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How to legally use stock images - a simple guide to licenses

Using stock images can elevate your designs and marketing, but only if you use them correctly. Confusion about licenses is one of the top reasons creators accidentally misuse stock images. In this simple guide, we’ll explain how to legally use premium stock images from One Dollar Stock™, so you can create with confidence. Why licensing matters Every stock image comes with a license that defines how you can legally use it. Ignoring license terms can result in: Legal liability (including fines or lawsuits) Brand reputation damage Content takedown requests or DMCA claims That’s why it’s essential to understand what your license allows and what it doesn’t. Types of licenses at One Dollar Stock™ We designed our licensing options to be clear and creator-friendly: Personal License → for personal, non-commercial use Commercial License → for business use, marketing, website, advertising (but not products for resale) Creator Commerce License → for using images in physical and digital products for resale (merch, e-books, templates, etc.) Corporate License → for larger organizations (50+ employees) with extended usage rights Common legal mistakes to avoid Here are some of the most frequent licensing mistakes and how to avoid them: 1. Using a Personal License for business projects Personal Licenses don’t cover: Commercial websites Social media for businesses Advertising campaigns For any business use, choose a Commercial License or higher. 2. Selling products without the right license Only the Creator Commerce License allows you to use stock images on products for resale, such as: Print-on-demand merchandise Posters and prints Templates and e-books sold online Using a Commercial License for these cases is not allowed, always upgrade to Creator Commerce when selling products. 3. Reselling the image itself No license allows you to: Resell the image as a stand-alone product Include it in another stock library or pack Claim copyright over the original image Stock images should always be used as part of a larger project or creative work, not sold on their own. How to stay safe with stock images Follow these best practices: Always read the license terms (ours are written in plain English) Choose the license that matches your intended use Keep proof of your purchase/license in case of future questions If in doubt - ask! We’re happy to clarify any usage questions Why One Dollar Stock™ is a safe choice At One Dollar Stock™, we built our platform to eliminate licensing confusion: Simple license options tailored to creators and businesses Clear explanations - no legal jargon All images vetted for safe use - no “gray area” content That means you can focus on creating without worrying about legal risks. Create with confidence Understanding stock image licenses is the key to using them legally and effectively. With the right license from One Dollar Stock™, you can bring your creative vision to life and sleep easy knowing you’re covered. Ready to create? Explore premium stock images - starting from just $1.