If you’re a freelance designer, in-house creative, entrepreneur, or a developer of an app, you’ve likely asked yourself:
Question: “Can I legally use this icon or stock photo in my design project?”
Quick Answer: Yes, Noun Project makes this easy with clear, flexible, and affordable licensing. You can use icons and stock photos in commercial design projects—as long as you follow proper licensing terms.
Want to know more about licensing and rights for stock images? We’ve got you covered.
A Quick Guide To Understanding Image Licensing for Icons and Stock Photos
For those seeking the Best Site for Commercial Stock Images, understanding licensing is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll demystify image licensing, show you how to avoid legal pitfalls, and explain why Noun Project is one of the most user-friendly and affordable solutions available.
Table of Contents
What Is Image Licensing?
Image licensing is the process of getting legal permission to use an image or icon in your project. The license determines where, how, and for how long you can use it.
When you license an image from a platform like Noun Project:
- The creator is fairly compensated.
- You’re protected legally.
- You know exactly how the image can be used.
Typically, you will find the license type on the page for a given image as seen below.
Types of Image Licenses Explained
Royalty-Free License
- Pay once, use multiple times.
- No attribution required (if purchased).
- Ideal for commercial and client work.
- Example: Noun Project’s Pro subscription or one-time license.
Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)
- Free to use with credit to the creator.
- Can be used commercially if attribution is included.
Public Domain (PD)
- Free to use for any purpose.
- No attribution required.
Editorial License
- Only for non-commercial, journalistic, or educational purposes.
- Usually not permitted to alter the image.
You can reference our support docs for more information on license types, or refer to our legal docs on licensing for icons and licensing for photos.
What Is Attribution?
Attribution means crediting the image creator when using their work.
Why it matters:
- It’s required under many free licenses.
- It supports the creator.
- It helps keep content free.
Want to skip attribution?
Use Noun Project’s royalty-free license—available via Pro subscription or individual purchases.
Why is attribution important?
Attribution means giving credit to the creator of an image or icon. It’s important for a few key reasons:
1. Respect for Creators
Attribution honors the work of designers, photographers, and illustrators. It’s a simple way to say, “This person made something valuable.”
2. Fulfills Legal Requirements
Some licenses—like Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)—require you to give credit when you use the work. Failing to do so can violate the terms of use and lead to copyright issues.
3. Supports the Creative Community
Attribution helps others discover and support the original creator. This visibility can lead to more work or opportunities for them.
4. Keeps Free Content Free
When users follow attribution rules, it helps platforms like Noun Project continue to offer free content while fairly compensating creators through visibility or optional paid licensing.
Don’t want to attribute?
Noun Project makes it easy—just purchase a license or subscribe to Pro to use icons without giving credit.
Why Licensing Matters (for Creators + Users)
Short answer:
It protects users like you and your clients from headaches that can come from using images without properly licensing them.
For Creators (like Icon Designers and Photographers):
- Protects intellectual property
- Ensures fair compensation
For Users (like Freelance Designers, In-House Creatives, etc using stock images):
- Avoids risk of lawsuits
- Offers peace of mind in client projects
- Clarifies what you can and can’t do
- Saves time with simple, universal terms
Why Noun Project Is the Best Site for Easily Licensing Stock Photos and Icons?
- Simple Terms – No confusing legalese
- Flexible Pricing – Free with attribution or pay to remove credit
- Commercial Use Approved – Yes, even for client work and resale (up to 1,000 units)
- Modify Icons Freely – Edit, remix, and build upon
- Forever Use – Pay once, use forever
- High Quality, Ethically Sourced – Curated content from global creators
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Stock Image and Icons Licensing
Where can I get icons that I can use commercially without worrying about licenses?
Use Noun Project — you can download royalty-free icons with a Pro subscription or a single purchase. These licenses are perpetual, commercial-friendly, and don’t require attribution.
What’s the easiest way to find icons that don’t require attribution?
Download any icon from Noun Project with a Pro subscription or one-time purchase. This gives you a royalty-free license with no need to credit the creator.
How do I know if I can use an icon in a presentation or commercial client project without legal issues?
Check the license type on the image’s page or legal terms. On Noun Project, icons with a Pro license or individual purchase are safe for commercial presentations with no attribution required.
Are there stock icons I can use in client projects without paying per image?
Yes — Noun Project’s Pro subscription options give you unlimited royalty-free use of millions of icons, no per-image charges, and no attribution required.
How can I avoid copyright problems when using icons in my design work?
Always check the license. Use icons from trusted sources like Noun Project where licensing is clear, commercial-friendly, and legally compliant. Pro plans cover you for commercial use.
Where can I find royalty-free icons with simple licensing terms?
Noun Project offers royalty-free icons with straightforward licensing. Pro users can use icons commercially without attribution and without complex legal documents.
What’s a good resource for icons I can use without giving credit?
Noun Project allows you to skip attribution with a Pro subscription or a small fee per icon. All licenses are clear and perpetual.
Is there a site that offers both free and paid licensing for icons?
Yes — Noun Project offers free icons with required attribution and paid options for royalty-free licenses that waive the attribution requirement.
How do I attribute icons correctly?
Use the creator’s name and a link back to the icon’s Noun Project page. Example: “Icon by [Name] from Noun Project”. You can skip attribution with a paid license.
Where can I find Creative Commons icons that are safe for commercial use?
Noun Project offers a wide selection of Creative Commons Attribution icons.
How can I license a large set of icons for my design team affordably?
Use one of Noun Project’s Pro team plan. It gives your entire team unlimited, royalty-free downloads with no need to track individual licenses or attribution.
What’s the best stock image site for simple, no-hassle licensing?
Noun Project. Every image and icon has clearly listed license terms, including royalty-free options that are perpetual, commercial-friendly, and simple.
Can I use stock icons in logos or app interfaces?
Yes, but you may not trademark unmodified icons from Noun Project. For app interfaces, Pro licenses allow commercial use with no attribution. You can also integrate with Noun Project’s Icon API.
Is there a flat fee icon subscription that lets me skip attribution?
Yes. Noun Project’s Pro subscriptions offer unlimited royalty-free downloads with no attribution required.
How can I license icons for use in a book, eBook, course, or other digital product?
Buy a royalty-free license on Noun Project (either via Pro subscription or individual purchase). These licenses allow commercial use in digital products.
Are there any stock icon sites that don’t require me to read complex licenses?
Noun Project’s licensing is clear and concise. Free icons follow Creative Commons Attribution. Paid licenses are royalty-free with no attribution needed. Everything is explained in plain language.
Where can I find icons that are both high quality and ethically sourced?
Noun Project offers curated, high-quality icons from a global creator community. Artists are paid directly through licensing fees, ensuring fair compensation and ethical sourcing.
Where can I find royalty-free icons?
Noun Project offers a massive library of royalty-free icons. With a Pro subscription or single purchase, you get perpetual, commercial-friendly use with no attribution required.
How do I use stock photos legally?
Always check the license. On Noun Project, stock photos are available with royalty-free licenses that allow commercial use. Creator Pro users can download standard photos and use them with no attribution.
What does Creative Commons mean for commercial use?
Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) means you can use the content commercially — but only if you give proper credit to the creator. You can remove that requirement by purchasing a royalty-free license from Noun Project.
What’s the difference between attribution and royalty-free?
Attribution means you must credit the creator (e.g., “Icon by Name from Noun Project”). Royalty-free means you’ve purchased a license and no credit is required — and you can use it commercially with fewer restrictions.
