Using graphic design apps to create visual content for your business?
Mobile apps provide a great way to make fast and easy images.
But hold on a sec…
Some apps prohibit commercial use of images created with them.
And not only that: this may be a change from what they’ve said before, and kept well-hidden.
So listen up.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may get a referral fee if you purchase a paid upgrade. You pay no more, and I appreciate your support.
What Is Personal, Non-Commercial Use of an App?
It seems to be trendy to call your app “for personal, non-commercial use only.”
But what exactly does that mean?
Can you use these apps to make visual content for your blog or social media accounts, where you’re not directly promoting something for sale?
When I’ve asked, I didn’t always get a clear answer. But I don’t want to find out by getting fined or sued!
At the least, don’t use apps with this disclaimer to create designs for clients, or to make or decorate any type of digital or physical product.
If you have concerns, get in touch with their support team to ask permission.
Most apps allow you to use them for promotional efforts, which makes sense, since they’re basically intended for social media visuals.
Most specifically prohibit their use for items for sale.
A few limit the number of items you can sell. Some require you to purchase an expensive extended license.
I’m here to sound the warning. You decide what you want to do about it.
Can I Use Canva for Commercial Use?
Short answer? Sorry, there isn’t one.
Canva’s licenses are convoluted because:
- Canva has various types of users including free, Pro, and Education.
- Canva’s assets come from a number of different sources, including Pexels, Pixabay, and more.
As an overview, these are commercial uses you definitely can’t do with Canva content:
Don’t use Pro Content for commercial purposes if you’re a Canva for Education user.
Don’t sub-license, re-sell, rent, lend, assign, gift or otherwise transfer or distribute the Content or your rights to use it.
Don’t include any of the Content as part of a trade-mark, design-mark, trade-name, business name or service mark, except for fonts.
Don’t use Content identified as “Editorial Use Only” for any commercial, promotional, endorsement, advertising or merchandising use.
Don’t use Free Content containing a person’s likeness or property for commercial purposes because they probably haven’t provided a release. This includes names, people, trademarks, trade dress, logos, registered designs or works of art or architecture.
Plus many more restrictions on visual content, and a host of different restrictions on music content.
In addition, Canva may change their license at any time. Double check!
Canva’s current Content licenses can be found here.
Can I Use Canva for Client Work?
You may provide a Canva design to one client with this important stipulation:
You must have a written agreement with your client that says the Canva Design is only for their use.
And you are responsible to ensure they comply.
Note that this applies to designs only, not standalone content.
See license section 4A for details.
Which brings up the next big question…
Can I Use Canva Pro for Photos?
Many bloggers and website owners assume that paying for a Pro account means they can download and use the Pro photos.
Beware!
There’s a strict pixel limit for using unedited photos: a maximum of 480,000 total pixels (for example, 600px x 800px). See license section 5A for details.
And even if you comply with the size limit, you may still get a threatening copyright infringement claim from Copytrack.
Some bloggers say they back down if you provide proof of your Canva Pro payment.
Others say they’ve experienced continuing threatening emails.
One blogger said Canva insisted she remove all such images from her site, even though they fell under the T&Cs!
I’ve also heard that, even though the license page remains the same, some subscribers can’t even download small, unedited images.
I personally wouldn’t use any images from Canva Pro unless I edited them first.
Can I Use Canva for Social Media Posts?
You can use designs with Canva Free or Pro Content for social media posts and profile images.
This excludes music content.
Other social media uses, such as cover photos, aren’t addressed.
Beware the pixel limit mentioned above for unedited photos.
Other Apps to Try for Commercial Use
Below are apps I’ve used in the past and greatly enjoyed.
This info hasn’t been verified recently, so double check!
Over was the app that got me digging into the meaning of personal, non-commercial use, and instigated this blog post! But they’ve changed their terms to be much more palatable.
Our Services are provided for your personal and commercial use except when our Service Content is used to create end products for sale where the lifetime sales of the end product for sale exceeds 400 units.
I’ve been informed they handle all of the licensing of fonts and graphics in-house, so that we can use them without worrying about copyright issues.
Be sure to get all the details on their Terms of Use, and contact Over support and/or your lawyer if you have questions.
Over app has been purchased and rebranded as GoDaddy Studio.
Typorama Commercial Use
I really liked Typorama, but quit using it when they said personal, non-commercial use only. It seemed to specifically prohibit using it to create client work.
It’s very similar to WordSwag, but with a lot more bells and whistles that WordSwag users have requested in their App Store reviews.
I’m happy that their terms have changed IF you are using a later version of the app.
Unfortunately, I can no longer find their Terms of Use online, so check in the app, an/or write into their support to be sure your intended use is allowed.
WordSwag Commercial Use
I could not find any Terms of Use for WordSwag, but a note to Support brought this reply from Ben:
WordSwag uses fonts and images from a variety of sources which all have different terms. Commercial/marketing purposes should be okay, but as far as selling a design for profit (as a poster, image, t-shirt, etc.) that might not be okay depending on the exact fonts and images used.
So the safest route would be to stay away from actually selling the designs.
If you want to use WordSwag to make images for clients, you should check with the font foundries. If you’re using WordSwag’s image search through Pixabay, you can find the Pixabay terms here (the CC0 license is pretty accommodating).
AND the big news with WordSwag is that it’s now available for Android! So go crazy 😉
PicMonkey Commercial Use
This browser-based app has a lot of fun overlays. And you CAN use these in commercial works, per the support team.
Below is the response I got from PicMonkey Support:
In short, yes, you can use images edited with PicMonkey for commercial use so long as it is a derivative work.
For example, you can use an overlay or font as part of your design, but you can’t sell just the overlay or font.
More info can be found here: http://www.picmonkey.com/legal
If you’d like a little more clarification on your particular project please feel free to send along an example. Let us know if you have questions.
I can’t find any info about this in their Terms of Use though! This is concerning. You want to have something in writing, so…
Contact the Monkey here if you have specific questions or a sample to get advice on.
Adobe Express Commercial Use
I figured something from Adobe would be suitable for commercial purposes!
Hurray, Adobe Express operates under the same Terms as other Adobe products (and it’s free – double hurray!). Find those terms here.
There are separate Terms for third-party content, such as fonts. You can read those here.
If you incorporate photos purchased from Adobe Stock or anywhere else, you would need to purchase an extended license to use them on items for sale.
You may purchase an extended license for most Adobe Stock photos, vectors, and illustrations. Extended licenses provide unlimited impressions/print runs, and the ability to create derivative products for resale, such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, etc.
Read more about Adobe Stock image licenses here.
There are also links to the Terms within the mobile app.
Express includes a “magic resize” to optimize your creations for various social platforms, as well as type animation. Nice!
Pablo by Buffer
Yeah, I really got on Buffer’s case when Pablo debuted, because they suggested adding type to any image you found on the web.
Of course, that ain’t legal. But they’ve now done a fabulous job coaxing people to “do the right thing” as regards copyright.
Their terms are here. Excerpt:
Any image that you create within Pablo belongs to you and may be freely downloaded and/or shared. Assets within your Pablo creation are still subject to copyright law.
Read the rest too, if you use the app.
Stencil for Commercial Use
This browser-based app makes it easy to create visual content with a browser extension. Or, go to the site and use their “CC0” images. Co-founder Adam says:
Stencil is actually designed for business use (personal is cool too though!) All the assets provided in Stencil are for commercial or personal use with no attribution required whatsoever. The photos are all licensed under Creative Commons “CC0” specifically, meaning the final images you create can be used however you want — especially to create content for clients, social media, blogs, ads, email marketing, etc.
You can check out Stencil for free, and then there’s a small fee (currently $15 paid monthly).
Snappa for Commercial Use
This browser-based design app is similar to Stencil, so I thought you might want to check them both out before deciding if you want to spring for a paid version.
Snappa’s terms currently state:
You are authorized to download and share unlimited copies of your designs for your personal or commercial use, provided that you maintain the copyright and other notices contained in that content.
Have You Checked Your Design App’s Terms of Use?
These terms can change without notice, and I am not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice.
You should check the terms of any apps you use, or plan to use, for your business on a regular basis – and double-check if you wish to sell images to clients, or create a product with the images on it.
Ensure that your app allows the use you desire. Even the apps mentioned here prohibit or limit some uses, so proceed carefully.
If you’ve never thought about it, I urge you to do so now. And do let us know what you find in a comment!
Need to Replace Your Favorite iPhone App?
You can find apps to add text to photos here. Be sure to check the Terms of Use before using for business!
I’d love to hear from graphic design app creators on their app’s terms. I’d be happy to include your license clarifications in this article.
Please be safe. Ensure you’re using those graphic design apps legally!
Anu says
Hi
I want to know may I as a digital artist create artwork using cc0 images and sell them?
Thank you
Louise Myers says
In theory, the answer is yes. But if the person who marked them as cc0 has already infringed on someone else’s copyright or privacy rights, then you would still be liable for that. A couple examples would be photos including art or architecture, or photos with recognizable people. There may be others… I am not an attorney. In all cases, one should consult with a knowledgeable attorney as I cannot provide legal advice.
Casey Griffin says
Unfortunately Over App has been acquired by GoDaddy and is now GoDaddy Studio. If I’m reading it correctly, they are a “for personal, non-commercial use” platform now.
Also, Canva’s Terms of Use has been updated. https://www.canva.com/help/article/licenses-copyright-commercial-use/
Louise Myers says
Thanks, I knew Over had been acquired by GoDaddy, but didn’t know the terms had changed. I’ll check it out.
I’ve also gotten some clarification from Canva over the past couple weeks. They’re as confusing as ever, if not moreso.
Article will be updated soon.
kaye says
Hi! How about altered designs from Canva? If I altered an element and sell it, would that be okay?
Louise Myers says
Probably not. If you have a question on a specific element, or type of element, you should ask Canva directly.
CJ Greiner says
Good article, and thank you for the updates. However, due to those updates, the purpose of the article seems to have become muddied a bit. Your title “3 Graphic Design Apps You Need to Stop Using Right Now [And What to Use Instead]” no longer seems to apply, as there is no clear statement anywhere that says these are the three not to use, and these are the ones you should use instead. Perhaps an updated article ranking the best tools to use would be useful since the copyright rules for the graphics have been modified over the years?
Louise Myers says
I definitely have such a post: Canva Alternatives: Best Online Graphic Design Tools
But you are correct in that the apps’ terms have changed. Still it is important to check them to ensure that the app you choose offers what YOU want. Guess I should update to be clear that there’s no one best app for everyone!
Tarin says
Thank you very much for the information that you have posted! Very helpful
Graham Lyons says
Dear Louise
You head the article:
“3 Graphic Design Apps You Need to Stop Using Right Now [And What to Use Instead]”
I read a lot about the apps themselves but couldn’t find the answers to what the heading promised: the names of the graphic design apps I should and shouldn’t use.
Canva
I had been going to buy Canva until I saw many ferociously angry reviews in TrustPilot –Canva’s overcharging, security breaches, taking extra money from an account and not refunding, and really bad customer service. A fair number of reviews complained about the poor effectiveness of the product itself.
So, should I use Canva? If not, what instead?
Louise Myers says
Sorry if it’s unclear. I’ve updated the article so many times that the apps are mixed together.
At time of the last writing, the ones you can use for commercial purposes include Over, Typorama, WordSwag, Stencil, Snappa, PicMonkey and Adobe Spark.
I’m unsure about Canva free or paid as they keep changing their terms, so you’d have to ask them. I do know that they recently added this disclaimer: “We can’t guarantee that any free media have the appropriate releases for commercial use.”
You should verify before using any of them, AND remember that the license may or may not also apply to photos and graphics you find in the app.
In addition, if you want to sell your finished product there may be additional restrictions.
Sorry it’s not an easy answer, but it just isn’t.
Kelsey Pryor says
I have a question for you. What apps do your use for commercial use?
Louise Myers says
Snappa, Stencil, Word Swag, Photoshop are my go-tos.
Brandon says
There are many options on the Adobe 3rd Party page you linked when mentioning use of fonts for commercial product designs but I do not see any reference to fonts.
Louise Myers says
Hi, there’s a link on the first page linked to their terms specifically about fonts: http://www.adobe.com/go/adobe-fonts-terms
Re the link you mention, apparently each Adobe product has separate third-party terms: “This page and/or pages linked from this page contain Third Party Software Notices and/or Additional Terms and Conditions as described for each product.”
If you have further questions about terms, you would need to contact Adobe or the third party.
Bridget Denise Webb says
Hi Louise,
As of today, 10/09/19, Canva has in their Terms of Service, 3.1 General,
“You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:”
“(viii) using the Service for any commercial solicitation purposes;”
Louise Myers says
Interesting. When I read that section it seems they’re making a clear distinction between “the Service” (website/software) and “Canva Content” (elements available to be used in designs).
I’m not sure this affects use of graphics made with Canva (they’d lose 99% of users if it means no marketing usage) but you should check with them if you have concerns.
Rose says
Hi!! What about apple‘s pages and using their Clipart? I’m doing a show and made a poster using it but I’m not sure if I can use the image I put together using their Clipart. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Louise Myers says
If you plan to sell items made with Apple-supplied art, you would need to look up the license for it. If you can’t find one in the app, contact Apple support.
MamaRed says
I’m am sooooooooooooooo glad to see this post (even if I’m a bit late to the game reading it). I’ve been pushing and prodding and disclaimering all over the place…be careful of the Terms of Use. Even had a person say “hey, it’s on the internet, so I can use it.” When I pushed back and said “would you say the same thing if someone took YOUR hard work and did that.” His answer? “That’s different.” OMG. Seriously?!?!?!?
I don’t claim to have done this perfectly AND as someone who has written thousands and thousands of words, I am aware of this copyright “issue” and prefer to stay on the right side of ethics AND the law.
We’re blessed with so many options these days that we weren’t in the “bad ole’ days” when I started in the world of software.
I can only imagine how burnt out your eyeballs were after digging through all this.
Hat’s off to you.
MamaRed
Louise Myers says
Thanks MamaRed! Yeah, people can be clueless, thanks for helping spread the word.
Susan Robinson says
It looks like you’re suggesting Adobe Spark is okay to use for making products for sale, but I can’t find that in their terms of use. In fact it says “We may allow you to license your Content to other users through our Services after agreeing to separate terms.” I don’t see anything about being able to sell products created using their software. Please could you clarify your findings about Adobe Spark?
Louise Myers says
“4.2 Ownership. You retain all rights and ownership of your Content. We do not claim any ownership rights to your Content.”
The terms for Spark are the same as for Photoshop, InDesign, etc. Adobe would not exist if that software could not be used for professional purposes: creating books and other products for sale.
If you have a specific use in mind, reach out to Adobe though, as I can’t provide legal advice.
Louise Myers says
Let me clarify that I’m referring to USING the software. Any elements you’ve included contain their own license.
For more details: read more from Adobe.
ednitadc says
Hi there!
Personally I prefer Over. It provides tons of fonts, designs and options you can use to design your own art and sell it, NOT MORE THAN 400 items with the same design.
Be aware of that. But that is AWESOME.
Louise Myers says
Over is the best if you like designing on your phone.
Katharina says
Hi, I saw you made an update to Canva in this month (May 2019) however, looking today I found this license which seems new:
about.canva.com/license-agreements/free-images/
So apparently you can buy a license to use all free images / stock media even for resell. However – it doesn’t state how to obtain it.
This is a different one than the extended license you can buy for an image when downloading or freeing up the image.
Very confusing.
Louise Myers says
Thanks for sharing that, yes there is some news in there that’s different from what was received by email.
But, they have definitely put contradictory info on that page! Let me try to alleviate the confusion to the best of my understanding (I’m not a lawyer, so this isn’t legal advice).
Free images can be used for commercial use, subject to the limitations of Pixabay and Pexels license.
Since these are CC0, there isn’t an extended license to buy.
Stock images (for which they usually charge $1) cannot be used for commercial purposes without buying an extended license.
Hope this helps!
Marion says
Thank you for all the great information.
We wanted to use one of the filters in PicsArt to modify pictures we took for a book project and reached out to them, but they said no. We have tried some other photo-manipulation tools in other programs, but nothing is just right. We were hoping to use something easy like that. Do you have any suggestions?
Louise Myers says
PicMonkey has filters and you can use it free for 7 days.
Sara says
Love is in the air…..there is no word “in”
Louise Myers says
Good eye!
David says
I think newer versions of typorama allow commercial use.
Louise Myers says
Yes, versions v2.0.5 and up.
Mandy says
You can’t use Canva’s free elements for commercial use.
Here’s the reply they gave me on my question if I could use my design I made with their free elements to print and sell postcards:
“Thanks for reaching out to us.
Whether or not you may sell items featuring your design depends on the elements you used in your design. If your design only uses elements which you uploaded and created yourself, then you may print it on items for resale, such as postcards and t-shirts.
If your design uses only free elements from our library, they are subject to the terms of our licenses. If your design uses any paid elements from our image library, you need to purchase the images under the Extended License to use it on products for resale.
You may print your design on items like postcards and t-shirts for promotional or other personal purposes, as long as those items are not sold. The same terms apply if you have both free and paid elements in your design.
You may visit this link for reference.”
Louise Myers says
Mandy, thanks for the clarification. Their terms have gotten very restrictive, not to mention impossible to read.
Cat A Taylor says
We have been using WordSwag and Snappa and I just ran across your information while doing some research on the topic. Thanks so much for the detailed information!
Louise Myers says
You are welcome 🙂
Barbara Rodriguez says
Hey, great info, thank you so much.
I still have some questions, can I use Typorama for my Instagram Feeds?
Also, can I use Canva photos for youtube videos? Specifically instrumental beats videos where you just post a photo with the music.
Thanks!
Louise Myers says
You’d have to contact each company with specifics. Re Typorama, explain your account to them, especially regarding promotional use. Re Canva, check their terms regarding videos and contact them if it’s not clear.
Chris OL says
Hi,
Just looked at Typorama on the ipad and notice that they updated their terms of use. It now reads (I don’t know when this changed):
2 (c) If you hold any versions v2.0.5 and up you’re allowed to use your designs for personal as well as commercial purposes, meaning you can use your designs you make using the app to promote your brand or business online, or print them and use or sell them as physical products…
… (then there’s a bit about previous versions, and what would be a slightly ambiguous statement about font copyright before…)
… Typorama can only assure the commercial use of service content (images, fonts and artwork and overlays) it offers in the app itself only.
So it’s sounding rather better for potential commercial use, as long as you’re aware if using/importing other images and fonts.
Thought this might be useful as I’ve come across this page a couple of times now,
Best wishes for 2019,
Chris
Louise Myers says
That’s fantastic! Great info.
A lot has changed since I wrote this. Perhaps some of the apps realized their restrictions were restricting their audience too much!
Kemya Scott says
Well you made that pretty easy, Louise. Thanks for the nice summary and app profiles. I was looking for new design apps and I’m glad I found your post!
Louise Myers says
Hey Kemya! Glad you found it helpful.
Behram KURSUN says
Hello there! I’m using the Retype iOS app. I can’t save my work while using the app. I can’t save the photos in any way. I checked the photos on iphone privacy settings and gave them authorization. Can you help me please ???
Louise Myers says
Contact their support. I’ve never heard of this app.
Chris Chong says
Thanks for the curated info louise 🙂 appreciate it, wanted to use either canva or pablo to start creating images to market my content on social media platforms.
Have you tried stencil before and integrate with social sharing softwares like hootsuite, buffer, sendible?
I know stencil & pablo is a great alternative for canva. Stencil offers an affiliate program, which is why I’m deciding to use it for work & business purposes.
How about “over”, do they offer an affiliate program and social sharing management software ready?
Thanks for your clarification bout this.
Louise Myers says
Stencil uses Buffer I believe. There are no affiliate programs for iOS apps.
ajay sharma says
hi, i research about wordswag fonts and now i know that which font/style is non-commercial and which font is free for commercial use so i solve the fonts issue but as i want to use wordswag app for commercial purpose i don’t know about its textures/grunge.
so can you tell me something about the texture of wordswag if they are free for commercial use or could be copyright.
Renae says
Dang!!! After researching this subject, I came across your article. SO VERY Extremely Helpful!!! Thank You SO Very Much!!! Exactly the Info. I needed, to BE Legally Safe before using these apps. I went over ALL of Your info. Thoroughly, then chose OVER! Went to install the App, only to learn that is ONLY for Apple, not Samsung Android’s!!! Dang!!! Back to researching Again! I tried PicMonkey last night. It didn’t seem to have what I needed…or maybe, I’m just too much of a novice, to not figure it’s options out. I need something that offers access to use background stock, including transparents, wthout legal issues. Back to reviewing your article! Again, Many Thanks for sharing this valuable info.!!! The other articles on these app comparisons don’t go over the legalities involved!
Louise Myers says
It’s definitely a good thing to know. Sorry that Over isn’t available for Android!
Pedro says
Over has just been released for Android, Yay!
Louise Myers says
Nice!
ajay sharma says
i am using wordswag to make typography quotes to sell them on istock and shutterstock commercially is there any problem what should i do,
Louise Myers says
You should contact WordSwag to get their advice. They may suggest you call a lawyer though.
First you could check their terms of use to see if this is expressly prohibited… save yourself some time and possible legal problems.
Frances H Williams says
Thanks for the information. My plan was to use Wordswag or Over. Now after reading your article I’m leaning towards Wordswag.
Thanks!
Louise Myers says
WordSwag is a bit limited in its design capabilities. Just be sure to check the current terms of use. At the time I wrote this, Over’s policy was better IF you wanted to sell designs.
Sandra says
Thanks so much, Louise, for this very helpful post. Wouldn’t it be great if all Apps could be totally transparent about whether or not they are OK for commercial use, rather than “hide” this info away in their terms and conditions – which aren’t in themselves always easy to find, or worse still, not clarify at all, which surely must lead to confusion and folk unwittingly using an App for commercial use when it isn’t allowed. I think it should be a requirement that all Apps of this kind should highlight in large letters at the beginning of their description in the App Store ‘For Personal Use Only and/or Commercial Use OK,’ as well as any limitations so there can be no misunderstandings from the off! With the best will in the world, it’s hard to stick to the rules if you’re not made aware of them or they are impossible to find! Fortunately I think we’re becoming much more canny now, thanks to helpful articles such as yours, and I guess the moral of the story is if in any doubt, steer clear, albeit disappointing sometimes! Haha rant over and thanks again ?
Louise Myers says
I understand the frustration, Sandra! It’s bizarre that they wouldn’t do this, but frankly many app creators aren’t clear themselves that all fonts, and even artists’ work they’ve paid for, don’t include unlimited usage. They do need to wise up 🙂
Enrique Vidal says
Thank you for this article, it was extremely useful!
Sue says
Thank you for the insightful blog post. I use Word Swag, but would love to have an app I can use on my mac book and on my iPhone. That is the frustrating part of Word Swag, I can only create images with text on my iPhone. Any recommendations?
Thank you!
Louise Myers says
As far as I know, only Canva and PicMonkey. More about design apps here.
Alice Coaxum says
Good to know. I’m currently using Canva.
Sarah says
I can’t seem to find any information about graphic artists and commercial use of PicsArt. I would like to change the medium of the digital drawings i’ve made through the app, so i can sell my work. Picsart terms and conditions say personal use only, is there any way around this? I have made 60 original works of art with PicsArt in the last 2 months, would like to do something with the art i designed.
Louise Myers says
It seems pretty clear to me. The only way to get a definitive answer would be to consult a lawyer. I wouldn’t do anything based on a stranger’s opinion.
Angela says
There is so much stolen content on PicsArt, I wouldn’t trust it. I have found so many of my wing images in their Stickers section of the app, the problem is they are trusting the average person to know what they can make clip art with and what they can’t. Too many people assume anything on the internet is free to use to make a ‘Sticker’ and to trust the general public to essentially provide material for a giant free clip art source was a bad move IMHO.
Louise Myers says
I hate to hear of stuff like this happening. Yes, terrible idea.
Andrew says
This post is a godsend from you Louise and many grey areas of Copyright law. You have probably saved my skin as I’m about to launch on Amazon with many quotations I’ve written over the last 25 years. Now I have a ‘vehicle’ to use them with, image rights by way of photos and their prohibited commerical use is a graveyard of small print. As your expertise oozes out of this article, like me, it appears you like to use an image to amplify a quotation, so I must tread more carefully for sure, and I’m no graphic designer! Wisdom dictates being on your email list is a must! Thanks for the post and I’ll look forward to further nuggets of advice from you. Kind regards
Louise Myers says
Thanks so much, Andrew! We definitely have to watch our steps around others’ intellectual property.
Jonathan Harris says
Also, just be careful when using apps like this for your business. Some use fonts that are not commercial friendly. The developers of some of these apps are taking font designers hard work and sticking them in their apps without the designers permission!!!
Louise Myers says
Yep! I think fonts are the issue with many of them.
Marie says
Hi Louise, have you had any dealings with TypiMage? I can’t find any terms of use in the app. I’ve tried to email the support email address, but have had no response.
I’d like to use their fonts on my own t.shirt designs, but until I find their terms, I don’t want to go any further.
M.
Louise Myers says
I haven’t. I wouldn’t use it on anything for sale until you get that clarified. There may be fonts and art elements in the app that the app creators don’t even know what the terms of use are. Layers of potential problems – tread carefully.
Jodi says
Thanks for the tips! I’ve used Canva and Pablo in the past. Just played around with Adobe Post and found it very quick and intuitive to use. How do you get rid of #AdobePost in the bottom right corner and insert your own name/brand?
Louise Myers says
Try clicking on the watermark. That should bring up an option to recommend the app by email to delete the watermark.
Kaye Swain says
And phew! My fave here is Flipogram. So when I saw they were on the no-no list, I was so bummed. But in reading at the link you shared I discovered it IS ok to use for commercial as long as all the pix music etc. is yours or you have permission to use it – which I would only do – so YAY 🙂 Maybe that’s an update to their original no? – Here’s what it says (after a paragraph talking about noncommercial use:
“Commercial Use. You may not use the Flipagram App for commercial purposes unless you are the copyright holder or you have obtained all necessary rights and licenses to use for commercial purposes all images, musical works, sound recording, narration, and other material that make up your User Content.”
Louise Myers says
Yeah, that is bizarre. It seems to contradict what it said above (and I’m pretty sure I couldn’t have missed that if it had been there when I looked!).
Not sure exactly what this means – you certainly are still committing copyright infringement if you use others’ images even for personal use. Maybe the big issue is the music? I suppose they have permission to allow use of those clips in personal flipagrams but not commercial. Hmm…
Kaye Swain says
Wow! Thanks for the heads up! Off to delete a couple and check out a couple ?
Kaye
Terry Green says
Excellent post Louise! Fortunately, I don’t use any of the 4 you mentioned. I’ve got them and have tried them, but wasn’t really impressed. Canva and WordSwag are my two favorite go-to graphic apps.
Thanks again for some very valuable information!
Terry
Louise Myers says
Thanks so much for sharing, Terry!
Peggy Fitzpatrick says
Great info Louise!
I’m happy that Buffer updated their information, when they sent out the initial email I sent them an email saying you shouldn’t recommend that to people. I’m glad that they’ve updated it at this time.
Louise Myers says
Ha! I’m glad you got on their case too. They were SO apologetic about it when I explained why that was NOT OK!
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and comment!
Leslie Beccard says
Excellent, informative post as usual! Thanks Louise!
Leslie Beccard says
Adobe Spark is FANTASTIC! Thanks so much for the tip!!!
Louise Myers says
So glad you like it, Leslie!
Susan Joy Schleef says
Thank you for the fantastic information! I am actually just getting ready to record a training today about photo apps and Typorama was one I will be demonstrating. (after you recommended it in the past)
Now I’ll be sure to mention the licensing issue in regard to client work! But I’ll still use it in my training since I plan to only show how to create social media posts.
Louise Myers says
Hi Susan,
Due to their terms, I wouldn’t recommend it for a business to use for anything, even social media. It’s a gray area, but there are too many other choices to risk it, in my opinion.
Maria says
Thanks for this useful info!! I just ran across your site. Do you know if I can create something using the Free Canva and my own images and their free fonts and other tools and then sell it? I can’t seem to find clarification.
Louise Myers says
I’d suggest you contact them and be very specific about which elements from Canva you’re using. I’mm sure you understand that I can’t provide legal advice.