🖼️ A Complete Guide to Stay Legally Safe

Updated May 2025

Canva has become an essential tool for designers, entrepreneurs, and content creators. But one question often comes up: Can I use Canva images without worrying about copyright issues?

The short answer is: it depends. While Canva provides a vast library of free and paid images, it’s crucial to understand the licenses associated with each type of content to avoid copyright infringement.

📚 Types of Content on Canva and Their Licenses

1. Free Content

• Allowed Uses:
  You can use Canva’s free photos, music, and videos for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.

• Modifications:
  You’re allowed to modify this content to fit your project.

• Restrictions:

  • You may not sell unaltered copies of the content (e.g., a photo printed on a T-shirt).

  • You cannot use images of people in a way that is offensive or suggests endorsement without their consent.

👉 Reference: Free Media License Agreement – Canva

2. Pro Content

• Access:
  Available to users with a Canva Pro subscription.

• License:
  You are granted a license to use the content in a single design. If you want to reuse the same image in a new design, you must obtain a new license.

• Restrictions:

  • You may not redistribute or sell Pro content as a standalone item.

  • You may not use Pro templates to create designs for resale without significant modification.

👉 Reference: Content License Agreement

3. Third-Party Content (Pixabay & Pexels)

Canva integrates content from external sources like Pixabay and Pexels.

• Licenses:

  • Both platforms allow free use of their content for commercial purposes.

  • However, you cannot sell unmodified copies or use the images in ways that imply endorsement by people or brands shown.

👉 References: Pexels License, Pixabay License

⚠️ Key Considerations

• Identifiable Subjects:
  If an image includes identifiable people, places, logos, or trademarks, you may need additional permissions for commercial use.

• Offensive Use:
  Avoid using images in ways that are offensive or portray people negatively.

• Redistribution:
  You may not resell or redistribute Canva content without significant alteration.

✅ Best Practices for Using Canva Images

1. Check the License:
   Always verify the license before using any content and understand its terms.

2. Modify and Customize:
   Edit images to fit your brand and reduce the risk of issues.

3. Avoid Offensive Contexts:
   Don’t use people’s images in negative or misleading ways.

4. Don’t Resell as Is:
   Never redistribute Canva content unchanged or as standalone products.

📝 Conclusion

Canva is a powerful tool offering a wide range of visual assets. But it’s essential to use its content responsibly and within the scope of its licenses to avoid legal trouble.

If in doubt about a specific image, always refer to the relevant license or contact Canva support for clarification.