How do you credit and license 3D assets for sharing?

1 What are 3D assets?

3D assets are any digital files that can be used to create or enhance 3D graphics, such as characters, environments, props, animations, effects, or sounds. They can be created from scratch, downloaded from online platforms, or purchased from asset stores. 3D assets can have different formats, such as OBJ, FBX, PNG, or WAV, depending on the software and purpose.

2 Why credit and license 3D assets?

Crediting and licensing 3D assets is not only a matter of courtesy and professionalism, but also a legal obligation. By using 3D assets from other sources, you are bound by the terms and conditions of their creators or owners, who have the intellectual property rights over them. Failing to credit and license 3D assets can result in legal issues, such as claims, lawsuits, or takedowns, as well as ethical issues, such as plagiarism, misrepresentation, or disrespect.

3 How to credit 3D assets?

Crediting 3D assets is an important way to acknowledge the source and authorship of the assets used in your 3D graphics. Depending on the context and medium of your work, there are various methods of crediting 3D assets. For example, you can include a text file or document with the names and links of the assets and their creators or owners in your project folder or package. Additionally, you can add a credits screen or section to your video, game, or presentation that lists the assets and their creators or owners. Furthermore, when sharing your work online through social media posts, blogs, or portfolios, you should mention the assets and their creators or owners. Lastly, you can use a watermark or logo that indicates the source of the assets in your work.

4 How to license 3D assets?

Licensing 3D assets means following the rules and restrictions of the assets you use in your 3D graphics. There are various types of licenses available, depending on the rights and permissions granted by their creators or owners. For instance, you can find public domain assets that are free to use without attribution or permission. Creative Commons assets are also free to use, but with specific conditions such as non-commercial, share-alike, or no-derivatives. Royalty-free assets require a one-time fee or subscription to use without attribution or permission. Lastly, rights-managed assets must be paid for and used for a specific purpose with permission and within a limited time or scope.

5 How to find 3D assets?

Finding 3D assets can be either simple or difficult depending on your needs and preferences. There are many sources and platforms available, such as online repositories like Sketchfab, TurboSquid, or CGTrader where you can browse, download, or purchase 3D assets from a variety of genres. Additionally, asset stores like Unity, Unreal, or Blender provide access to 3D assets that are compatible with specific software and engines. Last but not least, community forums such as Polycount, Blender Artists, or Reddit offer a platform to request, share, or exchange 3D assets with other 3D artists and enthusiasts.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?