that allows others to extract or reuse the image easily (such as in templates or merchandise).
• Quantity Limit: The image can be used on a limited number of copies or impressions (usually up to 500,000 copies).

How to Use Images with a Standard License

Using an image with a Standard License is straightforward once you know the rules and limitations. Here’s a simple guide to using these images:

1. Download the Image: Once you've purchased or subscribed to Depositphotos, select the image you want and download it. The Standard License will be applied automatically.
2. Check Usage Rights: Review the usage rights to ensure the image fits your project. You can use it in websites, blogs, social media posts, and marketing materials, but make sure it doesn’t violate any restrictions.
3. Modify the Image (if necessary): You can edit the image to fit your needs, like resizing or changing colors, but the modified image still falls under the Standard License restrictions.
4. Apply the Image to Your Project: Once the image is ready, you can use it in your personal or commercial projects like brochures, websites, or presentations.

Note: Always double-check that your usage falls within the terms of the Standard License to avoid legal issues. If your project needs broader rights, consider upgrading to the Extended License.

What is an Extended License on Depositphotos

The Extended License on Depositphotos offers greater freedom and flexibility than the Standard License. It provides expanded rights for using images in ways that are restricted under the Standard License. If you need to use an image for commercial purposes that involve resale, distribution, or use in products that will be sold, the Extended License is the best option. With this license, you're allowed to use the image in high-volume projects and on merchandise, making it ideal for businesses, designers, and anyone looking to create products for sale. Here’s what the Extended License allows:

• Resale and Redistribution: You can use the image on products like t-shirts, posters, and other items for resale.
• Higher Usage Limits: There are no limits on the number of copies or impressions (unlike the Standard License, which restricts use to 500,000 copies).
• Incorporation into Products: The image can be used in physical or digital products that you intend to sell or distribute, such as merchandise, templates, or applications.
• Unlimited Commercial Use: You have the right to use the image in any commercial project, including marketing, advertising, and packaging, without restrictions.

In short, the Extended License is the best option when you need to use Depositphotos images in large-scale commercial or product-based projects, ensuring you have full rights to distribute and profit from the images in various formats.

Key Differences Between Standard and Extended Licenses

While both the Standard and Extended Licenses grant the right to use images, they differ in terms of usage rights and limitations. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right license for your needs. Here’s a detailed comparison:

As shown in the table, the key differences between these licenses are the ability to resell or redistribute the image and the scope of commercial usage. The Extended License offers more flexibility for large-scale projects or businesses that need to use images in a more expansive way.

When Should You Choose an Extended License

The Extended License is ideal in situations where the Standard License won’t cover your needs. If you plan to use an image for commercial purposes where the image will be part of a product for resale or will be distributed in a high-volume setting, the Extended License is necessary. Below are some common situations where the Extended License is the best option:

• Merchandise: If you’re creating products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases to sell, you need an Extended License.
• High-Volume Projects: If you’re creating a project that will have a large number of copies or impressions (more than 500,000), the Extended License is required.
• Packaging or Advertising: For products where the image will be part of packaging or in advertisements that will be distributed on a large scale, the Extended License covers these uses.
• Digital Products: If you’re using an image in a digital product (like software or an eBook) that you plan to sell or distribute, the Extended License is necessary to avoid any legal issues.

In general, you should opt for an Extended License if your project involves high-scale commercial use, resale, or mass distribution. It gives you peace of mind, knowing you won’t run into restrictions that could hold back your project’s success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Depositphotos licenses that can help clarify any doubts you might have:

What’s the difference between the Standard and Extended License?

The Standard License is more restrictive, allowing you to use images in personal and commercial projects, but with limitations like no resale or redistribution rights. The Extended License, on the other hand, provides broader usage rights, allowing resale, redistribution, and use in products that will be sold.

Can I use a Standard License image for a product I plan to sell?

No, the Standard License does not allow you to use images on products for resale or distribution. If you plan to sell physical or digital products that include the image, you will need to purchase the Extended License.

Can I use images with an Extended License in my advertising campaigns?

Yes, the Extended License allows you to use images in advertising campaigns, including those that are intended for mass distribution. It’s perfect for high-volume marketing efforts where you need the image to appear on various platforms or in large print runs.

How many copies can I make with a Standard License?

With a Standard License, you can make up to 500,000 copies or impressions of the image. If your project exceeds this limit, you will need to upgrade to an Extended License.

Do I need to credit the image when using it with an Extended License?

While it’s not required to credit the image with either license, it’s always a good practice to provide attribution where possible. The license grants usage rights, but crediting the photographer is a good way to respect their work.

Conclusion

Choosing the right license for your project is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure you're using images according to Depositphotos' terms. The Standard License is suitable for most personal and commercial projects with moderate use, while the Extended License is necessary for high-volume or resale projects. Understanding these differences will help you make the best choice for your needs, ensuring your project runs smoothly without any licensing concerns.