Model Licensing and Attribution

Model licenses tell you what you may do with a downloaded 3D model (print it, share the file, remix it, sell prints) and what credit you must give. Before you post photos, upload a remix, or take money for prints, read the license on the model page plus any extra notes from the creator, then keep a record of what you relied on.

TL;DR

Before you remix, re-upload, or sell prints from a downloaded model, read the model page’s license (especially NC/ND/SA) and copy the attribution text. If commercial permission or redistribution isn’t clearly allowed, assume it isn’t and ask the creator or pick a different model.

What you can do depends on license termsTopic-specific diagram for the concept, checks, and tradeoffs in this lesson.ActionsPrint / Share / Remix / SellBYCredit requiredNCNo commercial useNDNo remix sharingSARemix keeps licenseFile vs PrintCheck creator notes too
Use this as a quick map: match your intended action (print, share file, remix, sell) to the common license flags and any creator notes.

What this covers

A model license is a set of permissions and limits for the digital design files (STL/3MF/CAD) and sometimes the physical outputs you make from them. Attribution is the required credit line (who made it, where it came from, and what license applies) when you share files, publish photos, or distribute a remix.

Where to find the license and requirements

  1. On the model’s download page, find the License field (often near Details/About).
  2. Read the full description and comments for extra conditions (some creators add clarifying rules).
  3. Open any included README/Licensing/Attribution text files inside the download.
  4. If there are multiple files (STL pack, STEP source, images), confirm they all share the same license.
  5. If the license is missing or unclear, treat it as not permitted for re-sharing or commercial use and contact the creator.

Common license terms (plain language)

Attribution (BY)
You must credit the creator in the specified way (usually name, title, link, license).
NonCommercial (NC)
No commercial use. Commonly includes selling prints, charging for printing as a service, or using it in paid products.
NoDerivatives (ND)
You can share/print the model unchanged, but you may not distribute modified versions (remixes).
ShareAlike (SA)
If you publish a remix, you must license your remix under the same license terms.
CC0 / Public domain dedication
Creator waives rights as much as possible; you can use it freely. Attribution is not required but is still good practice.
All rights reserved
No permissions are granted beyond what the creator explicitly allows. Don’t assume printing for sale or file sharing is permitted.

Quick decision checks (what you plan to do)

  • Print for yourself: commonly allowed, but still check for any special limits or required credit when posting results.
  • Post photos online: if BY applies, include attribution in the post description or comments (where viewers can actually see it).
  • Share the STL/3MF: only do this if redistribution is allowed; keep the license text with the file when required.
  • Remix and publish: not allowed under ND; if SA applies, your remix must use the same license.
  • Sell prints or include in a paid service: not allowed under NC; also watch for creator notes that restrict sales even when the base license seems permissive.

Attribution template (copy/paste)

Designer
Creator name/handle
Model title
Exact model name
Source
Link to the model page
License
License name (and link if available)
Changes
What you changed (only if you remixed)