Computer graphics based on vectors are ideal for logos, icons, and website back­grounds. Vector graphics are some of the most fun­da­ment­al tools in web design and a search on Google or Bing will reveal a bounty of resources for down­load­ing graphics. But user rights for these images often vary, and only in the rarest of cases can they be down­loaded and used for private purposes without re­stric­tions. We’ve put together some of the best addresses for free image downloads and have answered some basic questions about user rights.

Free vector graphics and their ap­plic­a­tions

As is also the case when using photos or other images, rights of use for graphics must always be used in ac­cord­ance with their licences. Free licences that offer users a wide scope of user rights provide con­veni­ent al­tern­at­ives, sparing you the hassle of legal troubleshoot­ing.

Creative commons vector graphics

Free licences are supplied by the or­gan­isa­tion, Creative Commons. Graphics and images published on this portal can be used by anyone, and there is no need to ask for the copyright owners’ per­mis­sion.

Certain user con­di­tions are linked with the seven total CC licences. Pictures or graphics published under creative commons licences are freely ac­cess­ible and can be used by anyone. Barring one exception, the producers of the original content must always be credited. Some CC licences allow com­mer­cial use of material but prohibit users from changing the content in any way.

The CC0 licence grants users complete freedom in what they do with files. In contrast to other licenses, users are not required to cite the original creator of the content, although doing so is re­com­men­ded.

Ad­di­tion­al free vector graph licences

Creative Commons is by far the most well-known type of free licence. Many other free graphics are licensed in a different, yet com­par­ably user-friendly form. Some providers also oversee their own free licences. Questions on how such graphics can be used are normally found on the provider’s website. Usage is often free, provided that the creator is properly credited.

Platforms like Freepik or Free Vectors offer two models for using their graphics databases: a free version that doesn’t require re­gis­tra­tion as well as one with re­gis­tra­tion and a monthly payment scheme. The free versions also give users access to the sites’ port­fo­li­os. Without an account and a payment plan, however, users are required to include a link to the databases, should the graphic find its way onto their own website.

Freepik and Free Vectors are by no means your only options for down­load­ing free vector graphics that don’t require licences. Many other sites also have col­lec­tions available with similar con­di­tions as mentioned above. Here’s an overview of their features and overall terms of use.

The best sources for free graphics

The sites listed below offer a range of different free-of-charge vector graphics. Licences do tend to vary among these options, so make sure that you un­der­stand and follow the various terms of use for in­di­vidu­al graphics.

  • Freepik
    The Graphic database, Freepik, has over 50,000 free vector graphics on offer. In addition to classic icons, there are also scores of il­lus­tra­tions, back­grounds, and templates for web design available for download. The platform stip­u­lates that Freepik has to be credited as the author of all material whenever it’s used, although the premium version exempts users of this re­spons­ib­il­ity. The licence also enables you to download images faster and in larger sizes that are not available in the free version.
  • Free Vectors
    Similar to Freepik, Free Vectors also operates on a two-tier model: free graphic use (with copyright citation) or paid accounts. Aside from graphics, Free Vectors also offers many different back­grounds as well as a selection of clip art.

  • Flaticon
    Flaticon spe­cial­ises in free vector icons. Crediting the site is mandatory when using its content. 
  • icon­mon­str
    Based in Munster, Germany, icon­mon­str offers over 3,000 free icons. According to the site’s licensing agreement, no source citation is necessary, and the icons can be used for virtually any purpose (similar to the CC0 licence).
  • Vecteezy
    Another platform for vector graphics of all types (il­lus­tra­tions, icons, templates). These resources can be acquired on Vecteezy, often under its own licence or under a Creative Commons licence. Ensuring that you’re in line with all terms of use is crucial with this option.
  • Themezy
    An offshoot of Vecteezy, Themezy  focuses on free themes and templates for websites. Material found on this site is often re­gistered under different licences.
  • Pixabay
    Pixabay is first and foremost a picture database. In addition to its im­press­ive selection of photos, the site also has a re­spect­able selection of vector graphics and il­lus­tra­tions on offer. What makes Pixabay special is that all of its listed photos are subject to the CC0 licence.

A wide selection of free vector graphics

Web designers on the lookout for free graphics have an enormous selection to choose from. As long as you adhere to the terms of use of each re­spect­ive license agreement (violation of these con­di­tions is known to result in cease and desist orders or fines), you can make use of these resources without having to worry.

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