Usage rights: general rules
Universal rules that apply to all Freepik content — regardless of where or how you use it.
These rules apply to every use of Freepik resources, whether digital or physical, personal or commercial. For context-specific guidance, see Usage rights: digital and Usage rights: commercial and products.
In this article
- Main element vs secondary element
- When can I use Freepik content as main element
- No redistribution
- No logos or trademarks
- No resale of unmodified content
- Copyright belongs to the author
- Sensitive use
- Fonts
- Using copyrighted images
- Common questions
Main element vs secondary element
This is the most important concept in Freepik usage rules. Whether a resource is a "main element" or "secondary element" in your design determines what you can and cannot do with it.
| Main element | Secondary element | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The Freepik resource is the most prominent visual in the composition. It carries the most visual weight and is largely used as-is. | The Freepik resource supports the design but is not the primary focus. Other non-Freepik elements have more visual weight. |
| Example | A Freepik illustration printed on a t-shirt with no other significant design elements. | A Freepik pattern used as a subtle background behind your own logo and custom typography. |
| Key test | Would a buyer purchase this product primarily because of the Freepik image? | Would the product still work without the Freepik image, or does it have enough original content? |
When can I use Freepik content as main element
| Context | Main element allowed |
|---|---|
| Personal use, not for sale | Yes |
| Your own website, blog, social media | Yes |
| Marketing your own business | Yes |
| Custom work for one specific client | Yes |
| YouTube videos, presentations, press articles | Yes |
| Packaging — product is the main element | Yes |
| Book covers | Yes |
| Products sold to multiple clients — t-shirts, mugs, calendars, PoD | No — secondary only |
| Book interiors | No — supporting element only |
| Templates for sale | No — secondary only |
| Filters and stickers in apps | No — secondary only |
| With Merchandise License — Pro only, non-AI assets | Yes — up to 100,000 units |
No redistribution
You must never redistribute Freepik content in its original or modified editable form. This means:
- Never share, upload, or make available the original AI, PSD, EPS, or SVG files for others to download.
- Never include Freepik resources in a database, archive, or collection that could be downloaded by others.
- Never deliver editable files containing Freepik resources to clients. Deliver only the final product — printed items, PNG, PDF, or rendered output.
- Never sublicense Freepik content to anyone.
No logos or trademarks
You cannot use Freepik resources to create logos or trademarks. The copyright of all Freepik content belongs to its author, so you cannot register any image that includes Freepik resources as a trademark or brand identity element.
You can use Freepik resources as design inspiration, as temporary placeholders, or as avatars and profile images — but not as part of a registered logo or brand mark.
No resale of unmodified content
You cannot sell, rent, or sublicense Freepik content — whether original or modified — as a standalone product. This includes selling derivative artworks based on Freepik resources if the Freepik content is the main element.
You can sell products and services that incorporate Freepik content as part of a larger design, following the main vs secondary element rules.
Copyright belongs to the author
The copyright of all Freepik resources belongs to the original author. Your license gives you the right to use the content, not to own it. This means:
- You cannot claim ownership of Freepik images or designs.
- You cannot register images that include Freepik content as your intellectual property.
- You cannot use Freepik content in a way that suggests it was created by you or your brand, if the original resource is recognizable.
Sensitive use
Freepik content must not be used in a way that is defamatory, obscene, or offensive, or in any context that could harm the reputation of the author, Freepik, or the people depicted in the content. This includes using resources depicting people in contexts that imply endorsement of products, services, or causes without consent.
Fonts
Freepik offers downloadable fonts that follow the same usage rules as other Freepik resources. Downloading a font counts toward your daily download limit. You can use Freepik fonts in your projects according to the standard license terms — personal and commercial use are both allowed, with the same attribution rules based on your plan.
You cannot redistribute the font files themselves. They must only be used in your own projects.
Using copyrighted images
All Freepik resources are created by their authors and are protected by copyright. When you download a resource, you receive a license to use it according to the Terms of Use — you do not receive the copyright itself.
If you believe a resource on Freepik infringes on third-party copyright, you can report it through the copyright infringement process. See Legal and compliance for details on how to file a report.
Common questions
What is the difference between main and secondary element?
A resource is the main element when it is the most prominent visual in the composition and would be the primary reason someone notices or buys the product. It is secondary when other non-Freepik elements have more visual weight and the Freepik resource supports the overall design.
Can I use Freepik images as a logo?
No. Freepik resources cannot be used in logos or trademarks. The copyright remains with the original author.
Can I sell artwork made with Freepik resources?
Only if the Freepik resources are secondary elements in the final product, or if you have the Merchandise License (Pro only, non-AI assets, up to 100,000 units).
Can I share the editable file with my client?
No. You must never deliver editable files that contain Freepik resources. Deliver only the final product — printed, PNG, PDF, or rendered output.
Can I use Freepik fonts commercially?
Yes. The same license terms apply to fonts as to other Freepik resources. Free and Essential users must attribute. Premium and above do not. You cannot redistribute the font files.
What if I use many Freepik images in one design?
They are all considered main elements because they all come from Freepik. You would need to add enough original or third-party content to shift the visual weight so the Freepik resources become secondary.
Can someone depicted in a Freepik image claim I used their likeness?
You must not use resources depicting people in contexts that imply endorsement without consent. If a use case involves sensitive contexts, review the Terms of Use carefully or contact support.
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