Can I modify Shutterstock images?
Rachel Hernandez
Updated on February 22, 2026
Correspondingly, can Shutterstock images be edited?
Both images and vectors can be edited extensively, with few limits on the edits made. However, Shutterstock's Standard and Enhanced Licenses do not allow images to be used as trademarks or logos - this includes incorporating elements of a vector as a part of a logo.
Secondly, is it illegal to edit images? Yes, you can modify a copyrighted image, but that doesn't mean that you have created an original. If you are changing it, without permission from the original creator, you are committing copyright infringement.
Also to know is, are images on Shutterstock copyrighted?
Shutterstock Photos Are Royalty-Free
Although there is a charge for Shutterstock images, once you have purchased them, they become what is known as royalty-free. This means that you are granted copyright to the intellectual property and have the license to use what you buy in multiple ways on multiple applications.
Is unsplash copyright free?
Unsplash grants you an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide copyright license to download, copy, modify, distribute, perform, and use photos from Unsplash for free, including for commercial purposes, without permission from or attributing the photographer or Unsplash.
Related Question Answers
Is depositphotos copyright free?
Depositphotos is a royalty-free content marketplace with headquarters in New York, USA. The Depositphotos library has over 200 million files, including royalty-free stock photos, vector images, video clips, and editorial files.Is Shutterstock Editor free?
Shutterstock Editor is designed for beginners to professionals who are looking for a straightforward, useful tool. It's intuitive, has a vast array of preset image sizes, and best of all, it is completely free for Shutterstock members.What is enhanced license Shutterstock?
Our Enhanced License is the next step up from our Standard License, and is the strongest license available online. The Enhanced License allows for: Image use on merchandise you are selling. Unlimited physical print runs. No restrictions in budget on multi-media or video productions.Can you remove text on Shutterstock images?
The text in our vector files is flattened; to manipulate it you'll need to remove the existing text content and use a vector editor to add new text.What can you do with Shutterstock editor?
With Shutterstock Editor, you can use your own image, or browse through the extensive collection of stock images inside the Shutterstock Editor. It has multiple options for ready-to-use design templates, making it even easier to customize an image.How do I edit a vector image in Shutterstock?
Open the EPS file from Shutterstock. All Shutterstock vectors are freely editable in Adobe Illustrator. Use any of Illustrator's tools to modify the image.Some of the possibilities include:
- Adding other shapes and lines.
- Modifying colors of current shapes.
- Altering paths to change designs.
- Introducing new vector images.
How do I edit an image in Photoshop?
Try these top tips to fix photos- Open a photo in Photoshop.
- Straighten a crooked photo.
- Clean up photo blemishes.
- Remove distracting objects.
- Add a creative blur effect.
- Add a photo filter.
How do I edit photos?
Here are the key steps for editing your photos:- Crop your images and clean them up.
- Adjust white balance.
- Adjust exposure and contrast.
- Adjust color vibrancy and saturation.
- Sharpen images.
- Finalize and share.
How do I add images to Shutterstock?
Log into your Shutterstock account and open Editor. In the left-side menu, click “My files.†Next, click “Uploads.†From here, you can either drag and drop files from your computer or click “Upload image†to browse your computer and select the desired file.Can I resell Shutterstock images?
DON'TS: You cannot resell, gift or transfer the licensed image to anyone for its use as-is. This license applies to you only, and you're solely responsible for its use. Note: You CAN use Shutterstock images in client work –say, if you're a designer creating visuals for a customer– under the Standard license no problem.Do you lose copyright on Shutterstock?
Here are some key points about the content you submit to Shutterstock: You retain all copyright ownership to the content you submit. You do not have to license your images exclusively through Shutterstock. This means you can also upload your content to other stock agencies or websites for licensing.Where does Shutterstock get their images?
Our image library is powered by content from Shutterstock contributors. Contributors always earn a percentage of the price Shutterstock receives for licensing their images, ranging from 15% up to 40% across 6 levels. As a contributor, you graduate through the levels based on your download count in a calendar year.Can I use Shutterstock images with watermark?
1 Answer. No, you shouldn't use watermarked images. These are still copyright and you don't have the rights to copy them. If you find an image you think it's used by someone unfairly then contact the copyright holder (if you can find them) to let them know.Can we use Shutterstock images on my YouTube channel?
Web Use – Footage can be used on social media websites, in mobile apps and on sites such as YouTube or Vimeo. It can even be used in content that will be digitally downloaded.Can I get free images from Shutterstock?
The new Shutterstock Free Trial lets you download up to 10 stock images (and vector images alike) during one month, totally free of charge. It is essentially giving you the first month from an annual Shutterstock subscription for free, for you to test the waters with their service and image quality.Is it illegal to use stock photos?
As long as they are labeled for commercial use, you can use stock photos in multiple designs and projects with a for-profit purpose, including websites, marketing and advertising, branding, and more. If the photos are labeled as Editorial, you can only use them for this end (never commercially).How do I get an enhanced license on Shutterstock?
In some cases customers will have the option to purchase a single Enhanced License when viewing an image. Just check the "Upgrade to Enhanced License" checkbox and click Download. You'll be sent to the checkout page to complete the purchase.How do you know if a photo is copyrighted?
One good way to see if a photo is copyrighted is by reverse searching for the image. Right click on the image and select “copy image addressâ€. Then paste this into Google Images or a site dedicated to reverse image search, like TinEye. This will show you where the image is used, and where it has come from.Does altering an image avoid copyright?
There is actually no percentage by which you must change an image to avoid copyright infringement. While copying a small part of an image might seem insignificant, it might be deemed “substantial†if it defines or is the essence of the piece.Can I sell edited photos?
The first question you need to answer is whether the image or photo that you intend to "edit" is protected by copyright. If it is in the "public domain," then yes you can change it and post or distribute the resulting image.Is it rude to edit photography photos?
Photographers don't ask you not to edit their work to be mean. They don't do it to be precious or pretentious. They literally do it because that photo, any photo they take is their business card and it's what puts food on their table. It's exactly the same for photographers when you edit a photo.What countries have banned Photoshop?
Israel is amongst the world's most strict country on Photoshopping of models for advertising purposes. Israel passed the Photoshop Act back in 2013 that prevents advertisers from using models with a BMI of under 18.5 (for your reference, a 5'10" model who weighs 129 pounds would have a 18.5 BMI).Can I paint a copyrighted image?
Who Holds the Copyright? The creator of the photograph, i.e. the photographer, usually holds the copyright to the photo and unless they've expressly given permission for its use, making a painting based on a photo would infringe the photographer's copyright.Can I use a photo if I edit it?
If you altered an image in any way, even with their permission, they do not lose copyright. In that scenario, you would have copyright over your specific modifications to the image, but that's it.How do I avoid copyright on Google Images?
Besides, we should further know how to avoid copyright disputes and use images safely.- Understanding Copyright Law.
- Don't take any image from the internet.
- Take images free from public domain.
- Download from google changing 'Usage Right'
- Be Creative.
- Don't trust on 'Fair Use'
- Receive permission.
- Give Credit.
How do I use Google images without copyright?
Follow these simple steps to find royalty free images using the Google Images advanced search.- Enter a search term in Google Images search.
- Click the Gear icon, then select Advanced search.
- Scroll down and use the usage rights drop down menu to select free to use or share, even commercially.