Question 1

What license do I get when I download an image?

Accepted Answer

When you download content from Cathopic, you automatically receive a license to use that content according to our terms. Standard License (included with all subscriptions) Every subscription includes a Standard License for all content you download. This license allows you to: Use the content for digital and print media Use for social media, websites, and applications Use for presentations and promotional materials Use for commercial and non-commercial projects Edit and modify the content as needed Enhanced License (available for purchase) For specific high-volume or special use cases, an Enhanced License is available that provides: Greater distribution capabilities Higher impression limits for digital advertising Extended usage rights for certain applications Contact our support team if you need an Enhanced License for your project. Free content license Images marked as "Free" also come with a royalty-free license that allows: Use for personal or professional projects Use for social media, websites, and marketing Commercial use No attribution required License documentation Your license is automatically granted when you download content while logged into your account. There is no separate license certificate, but your download history serves as proof of your license. For complete license terms and conditions, visit our License page. What the license covers The license covers: The specific image, video, or graphic you downloaded Use by you or on behalf of a single client The right to use for the duration specified in the license terms Modifications and edits you make to the content

Question 2

Is Cathopic royalty-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All content on Cathopic is royalty-free, meaning you pay once (through your subscription or free download) and can use the content without additional royalty payments. What royalty-free means Royalty-free does NOT mean "free of cost" or "public domain". It means: You pay once (subscription fee or free download) No ongoing royalties or usage fees No additional payments per use or impression You can use the content multiple times No need to pay the creator each time you use it What you still need to respect Even though content is royalty-free, you must still: Follow the license terms Not claim to be the original creator Not redistribute or resell the original files Use the content within the allowed scope Maintain an active subscription for new projects (for premium content) Royalty-free vs. Rights-managed Cathopic is royalty-free, not rights-managed: Royalty-free (Cathopic): Pay once, use multiple times, no additional fees Rights-managed (NOT Cathopic): Pay per use, negotiate each time, fees based on usage Ownership and copyright Important to understand: The creator retains copyright and moral rights You receive a license to use, not ownership Multiple users can license the same content You cannot register the content as a trademark The content remains the intellectual property of Cathopic and the creator For free content Free content on Cathopic is also royalty-free. As stated in our license: "Content available on Cathopic is high-quality and royalty free." You can use free resources without ongoing payments or royalties.

Question 3

What's the difference between RF and editorial use?

Accepted Answer

Cathopic does not make a distinction between editorial and commercial use. All content on Cathopic is licensed for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. What other platforms mean by these terms On many stock photo sites: Royalty-Free (RF): Can be used for commercial purposes like advertising, marketing, products Editorial use only: Restricted to news, educational, or informational contexts, cannot be used commercially How Cathopic works Cathopic simplifies this: All content is royalty-free (RF) All content can be used commercially All content can be used editorially No content is restricted to "editorial only" You don't need to worry about this distinction What you can do With your Cathopic license, you can use content for: Commercial: Marketing, advertising, products, client work Editorial: News, articles, blogs, educational materials Religious: Ministry, catechesis, parish communications Non-profit: Charity work, fundraising, awareness campaigns Why Cathopic doesn't restrict to editorial Because Cathopic focuses on Catholic content that is meant to be used for evangelization and ministry work, which naturally includes both commercial and non-commercial applications. Our mission is to make authentic Catholic visual content accessible for all uses that align with our values. What you still cannot do While you can use content commercially, you still cannot: Use in ways that harm the Church or Catholic faith Use for unlawful or immoral purposes Use to create trademarks or logos Claim to be the original creator Redistribute or resell the files See our License page for complete terms.

Question 4

Do licenses expire?

Accepted Answer

The license terms for Cathopic content depend on whether you maintain an active subscription and when you downloaded the content. For currently published work If you downloaded and published content while you had an active subscription: You may keep that content in already-published projects This applies even if you later cancel your subscription Examples: website headers, current marketing campaigns, client work already delivered As stated in our license: "If you have utilized a Cathopic resource for a website header for your business or client, you may maintain that resource as the website header even if you have canceled your Cathopic subscription." For new projects after cancellation If you cancel your subscription: You cannot use downloaded content for NEW projects You cannot use the content for NEW clients You cannot continue creating NEW products with the content From our license: "It is not permitted for users to cancel their Cathopic subscription but continue to utilize resources for new products and projects for either your business or for new clients." Summary of what happens when you cancel You MAY: Keep content in projects already published Maintain live websites, social posts, or campaigns using the content Continue displaying products or materials already sold/delivered You MAY NOT: Start new projects with previously downloaded content Use the content for new clients after cancellation Create new products or services with the content Free content Content downloaded from the free tier does not require an active subscription for continued use. Once downloaded, you may use free content indefinitely according to the free license terms. Reactivating your subscription If you reactivate your subscription: You regain full rights to use all previously downloaded content You can start new projects with your existing downloads Your license rights are fully restored Best practices To avoid license issues: Only download content while you have an active subscription Maintain your subscription if you plan ongoing projects Complete and publish client work before canceling Keep records of when content was downloaded and published For full details, review our License page.

Question 5

How can I verify my license?

Accepted Answer

Your license for downloaded Cathopic content is automatically granted when you download while logged into your account. Here's how to verify and document your license. Download history as proof Your download history serves as proof of your license: 1. Access your download history: Log into your Cathopic account Go to Settings → Downloads View all content you've downloaded See the date and time of each download 2. What the download history shows: Every image, video, or graphic you've downloaded When you downloaded each item Confirmation you had rights to download at that time Subscription status verification To verify your current licensing rights: 1. Check your subscription status: Go to Settings → Subscription See if your subscription is active Check your plan type and benefits View your next renewal date 2. What your subscription status means for licensing: Active subscription: Full rights to use all downloaded content for new and existing projects Canceled subscription: Can maintain already-published work, but no new projects Free account: Can use free content downloaded according to free license terms No separate license certificate Cathopic does not issue separate license certificates. Your proof of license consists of: Your account download history Your subscription status at time of download Our published license terms at cathopic.com/legal/license For clients or legal purposes If you need to prove your license to a client or for legal purposes: Take screenshots of your download history showing the content and date Take screenshots of your subscription status Reference our public license page Contact our support team if you need additional documentation For content downloaded by team members If multiple people on your team download content: Each person must download while logged into their own account Each account's download history tracks their downloads The subscription holder's account provides the license rights If you lose access to your account If you can't access your account to verify your downloads: Contact our support team at cathopic.com/support Provide details about your account and subscription history We can help verify your license status Best practices for documentation To maintain clear license records: Keep your account active and accessible Periodically save screenshots of important downloads Keep records of when you published projects using the content Save copies of invoices showing active subscription periods

Question 6

Can I use images for social media?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Social media is one of the primary approved uses for Cathopic content. You can freely use images, videos, and graphics for your social media accounts. What you can do You can use Cathopic content as a main element to create social media posts for platforms like: Facebook Instagram (posts, stories, reels) Twitter/X Pinterest LinkedIn TikTok YouTube (thumbnails, channel art) Catholic-specific platforms like Flocknote Types of social media use allowed You can create: Regular posts with Cathopic images Quote graphics using Cathopic backgrounds Story templates with Cathopic elements Carousel posts featuring Cathopic content Video content incorporating Cathopic images or videos Social media campaigns using Cathopic resources Profile headers or banners For any type of account You can use Cathopic content for: Personal accounts: Your own social media presence Business accounts: For your company or organization Ministry accounts: Parish, diocese, religious order Client accounts: Social media you manage for clients Non-profit accounts: Charity or educational organizations Using images as downloaded or edited You can: Post images directly as downloaded from Cathopic Edit images (add text, adjust colors, crop, filter) Combine with other elements to create graphics Use as backgrounds for quote posts No attribution required As stated in our license: "You do not need to mention Cathopic in the copy of your post, but we do welcome promotion and collaboration from our users in order to further our mission to capture the beauty of God." While not required, we appreciate when you: Tag @cathopic when you use our content Add a mention in your caption Help spread the word about our mission What you cannot claim You may NOT: Claim to be the original photographer or creator Present the image as your own original work Imply you created the content yourself As our license states: "You may not claim to be the original photographer of this photo." Commercial social media use Yes, you can use Cathopic content for commercial social media: Promoting products or services Advertising campaigns Sponsored posts Business marketing Subscription requirement Free content: Can be used for social media anytime, no subscription needed Premium content: Requires active subscription for new posts; existing posts can remain if you cancel See our License page for complete social media terms.

Question 7

Can I use images for print materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Cathopic content can be used for a wide variety of print materials, both digital and physical print media. General print uses allowed You can use Cathopic content for: Flyers and brochures Posters and banners Bulletins and newsletters Business cards Invitations and event materials Presentations and slideshows Promotional materials Teaching materials and handouts Catechesis resources From our license: "You may also use Cathopic resources to include in presentations/materials to promote the various products and services your organization offers, such as brochures, bulletins, slideshows, posters, etc. in both print and digital media." Books and magazines Special rules apply to books and magazines: Book covers: ✓ Allowed for books with content (novels, manuals, devotionals, guides) ✗ Not allowed for no-content or low-content books (notebooks, planners, journals) Inside books: ✓ Allowed as secondary elements supporting text ✓ Allowed as small additions to complement content ✗ Not allowed as full-page images ✗ Not allowed for picture books, coloring books, or coffee table books Attribution requirement: When using Cathopic resources in books or magazines, attribution must be added to the credits section Contact hello@cathopic.com for proper attribution format From our license: "When using Cathopic resources in these products/project, the attribution needs to be added to the book. This can be added to the credits section." Products you can create Allowed as secondary elements: You can use Cathopic resources as secondary elements (not the main focus) in products like: Custom designs combining Cathopic images with your own elements Products where Cathopic content enhances but isn't the primary value Items where significant other design work is added Not allowed as main elements: You cannot use Cathopic resources as the main element for products like: T-shirts, mugs, or stickers featuring just a Cathopic image Calendars using only Cathopic photos Prints or posters that are just downloaded Cathopic images Patterns for clothes, notebooks, water bottles (unless combined with your own designs) From our license: "You may not use Cathopic resources as the main element in the sale of products such as t-shirts, mugs, stickers, calendars, etc." Client work and professional printing You can use Cathopic content for print projects for clients: Design print materials for specific clients Create promotional materials for client businesses Provide printed deliverables to clients Important limitation: You can provide clients with printed products or PDF files You cannot provide clients with the original editable files (AI/PSD/EPS) containing Cathopic resources From our license: "You can edit Cathopic Resources and give your client the printed product or the PNG/PDF file, but never the original editable file which includes our resources." Ministry and parish materials Cathopic is ideal for creating: Parish bulletins and newsletters Religious education materials Catechesis handouts and workbooks Event invitations and promotional materials Ministry brochures and flyers Retreat materials and prayer cards Subscription requirement You must have an active subscription when you create and initially publish the print materials If you cancel your subscription, existing printed/published materials can remain in use You cannot create new print projects after canceling For complete print usage terms, visit our License page.

Question 8

Can I use images for commercial projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Cathopic content can be used for commercial purposes. Both free and premium content are licensed for commercial use. Commercial uses explicitly allowed You can use Cathopic content commercially for: Marketing and advertising campaigns Business websites and applications Commercial social media accounts Client projects and services Product packaging and promotion (as secondary elements) Commercial blogs and publications Paid advertising (digital and print) Corporate communications Free content commercial use As stated in our license for free content: "You may use free content for commercial purposes. You are not required to inform Cathopic about your commercial or non-commercial use of the resources you download." Types of commercial projects allowed 1. Marketing and advertising: Create ads for your business or clients Design marketing campaigns Produce promotional videos Develop advertising materials 2. Client work: Design websites for paying clients Create branding materials for clients Produce social media content for client accounts Develop marketing collateral for client businesses From our license: "You are allowed to use Cathopic resources to create products you are working on for one specific client." 3. Business websites and apps: Use as part of your company website design Include in commercial applications Feature in business presentations Use in company newsletters 4. Products and services (with limitations): ✓ Use as secondary elements in products you sell ✗ Cannot be the main element or primary value of the product What "secondary element" means For commercial products, Cathopic resources must be used as secondary elements that enhance main elements from other sources: The Cathopic resource should not be the only or primary design element You must add significant creative work or content from other sources The Cathopic resource should complement, not dominate, the final product From our license: "Resources downloaded from Cathopic should be used as secondary elements which enhance main elements, derived from other sources not from Cathopic, that come together to create a singular image, message, product, service, or resource." What you cannot do commercially 1. Cannot use as main element for products: Cannot download a Cathopic image and sell it as a print or poster Cannot use solely Cathopic images on merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers) Cannot create products where the Cathopic resource is the primary value 2. Cannot resell or redistribute: Cannot sell Cathopic resources on stock photo platforms Cannot include in design bundles or template packs Cannot provide the original files to multiple clients From our license: "It is not permitted to sell Cathopic resources on platforms or stores, whether online or in print, as this would be considered as reselling/redistributing Cathopic resources." 3. Cannot use for logos or trademarks: Cannot use Cathopic resources to create company logos Cannot register Cathopic resources as trademarks Cannot use to represent a brand identity From our license: "Users are not authorized to use Cathopic resources fully or partially to create logotypes as our resources cannot be associated with trademarks, real businesses or organizations." Subscription requirement for commercial use Free content: Can be used commercially without a subscription Premium content: Requires active subscription for new commercial projects Already-published commercial work can remain after canceling subscription Cannot start new commercial projects with old downloads after canceling Examples of approved commercial use A Catholic bookstore using Cathopic images in their marketing materials A web designer creating a client website with Cathopic photos A graphic designer making social media posts for a Catholic school A ministry creating promotional videos for their paid retreats A company designing an advertising campaign for Catholic products For complete commercial use terms, see our License page.

Question 9

Are there restrictions on sensitive uses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While Cathopic content can be used for commercial and non-commercial purposes, there are strict restrictions on uses that would be harmful, inappropriate, or contrary to Catholic values. Absolutely prohibited uses From our license: "Under no circumstances may you use the content:" For unlawful or illegal purposes In the context of pornography To promote violence, abomination, racism, hatred, threats and discrimination against any person on the basis of race, religion, sex, community or nationality To harm the oppressed To violate privacy To slander or libel a third party Uses contrary to the Catholic faith Content cannot be used in ways that: Harm the Catholic Church or Catholic faith Misrepresent Catholic teaching or doctrine Mock or denigrate sacred images, persons, or practices Promote values contrary to Catholic moral teaching Associate Catholic imagery with inappropriate content Sensitive subject matter Exercise caution and good judgment when using content related to: Identifiable people: Do not use in ways that would embarrass, defame, or misrepresent the people shown Sacred images: Use images of the Eucharist, sacraments, and sacred objects with appropriate reverence Religious figures: Images of saints, clergy, and religious should be used respectfully Controversial topics: Use discretion when applying images to politically or socially sensitive subjects What "harmful" means Content cannot be used to: Advocate for violence or harm Promote discrimination or hatred Spread misinformation or propaganda Exploit or victimize vulnerable populations Violate human dignity Political use considerations While Cathopic does not prohibit political use per se, content should not be used: To falsely imply Church endorsement of a candidate or party In ways that misrepresent Catholic teaching on political issues To promote positions directly contrary to Catholic doctrine To create division or hatred between groups Respecting people depicted When images contain identifiable people: Do not alter the image to change the context inappropriately Do not use in ways that would be offensive to the subject Do not imply endorsement or association without consent Use common sense and ethical judgment Respecting sacred content For images of the Eucharist, Mass, sacraments, or other sacred subjects: Maintain appropriate reverence and respect Do not trivialize or mock sacred content Do not use in contexts that would be considered sacrilegious Consider how the Church and faithful would perceive the use What to do if you're unsure If you're uncertain whether a particular use would be appropriate: Contact our support team at cathopic.com/support Describe your intended use and ask for guidance Err on the side of caution and respect Consider whether the use serves evangelization and the common good Consequences of violation Uses that violate these restrictions may result in: Immediate termination of your license Account suspension or banning Legal action if appropriate Requirement to cease use immediately Our mission Remember that Cathopic exists to support evangelization and authentic Catholic communication. All uses should align with this mission and respect Catholic values, human dignity, and the common good. For complete terms, see our License and Terms of Use.

Question 10

Can I edit or modify images?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You are free to edit and modify Cathopic content to fit your needs. Editing is encouraged to help you create the perfect design for your project. Types of editing allowed You can make any modifications including: Cropping and resizing: Adjust dimensions and composition Color adjustments: Change brightness, contrast, saturation, hue Filters and effects: Apply artistic effects, vintage looks, etc. Adding text: Overlay quotes, captions, titles, or other text Adding graphics: Include additional design elements, borders, frames Combining images: Create composites or collages Format conversion: Change file formats as needed Orientation changes: Rotate or flip images Edit for your specific use Common editing scenarios: Social media: Add text overlays for quote graphics Crop to platform-specific dimensions (Instagram square, story, etc.) Add your branding or logo Create templates with consistent styling Print materials: Adjust to fit specific print sizes Combine with other design elements Add text for flyers, brochures, posters Adjust colors for print requirements (CMYK conversion) Website and digital: Optimize file size for web performance Crop to fit website layouts Create responsive versions Adjust for different screen sizes Your edits are licensed too When you edit a Cathopic image: Your edited version is covered by your license You can use the edited version according to the same terms You own your creative additions and modifications The underlying Cathopic content still belongs to Cathopic and the creator Limitations on editing While you can freely edit, you still cannot: 1. Edit to create inappropriate content: Cannot modify to create content that violates license restrictions Cannot alter sacred images in disrespectful ways Cannot edit to create content contrary to Catholic values 2. Edit to misrepresent: Cannot alter images of people in defamatory ways Cannot manipulate to spread misinformation Cannot change context to harm reputation 3. Share editable files: Cannot provide the original or modified editable files (AI/PSD/EPS) to clients or others Can provide final flattened files (JPG, PNG, PDF) From our license: "You can edit Cathopic Resources and give your client the printed product or the PNG/PDF file, but never the original editable file which includes our resources." Main element vs. secondary element considerations When editing creates a new design: If Cathopic content remains the main element: Small changes (color, orientation) still make it a main element Adding just text or small decorations still makes it a main element The Cathopic content is still the most prominent part If your edits create a secondary element: You've added significant creative work from other sources The Cathopic resource is now part of a larger composition Other elements have equal or greater prominence From our license: "A resources is also considered a main element, if you add other elements created by yourself or by a third party, such as adding/changing the text or small decorations, but the design from Cathopic is still the element with the most presence in the final composition." Tools you can use Edit with any software or tool: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign Canva, Figma, or other design platforms Online photo editors Video editing software (for Cathopic videos) Mobile editing apps Editing tips Best practices: Keep a copy of the original unedited file Save edited versions with descriptive names Maintain image quality by working with high-resolution originals Test edited images at their intended display size Ensure edits align with your project goals and our license terms You still cannot claim as original creator Even with extensive edits: You cannot claim to be the original photographer or artist The underlying work remains property of the creator You own your creative additions, not the base content For complete editing terms, see our License page.

Licenses & Usage Rights

Understanding licenses

Allowed and restricted uses