Creative Commons licences: what you may do with a model
Creative Commons is a set of licences by which an author allows others to use their work under stated conditions. For 3D models it decides whether you may print them to sell and modify them.
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These sites have thousands of free models. Download an STL or 3MF and upload it here. If you sell it or use it for business, check the model licence. How to pick a model and licence
Contents
How the licences work
The licences are published by the non-profit Creative Commons and are also explained on Wikipedia. The author picks conditions from a few building blocks and posts the model on, for example, Printables or Thingiverse. You then have to keep to those conditions.
In practice a few combinations are used most, from the most liberal CC BY to the strictest CC BY-NC-ND, which allows neither commercial use nor modifications. The more letters in the abbreviation, the more restrictions.
The four marks you will see most often
- BY (attribution). You must credit the author. It is part of every CC licence.
- NC (non-commercial). You must not use the model for profit, see the BY-NC licence.
- ND (no derivatives). You must not change the model, for example add a logo to it.
- SA (share alike). Your modification must carry the same licence.
What it means for an order
When you print for yourself there is mostly nothing to worry about. When you want to sell the printed pieces, hand them out with a company logo or give them to clients, the licence decides. For corporate gifts and promotional items NC is practically always an obstacle.
We do not check the licences of downloaded models, the responsibility lies with the customer. If you are not sure, write to the author and ask for a commercial licence.
How to find your way quickly
Next to a model you will find a licence badge and a link to its text. It is enough to read the short version, the so-called deed, which is available in several languages. Save the link or a screenshot of the licence page, in case you need to prove it later.
It works the other way round too: when you create a model yourself, you can set its licence. See also Cults3D, where each author sets their own terms.
A handy rule to remember: if you print for yourself, the licence rarely restricts you, but if the print is going to a company or for sale, read it first. Models from paid sources have their own licence terms, which need not be Creative Commons.
Common questions
May I print CC-licensed models to sell?
Only if the licence does not include NC. For others you have to comply with it, above all credit the author.
Do I have to credit the author on the printed object?
The BY licence requires attribution, the way depends on the terms. For an object it is usually enough to give it in the description or on a website.
Do you check the licences of models?
No, we do not check the licences of downloaded models, the responsibility lies with the customer.
Related terms
BY-NC licence
CC BY-NC is a Creative Commons licence that allows a model to be used and modified only non-commercially and with credit to the author. Without the author's consent it does not suit sales or business use.
Printables
Printables is a website with a database of free 3D models, run by Prusa Research. Models are shared under various licences and most of them can be downloaded for free.
Thingiverse
Thingiverse is one of the oldest and largest websites with a database of free 3D models. You will find hundreds of thousands of files in it, from useful parts to toys.
Cults3D
Cults3D is an online platform where designers sell and share ready-made models for 3D printing, some free and some for a fee. You download the model as a file and get it printed.
Corporate gifts
Corporate gifts are small presents for customers, partners or employees. With 3D printing they can be made with your own shape and logo from just a few pieces.
Promotional items
Promotional items are small things with a company logo that are given out to customers and partners. With 3D printing the item can have its own shape even in small quantities.
SourcesSources checked 1 November 2026, 2
- Creative Commons licenses, Creative Commons, checked 2026-11-01
- Creative Commons, Wikipedia, checked 2026-11-01
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No model? No problem, pick a ready one
These sites have thousands of free models. Download an STL or 3MF and upload it here. If you sell it or use it for business, check the model licence. How to pick a model and licence