Licence information checked 20 October 2026
The licence attached to a texture sets the permissions and conditions for using it. Record the exact version, source page and supplied notices before sharing project files. This guide uses the CC 4.0 licences linked below and CC0 1.0; older versions and custom terms need their own reading.
Make a SOURCES.txt record with our local notes builder. It records information you enter; it does not grant rights or verify compliance.
Compare the actual terms
| Source label | Commercial use | Important condition or limit | Primary reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC0 1.0 | Permitted under the dedication | No copyright attribution requirement; other rights can remain. | CC0 deed and legal code |
| CC BY 4.0 | Permitted under its terms | Attribution, licence link, changes and supplied notices. | CC BY 4.0 |
| CC BY-SA 4.0 | Permitted under its terms | Attribution plus ShareAlike when sharing adapted material. | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
| CC BY-NC 4.0 | The licence limits use to noncommercial purposes | Attribution and the NonCommercial condition. | CC BY-NC 4.0 |
| Custom / paid terms | Read the actual agreement | Record the terms that accompanied the asset and the permissions for the intended delivery. | The selected asset's terms |
CC0: keep the source without inventing a credit requirement
CC0 waives copyright and related rights as far as the law permits. It permits copying, modification, distribution and commercial use without asking permission. It does not require copyright attribution. Patent, trademark, publicity and privacy rights can remain, and the dedication does not supply a warranty. Read the primary CC0 reference for its scope.
Keeping the creator and source URL is still a useful production habit: it helps another artist identify which maps you used and recover their origin. Treat that habit as source tracking, rather than presenting it as a CC0 condition.
CC BY: record the supplied information
CC BY 4.0 permits commercial sharing and adaptation under its terms. Its attribution requirement includes the creator and attribution parties, copyright, licence and disclaimer notices when supplied, a link to the material, a licence link and an indication of changes. Earlier modification notices also matter. Credit must not suggest endorsement. The licence also restricts additional legal or technical measures that prevent permitted reuse.
Use the notes builder's supplied-notices and changes fields, or reference an accompanying notice file. An empty field stays marked Not recorded; generating the text does not establish that the record is complete.
CC BY-SA: sale is not the restriction
CC BY-SA 4.0 also permits commercial sharing and adaptation. When you share adapted material, ShareAlike conditions apply to that adaptation, using the same or a permitted compatible licence. Whether a particular atlas, combination or project is an adaptation needs its own assessment. A broad rule saying that selling a texture pack is forbidden under BY-SA is incorrect.
NonCommercial and custom terms
CC BY-NC 4.0 limits use to noncommercial purposes, defined around commercial advantage or monetary compensation. A free download price does not supply commercial permission. For intended commercial use, choose terms that permit it or obtain separate permission covering that use.
For a custom licence, retain the agreement that accompanied the asset and check its clauses for your intended delivery. The words royalty-free alone do not describe every permission. Putting files in a build, baking an atlas or sending a project ZIP does not by itself check the source terms.
Make the project record useful
For each material, keep its title, creator, public source URL, exact licence and terms URL. Preserve supplied notices, describe changes and list the filenames used. The SOURCES.txt builder assembles these fields in your browser and exports a text file. Export before leaving; the list is not saved between visits.
The builder includes examples for the checked 1K map starters Worn Planks, Medieval Blocks 05 and Cardboard 001. Their original source maps are CC0 and their pages identify the creators. Community submissions can carry other licences. The checked library comparison explains those examples' files and workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Does CC BY-SA forbid commercial texture projects?
No. CC BY-SA 4.0 allows commercial use under its terms, including attribution and ShareAlike conditions when sharing adapted material. It is not a blanket ban on selling textures.
Does CC0 require attribution?
CC0 does not require copyright attribution. Keeping source notes is useful for tracing the files; other rights and the actual source notice still need attention.
Can I mark an unknown licence as CC0?
No. A missing licence is not a CC0 dedication. Record the licence as Not recorded until you identify the source terms or obtain the required permission.
Does a SOURCES.txt file prove permission?
No. It records the information entered by its author. It does not verify ownership, grant a licence or decide compliance for a particular project.