How do you properly attribute and license 3D assets from online repositories?

1 What is attribution?

Attribution is the act of giving credit to the original creator of a 3D asset. It is a way of acknowledging their work, respecting their rights, and showing appreciation for their contribution. Attribution is usually required by the license terms of the 3D asset, which specify how and where you should mention the source. Attribution can take different forms, such as a text note, a link, a logo, or a watermark. For example, if you use a 3D model of a car from Sketchfab, you should include the name of the creator and a link to their profile or the model page in your project.

2 What is licensing?

Licensing is a legal agreement that outlines how a 3D asset can be used. It establishes the rules and conditions for modifying, redistributing, selling, and using the asset for commercial or non-commercial purposes. Licensing is essential for protecting the rights and interests of both the creator and user of the 3D asset, and the type of license can differ from one asset to another. Common types of licenses include public domain, Creative Commons, royalty-free, and rights-managed. Public domain licenses allow unrestricted use without any attribution or restriction. Creative Commons licenses permit use with certain conditions such as attribution, non-commercial use, share-alike, or no derivatives. Royalty-free licenses require a one-time payment or subscription fee. Rights-managed licenses are licensed for a specific use, duration, and territory with a negotiated fee.

3 How to find the attribution and licensing information?

The first step to properly attribute and license a 3D asset is to find the relevant information. Usually, this information is provided by the online repository where you download the 3D asset. For example, on Sketchfab, you can see the license type and the attribution details under the model description. On TurboSquid, you can see the license type and the terms of use under the product specifications. On Blend Swap, you can see the license type and the attribution instructions under the download button. If you are not sure about the attribution and licensing information, you should contact the creator or the repository for clarification.

4 How to attribute a 3D asset?

In order to properly attribute a 3D asset, you should follow the instructions given by the creator or license. Depending on the license type, you may need to include elements such as the name of the creator and/or repository, the title of the 3D asset and/or link to the original source, the license type and/or link to the license, and any modifications you made to the asset. The attribution should be placed in a visible and accessible location within your project, such as in credits, description, documentation, or interface. Additionally, you should use a clear and consistent format for your attribution, such as a text, hyperlink, logo, or watermark. Altering, obscuring, or removing the attribution without permission is not allowed.

5 How to license a 3D asset?

The final step to properly license a 3D asset is to respect the rules and conditions of the license. Depending on the type of license, you may need to pay a fee or subscribe to a service, use the 3D asset for a specific purpose, duration, or territory, and not use it for commercial or profit-making activities. Additionally, you may not redistribute, sell, or transfer the 3D asset to others, create or share derivative works based on it, or share your work under a different license. It is important to read and understand the license terms before you use the 3D asset. You should also store a copy of the license for your records and check for any updates or changes in the license terms that you must follow. Violating, infringing, or misrepresenting the license can result in legal consequences, ethical dilemmas, and reputational harm.

6 Why is attribution and licensing important?

Attribution and licensing are essential when using 3D assets from online repositories. This helps to honor the work and rights of the original creators, as well as avoiding plagiarism, copyright infringement, and legal disputes. Utilizing proper attribution and licensing can also enhance your credibility and professionalism, foster a culture of sharing and collaboration, and encourage creativity and innovation. Therefore, by properly attributing and licensing 3D assets, you can enjoy the benefits of using them in your projects while respecting the rules and values of the 3D graphics community.

7 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?