Print-on-demand (POD) is a booming industry where you can create and sell custom products without managing inventory. Many creators turn to Freepik for high-quality graphics, but using these assets for Print on demand raises important legal questions. What are the licensing terms, and how do they affect your business?
- What is Freepik and Print on demand with detailed explanation?
- Can I use Freepik without attribution? Attribution procedure if required.
- How to use freepik image for Print on demand?
- Can I use Freepik for commercial print?
- Prohibited actions and drawbacks for the usage of Freepik
- Alternative websites for Freepik
- Can I use Envato elements for Print on demand
What is Print on Demand and how it works?
Print on Demand (POD) is a business model that allows entrepreneurs and creators to design custom products and sell them without the need to maintain any physical inventory or handle the shipping and fulfillment process themselves. The key feature of Print on demand is that products are only printed and shipped when an order is placed, which reduces the risk and upfront costs associated with traditional inventory-based businesses.
Here’s how it works:
- Design Creation: The seller creates a design for a trending product. (e.g., a t-shirt with artwork or a custom mug design).
- Design Upload: Upload your design create products using Print on Demand platforms like Qikink, Printful, or Redbubble and push to the store.
- Customer Order: When a customer places an order for a product with that design, the POD service prints and ships it directly to the customer.
- No Inventory: The seller doesn’t need to hold any stock or handle the fulfillment process, and they typically don’t pay for the product until the order is made.
This model is popular with entrepreneurs, artists, and creators because it eliminates the risk and cost of holding inventory and allows for a wide variety of customizable products without significant upfront investment.
What is Freepik?
Freepik is an online platform that provides free and premium graphic design resources in various file types such as:
Vectors – Icons, illustrations, logos, and patterns
Stock Photos – High-quality images for projects
PSD Files – Editable Photoshop templates
Mockups – Pre-made designs for branding and marketing
AI-Generated Images – Custom images created with AI
It is a popular tool among designers, marketers, content creators, and businesses for finding creative assets to enhance their projects. Freepik offers both free and premium resources, and it allows users to download and use these assets in various design projects, such as websites, marketing materials, presentations, and social media content.
Uses of Freepik:
Design Projects:
- Graphic Design: Designers can use Freepik’s vectors, icons, and PSD files for creating logos, posters, banners, and other visual materials.
- Web Design: Web designers can use Freepik assets to create website layouts, buttons, icons, and backgrounds.
- App Design: Icons, illustrations, and UI/UX elements can be sourced from Freepik to enhance mobile app designs.
Marketing Materials:
- Social Media: Social media managers can use Freepik’s assets for creating visually appealing content for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Advertising: Freepik provides resources for designing advertisements, flyers, brochures, and email campaigns.
- Presentations: Freepik’s illustrations, icons, and diagrams can be used to create polished PowerPoint or Google Slide presentations.
Content Creation:
- Blog Posts: Bloggers and content creators can use Freepik’s images and illustrations to make their blog posts more visually engaging.
- Videos: Video editors can utilize Freepik’s images and illustrations as backgrounds, overlays, or visual assets for their videos.
Print Materials:
- Business Cards: Freepik offers templates and designs for business cards, letterheads, and other printed materials.
- Posters and Flyers: Ready-made templates for posters and flyers can be downloaded and customized.
E-commerce:
- Product Mockups: E-commerce sellers can use Freepik’s mockup templates to showcase their products in a professional manner.
Benefits of Using Freepik
- Wide Range of Resources: Freepik offers millions of assets across various categories, making it an all-in-one source for designers and marketers.
- Ease of Use: The website’s user-friendly interface allows users to quickly search for and find assets they need.
- Cost-Effective: With both free and premium options, Freepik makes it accessible for people with different budgets to access high-quality design assets.
- Customization: Freepik provides editable files like PSD and AI, allowing users to make customizations to the designs to suit their needs.
- Time-Saving: Freepik allows users to quickly find pre-made designs, which saves time compared to creating everything from scratch.
- Regular Updates: Freepik regularly adds new assets to its library, ensuring that there are fresh and relevant designs available.
Can I use freepik without attribution?
Attribution is an essential part of using Freepik’s free resources. When you use a free asset from Freepik, you are required to give credit to the original creator, as specified in Freepik’s licensing terms.
This is a way of acknowledging the author’s work and adhering to Freepik’s Free License terms. Below is a detailed guide on the attribution process and how it should be done when using Freepik images to avoid copyright issues and use Freepik images legally.
Important Considerations for Using Freepik for Print on Demand
1. Licensing and Attribution
Is freepik copyright free?
- Freepik’s Free Resources: If you’re using Freepik’s free assets, they require attribution. This means you must give credit to the author when you use these designs in your Print on Demand products. For instance, you’d need to provide a credit line like “Design by Freepik” somewhere on the product or in the description and also the design must be varied significantly. This could be a drawback if you want to create Print on Demand products without attribution, especially for professional branding.
- Premium Resources: If you purchase a premium subscription for Freepik, you don’t need to provide attribution, and you get access to more high-quality, exclusive designs. This can be very beneficial for commercial use since you can use premium designs without worrying about the credit requirement. However, keep in mind that the designs you download are still subject to Freepik’s license terms, which typically allow commercial use but may have some restrictions and must be modified for using in POD. (e.g., they can’t be used for certain products like logos or merchandise without further licensing).
2. Uniqueness of Designs
- Because Freepik’s resources are available to a large number of users, there is a risk of overuse or duplication. If many Print on Demand sellers use the same free or popular premium designs, your products might not stand out. To mitigate this, you can:
- Customize designs: Edit the assets by adding unique elements, changing colors, or mixing multiple Freepik assets to make them your own.
- Use high-quality assets: Since premium assets tend to be less widely used, they can offer more uniqueness compared to the free resources.
3. Quality Control
- Freepik offers both free and premium resources, but the quality of free assets may vary. If you’re selling Print on demand products, you want to ensure that the designs you use are of high resolution and look professional when printed. Premium resources generally offer higher quality, and you may want to prioritize those for your Print on Demand store.
How to Give Attribution for Freepik (If Required)
If you are using a free Freepik image, you must credit the author and attribute them with proper guidelines. The attribution should be included in a visible and accessible location. The exact placement depends on the medium or platform where you’re using the asset:
- For Digital Use (websites, social media, blogs):
- Footer: Often, it’s placed in the footer of a webpage or blog post, in a smaller font that doesn’t overwhelm the design.
- Image Caption: You can place the attribution directly beneath the image or in the caption of the content.
- Description/Alt Text: On platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, you can also place the attribution in the image description or alt text.
- For Print Products (such as flyers, posters, t-shirts, etc.):
- In Small Print: If you’re using Freepik images for physical products, attribution is often placed in small print at the bottom or in the corner of the design, such as near the barcode, or the product’s label.
1. For Websites & Blogs:
You’re writing a blog post and using a free illustration from Freepik. Place the attribution at the bottom of the post or below the image.
Example attribution for websites & blog >“Image by John Doe / Freepik”
2. For Social Media & Videos:
For a post on Instagram, place the attribution in the caption of the post, and include the hyperlink to Freepik:
Example attribution for Instagram: >“Design by John Doe / Freepik”
3. For Print Materials:
If you’re using Freepik images for a t-shirt design that you intend to sell via Print on Demand platforms, you should place the attribution in the product description or small text on the design if required.
Example: > “Design by John Doe / Freepik”
In some cases, you might be required to place the attribution in a more discreet location (like on the back of a t-shirt or near the tag), depending on the platform and product you’re using.
Steps to Use Freepik for Print on Demand
1. Sign Up for a Freepik Account
- Create a Freepik account to access free and premium resources. For full access to premium assets, you may want to opt for a Premium plan.
2. Search for the Right Designs
- Use Freepik’s search bar to look for specific designs (e.g., “vintage t-shirt design,” “floral illustration,” “abstract patterns”). Narrow down results based on your product needs.
3. Download and Customize
- Download the asset you like (free or premium) and open it in a design tool like Illustrator or Photoshop.
- Customize the design to suit your brand and product (e.g., adding text, changing colors, or combining multiple assets).
4. Create Mockups
- Use Freepik’s mockups or create your own using tools like Placeit or Canva to visualize how your designs will look on products. This will help you market your items effectively on platforms like Etsy, Shopify.
5. Upload Designs to Your Print on Demand Platform
- After finalizing your design, upload it to a Print on Demand platform like Qikink, Printful, Printify, Teespring, or Redbubble. These platforms will handle the printing and shipping of your products.
6. Market Your Products
- Promote your designs via social media, ads, and your online store. If you’re using Freepik’s designs, make sure your branding and product listings clearly highlight the uniqueness of your items.
How to use Freepik Images for Print on Demand
- To legally use Freepik images for Print on Demand, follow these modification steps:
- Combine multiple elements (mix Freepik assets with your own designs).
- Change colors, shapes, and layouts to create a unique look.
- Add text, effects, or additional illustrations to personalize it.
- Do not just resize or slightly edit the design. t must be significantly different.
- Use Freepik images as background picture or secondary images in the design.
- Use your own designs or third party designs for the main elements.
- Usage of multiple Freepik resources are considered as main elements.
Difference between Main & Secondary Elements:
- Main Element: If the Freepik resource is the most prominent part of your design, it’s considered the main element and is not permitted for POD use. You can use freepik resources as main element for some uses other than Print on Demand,
- Secondary Element: The resource should act as a background or minor component, with your original design being the primary focus.
For example, a pictorial representation is given below for better understanding
Here, similar image from freepik is used as the main element with a simple wording addition “SUMMER TIME”, so it is not advisable to use.
Here, the image from freepik is used as a small component at right corner with other different elements, so this is acceptable.
In this picture, only the text in Freepik image is altered keeping the complete background intact without any changes which covers the major part of the image, so it is not recommended.
In the above image, a blurred background is only used from Freepik and covered with other elements for Logo making, so this is advisable to use.
Can I Use Freepik for Commercial Print?
Yes, you can use Freepik images for commercial printing, but there are important rules depending on whether you use a Free License or Premium License and the type of print usage (e.g., marketing materials, Print on Demand, resale).
License-Type | Free | Premium |
| Commercial Use? | Yes, but requires attribution | Yes, no attribution needed |
| Modification Required? | Yes, significant modifications needed | Yes, some modifications recommended |
| Print on Demand Allowed? | No, unless heavily modified | Yes, but modifications required |
| Selling as-is (without changes)? | No | No |
| Attribution Required? | Yes (“Designed by Freepik”) | No |
Best Practice: If you want to use an image for commercial purposes (like Print on Demand), it’s better to get the premium version to avoid attribution and restrictions.
Prohibited Actions for Freepik:
- You cannot sublicense, sell, or rent Freepik content (or modified versions) as standalone files.
- Including Freepik content in online or offline databases or offering them for download is not allowed.
- Selling the image as it is- not allowed.
- Using without modifications for Print on Demand even with premium license.
- Claiming Freepik images as your own.
- Trademarking a design made with Freepik.
Drawbacks of Using Freepik for Print on Demand
1. Attribution Requirement for Free Assets:
- For free assets, you are required to give attribution to the creator, which might not be ideal for professional Print on Demand businesses aiming for a clean, polished brand without external credits. The attribution requirement can also complicate the commercial usage of the designs.
2. Limited Customization of Free Resources:
- You might need to heavily customize the free resources to make them unique enough for Print on Demand. If you’re using the free version and just downloading and printing designs as-is, you could face issues with duplication, as other users may be using the same assets
3. Licensing Complexity:
- Freepik’s licensing can be tricky. The Standard License restricts certain uses, and if you don’t fully understand these terms, you could unintentionally violate them, which might lead to legal issues. It’s always essential to check the licensing terms carefully before using Freepik assets for Print on Demand.
4. Competition:
- Since Freepik is a widely used resource, other Print on Demand sellers may be using the same designs, leading to high competition. To stand out, you’ll need to invest time in customizing your designs and adding value through personalization or unique features.
Alternatives websites for Freepik:
Free Images for Print on Demand
1. Unsplash
Unsplash is a large collection of high-quality, royalty-free photos that can be used for personal and commercial projects without attribution.
2. Pexels
Pexels offers free stock photos and videos with a focus on high-quality content that can be used for commercial and personal purposes.
3. Pixabay
Pixabay is a huge library of free photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos available for commercial use without the need for attribution.
4. Canva (Free Version)
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool offering free images, illustrations, and templates, with no attribution required for modified designs.
5. Rawpixel
Rawpixel offers free and premium high-quality photos, vectors, and illustrations. Attribution is required for free resources.
6. Vecteezy
Vecteezy is a platform focused on free vector art, icons, and illustrations. Attribution is needed for free assets unless you have a premium subscription.
7. Iconfinder
Iconfinder provides free and premium icons and vector illustrations, ideal for Print on Demand designs. Attribution required for free resources.
8. Flickr (Creative Commons)
Flickr is a photo-sharing site with Creative Commons-licensed images. Attribution is often required for commercial use.
9. OpenClipart
OpenClipart is a free library of public domain clipart and vector images that can be used for commercial purposes without the need for attribution, ideal for commercial use designs.
10. SVGRepo
SVGRepo is a platform offering thousands of free SVG files, including icons and illustrations, that are free to use for commercial projects without attribution
Paid Alternatives for Print on Demand images:
These platforms offer high-quality graphics with full commercial rights (ideal for Print on Demand, branding, and resale).
1. Creative Fabrica
Creative Fabrica is a subscription-based platform offering a vast collection of premium fonts, graphics, craft files, and design resources, with licenses tailored for commercial use.
2. Vexels
Vexels is a design resource platform specializing in customizable vector designs, illustrations, and graphics with POD-friendly licenses. It offers both a subscription service and individual purchases.
3. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is a leading stock image platform offering millions of high-quality photos, vectors, illustrations, and videos, available for commercial use with various subscription options.
4. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock provides access to a vast collection of high-quality photos, vectors, and illustrations with flexible licensing for commercial use, ideal for print on demand.
5. iStock by Getty Images
iStock is a well-known platform for high-quality stock photos, vectors, and videos, offering royalty-free images with premium licenses for commercial use.
6. Creative Market
Creative Market offers a marketplace for premium design assets like fonts, templates, graphics, and illustrations, with licenses suitable for Print on Demand use.
7. 123RF
123RF is a stock image platform offering a wide variety of photos, vectors, and illustrations with flexible pricing plans for commercial use.
8. Dreamstime
Dreamstime offers a large collection of royalty-free stock images, illustrations, and videos with flexible subscription plans for Print on demand and commercial use.
9. Depositphotos
Depositphotos is a stock photo agency that provides high-quality images, vectors, and illustrations for commercial use under various subscription and credit plans.
10. Bigstock
Bigstock is a stock image website that provides royalty-free images, videos, and vectors with a straightforward pricing model for commercial use like Print on Demand.
11. Pond5
Pond5 is primarily known for video and audio content, Pond5 also offers premium images and illustrations with licenses suitable for commercial projects.
What is Envato Elements?
Envato Elements is a subscription-based digital asset platform that provides unlimited downloads of high-quality creative resources similar to Freepik. It’s widely used by designers, marketers, content creators, and businesses to access professional digital assets for various projects.
Envato Elements License Rules for Print on Demand:
Use Case | Allowed? | Conditions |
| Personal Use | Yes | No restrictions |
| Commercial Use (Web, Social Media, etc.) | Yes | Must follow licensing rules |
| Print-on-Demand (Modified Designs) | Yes | Must be significantly modified |
| Print-on-Demand (Without Modification) | No | Cannot use as-is |
| Reselling Digital Files (PNG, PSD, AI, etc.) | No | Not allowed |
Key Rules:
You must modify the design before selling it on POD platforms. Modification procedure to Envanto images is similar to modification process to Freepik resources.
You cannot upload an unmodified Envato Elements design for print on demand.
Comparison between Freepik & Envato:
We offer premium-quality super combed cotton t-shirts that are breathable, comfortable, and durable for sports activities.
Choose Freepik if:
- You need free or affordable design elements
- You work mainly with vectors, photos, and icons
- You don’t mind modifying assets for commercial use
- You use it for general design needs.
Choose Envato Elements if:
- You need unlimited downloads for a fixed price
- You work with videos, fonts, templates, and mockups
- You want commercial rights without attribution
- You use it for professional designing.
Conclusion:
Freepik can be a great tool for creating designs for your Print on Demand products, especially if you’re looking for high-quality graphics at an affordable price. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind, especially around licensing, attribution for free resources, and the potential lack of uniqueness in designs. For a professional Print on Demand business, a Premium plan will provide access to more high-quality resources and eliminate the need for attribution. Just be sure to customize your designs to stand out in the competitive market.
If you want to avoid any legal risks, consider using fully Print on Demand-friendly resources like Creative Fabrica, Vexels, or designing original artwork. Always check licensing terms before using any graphic for commercial purposes and opt for extended licenses that grants wider commercial rights. Further detailed information on Freepik is provided in the support article of freepik.
Among various POD platforms, Qikink is a great choice if you’re looking for a print-on-demand and drop-shipping service that offers quality, ease of use, and scalability. It’s particularly appealing if you want to run a sustainable and cost-effective online business with minimal upfront investment.
How Print on Demand works with Qikink?
1. Create a Store or Integrate with Platforms:
- You start by setting up an online store (on platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy).
- Alternatively, you can create a store directly on Qikink.
2. Design Your Products:
- You can create custom designs for a wide range of products (e.g., t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, phone cases, etc.).
- Qikink provides design tools and templates, or you can upload your own designs to be printed on the products.
3. Product Listing & branding:
- Once the designs are ready, you can list your products in your online store with descriptions and pricing, and start building your brand.
4. Order Fulfillment:
- When a customer places an order on your store, the order is automatically sent to Qikink’s facility for fulfillment. Qikink does custom printing, branding, packing with accessories and delivers to your customers.
5. Shipping and Delivery:
- Qikink handles the shipping, offering global delivery. You don’t have to worry about storing inventory or managing the logistics of shipping.
Why to Choose Qikink:
- No upfront cost
- Automated seamless quick order Fulfillment
- Wide range of products with global shipping
- High-quality printing technologies
- Custom branding options
- Sustainability & Eco-friendly practices
- Transaparent pricing
- Easy integration with e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use iStock photos for Print on demand?
No, you cannot use standard iStock photos for Print on demand products. iStock has strict licensing terms and most of their images are not allowed for resale on merchandise without a specific license.
iStock Licensing for Print on Demand:
- Standard License (NOT Allowed for POD)
- Cannot be used on products for resale
- Can be used for digital projects, websites, and advertising.
- Extended License (Required for POD)
- Allows use on physical products for resale (T-shirts, posters, etc.).
- Can be expensive because it grants more usage rights.
What are the best ways to find and create Print on Demand designs?
- If you want ready-made designs: Buy from Creative Fabrica/ Vexels/ Envanto/ Design bundles.
- If you want unique designs: Hire a designer or create your own.
- If you want fast & creative ideas: Use AI tools like MidJourney
How to Edit Freepik Images for Your Projects?
Freepik provides vector (AI, EPS), PSD, and JPG/PNG files. Editing of freepik images depends on the file format.
- AI/EPS (Vector) → Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape (Free)
- PSD (Photoshop File) → Adobe Photoshop, Photopea (Free Online Editor)
- JPG/PNG (Raster Image) → Photoshop, GIMP (Free), Canva
Can You Use Freepik Designs on T-Shirts?
Yes, but there are strict rules depending on whether you use Freepik’s Free or Premium resources.
- Free Resources – Require attribution and cannot be used for Print on demand without major modifications.
- Premium Resources – Do not require attribution, but must be modified before using for Print on demand
What is the design download limit in Freepik?
- Free User – 3 downloads per day
- Premium User – 100 downloads per day
- Premium Teams Plan – 200 downloads per day (per team member)
What are the subscription plans and its pricing in Freepik?
Freepik offers three tailored subscription options with pricing as,
- Essential plan – ₹388/month
- Premium plan – ₹725/month
- Premium+ plan – ₹1687/month
