Our Methodology
How we research, verify, and present digital asset license terms.
The 12-Field Framework
Every platform in our guide is evaluated against the same 12 fields. This standardized approach makes it possible to compare platforms side-by-side, even when their license agreements use different terminology and structure.
| Field | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Download Allowed | Can you download the asset to your device, or is it limited to streaming or in-app use? |
| Commercial Use | Can you use the asset in revenue-generating projects such as ads, products, or business websites? |
| Editing Allowed | Can you modify, crop, recolor, or remix the asset? |
| Attribution Required | Must you credit the creator or platform when using the asset? |
| Exclusive Rights | Can you obtain exclusive usage rights so no one else can license the same asset? |
| Redistribution Allowed | Can you share, resell, or sublicense the raw asset file to others? |
| Print Allowed | Can you use the asset in physical printed materials like posters, packaging, or merchandise? |
| Digital Use Allowed | Can you use the asset in digital projects such as websites, apps, social media, and presentations? |
| Client Work Allowed | Can you use the asset in work you deliver to a client? |
| License Survives Cancellation | If you cancel your subscription, can you keep using assets downloaded while subscribed? |
| Indemnification | Does the platform offer legal protection if a copyright claim is filed against you? |
| Refund Policy | Does the platform offer refunds on purchases or subscriptions? |
Each field is rated as Yes, No, or Limited (with an explanatory note when applicable).
How Platforms Are Selected
We prioritize platforms based on:
- Popularity - widely used platforms that many creators encounter
- Category coverage - ensuring representation across all 9 asset categories
- License clarity - platforms with publicly available, documented license terms
- User requests - platforms suggested by our community
Verification Process
For each platform, our research process includes:
- Reading the platform's official license agreement, terms of service, and FAQ pages
- Identifying each distinct license tier (free, standard, extended, enterprise, etc.)
- Mapping each tier's permissions to our 12-field framework
- Recording any warnings or edge cases that users should be aware of
- Noting the verification date so users know how current the data is
How Often Data Is Updated
License terms can change at any time. We re-verify platform data regularly and prioritize updates when:
- A platform announces changes to its licensing terms
- Users report that our data may be outdated
- A platform's “last verified” date is older than our target refresh interval
Every platform page displays its last-verified date. If you notice information that seems incorrect or outdated, please let us know so we can re-verify.
Trust & Transparency
We are committed to accuracy and transparency. Our summaries are based entirely on publicly available information. We do not accept payment from platforms in exchange for favorable reviews or placement.
That said, we are not lawyers, and license agreements can be ambiguous. Our summaries represent our best interpretation and may not capture every nuance. Always read our full disclaimer and verify terms with the platform directly.
Informational Only - Not Legal Advice
LicenseOrg provides informational summaries of platform license terms for educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Always consult the platform’s official license page and a qualified legal professional.