THE IMPORTANT DETAILS

Free to download. What does the license allow?

Separate commercial use, attribution and redistribution before you use a free mockup in a real project.

FreeMockups guide5 min read

Price and permission are different things

“Free” describes the download price. The license describes what you can do with the file, the resulting images and the material shown in the preview. A free download can still carry restrictions.

Before using a mockup in a client project, open the license on the creator’s website. Check whether the terms apply to that particular file or to the whole collection. A directory summary is a starting point; the original terms take precedence.

Check these three questions separately

Can I use it commercially?

Look for explicit permission to use the mockup for commercial work. Personal-use permission alone does not establish permission for advertising, a paid client project or a shop listing. If the terms are unclear, ask the creator before using it.

Do I need to give credit?

Some creators require a link or a particular credit line. Others do not. A lack of attribution requirements does not remove other license restrictions. You can give credit voluntarily even when it is not required.

Can I redistribute the file?

Permission to use a mockup is often separate from permission to redistribute its layered source. Do not upload the PSD to your own download page, add it to a template bundle or pass it to another party unless the license allows that exact use.

A preview can have its own rights

The artwork, photographs, typefaces or trademarks visible in a creator’s preview may not be included in the mockup license. Replacing the sample design with your own work does not automatically establish rights to every other element.

Use your own artwork in the finished presentation and keep track of any photographs, fonts or logos you add. Read the terms for those assets alongside the mockup license.

Keep a record with the project

  • The original item address and creator’s name.
  • The license address and the date you checked it.
  • A copy of the applicable terms, where keeping one is permitted.
  • Any written permission or clarification relevant to your use.
  • The original download instructions and required attribution.

This makes it easier to answer a client’s question later and to spot changes before reusing a resource for a different purpose.

How this directory presents licenses

Each listing links to the creator’s download page and license. Use the commercial-use field to compare resources, then read the full terms for the project you are planning.

If you need clarification about client work or handing over files, describe the intended use to the creator and keep their reply with the project.