No-Cost Image Solutions for Businesses: Commercial Use Made Easy

Did you know that some of the world’s most iconic advertisements use stock images for commercial use? For example, AlamapBBDO, a Brazilian ad agency, used stock photos from Getty Images to create their Endless Possibilities campaign in 2016. The advertising campaign combined photos of random people’s faces to recreate portraits of famous people such as the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis.

Most creative agencies prefer altering stock images in most of their work. This is because it allows them to create campaigns for different companies much faster at affordable costs. Keep reading to find out how to get free images for commercial use in your next project.

Part 1: Download images in loyalty-free sites

Several sites offer free images for commercial use as part of their services. In addition, you do not need to register an account to download the images. The sites typically rely on user contributions and content teams to ensure their databases are fresh and maintain consistent quality. Furthermore, all creative assets they offer fall under the creative commons zero license or a variation of it. Here are some of the sites that offer you images for commercial use for free.

1. Pexels

Pexels.com is a free-to-use provider of high-resolution photos and videos for aspiring creators. The German-based website was started in 2014 by two brothers and has been under the Canva umbrella since 2018.

Currently, the website hosts over 3.2 million images and videos from over 250,000 active contributors. In addition, all the material you find in its library is under the Pexels license, which slightly varies from the creative commons zero license model. Some of the restrictions it enforces include:

You can only use pexels images for commercial use after making alterations to the original image. For example, you can use part of an image to create a collage for your commercial branding.
Furthermore, you cannot use any of the website’s content to promote political ideologies and explicit content, especially if the images contain identifiable subjects.

Pexels is available through the following channels:

Your web browser by typing the URL pexels.com.
The Android and iOS app.
A plugin for other content creation software such as Google Slides and MS Office.
An extension on your Chrome browser.
You can also access the database using the official Canva app.

2. Unsplash

Another website that offers free images for commercial use is Unsplash, a subsidiary of Getty Images since 2021. The website is a favorite among creators boasting over 16 billion photo impressions monthly. In addition, the database consists of over 3.48 million photos from more than 265,000 unique contributors, all under the Unsplash license.

The Unsplash license restricts the sale of its creative assets without incorporating new creative elements, including using them in print media and physical goods such as mugs and caps.

You can access Unsplash from your web browser or request API integration for your application from the site’s owners. In addition, the site also hosts photo walks across different cities, where Unsplash guides show you the best photo locations around the city and the best camera techniques for your work. Some cities to host the event include Boston, Montreal, Tokyo, and Toronto.

3. Freerange

Freerange Stock is an online resource for photos, illustrations, and textures you can download and use for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Since 2007, the site has continued to provide high-quality images to its community of over 800,000 registered users.

Unlike the previous examples, all content on Freerange falls under the website’s Equalicense. It grants you broad commercial rights of its stock images while allowing the contributors to retain control of their copyright, image resale, and distribution. As such, you cannot use the images for bulk distribution or print-on-demand works.

Freerange Stock maintains its steady supply of images for commercial use via the following methods:

It has an in-house team of professional photographers who upload images across the different categories on the website.
Freerange Stock also purchases image rights or directly commissions photos from independent creators.
You can also contribute to the website’s library by voluntarily submitting your work to the platform. Kindly note that you will need a verified account to enable this function.
The website also works directly with photographers through a licensing and distribution model, providing them extra exposure on the site.
Finally, Freerange stock aggregates public domain images from other sources, including similar sites and government institutions. It does so by acknowledging the image owner and sometimes lists the image source when the owner is unknown.

Freerange Stock is accessible through your web browser or as an API integration on your app.

4. Vecteezy

Vecteezy is an extensive online library of free stock images for commercial use. Some of the site’s highlight features include the following:

A best-in-class search engine that incorporates multiple filters to ensure your results are extremely accurate. For example, you can sort images by color, style, number of people, and age of the subjects, something other free stock websites do not provide.
All images, videos, and vector illustrations are free for personal and commercial uses. It does so through a property sign and release model with its extensive network of contributors, which protects users from any legal liabilities.
Finally, it employs a content team that manually reviews each photo submission to ensure consistent quality standards for its offerings.

In addition, you can also purchase design resource bundles by subscribing to its Vecteezy pro for as little as $9 monthly. Some of the resources available include the Ultimate Text Effects Layer Styles Bundle for Photoshop, which costs $39 stand-alone or $4.50 when you subscribe to pro.

Part 2: Buy from stock providers

Another way to get images for commercial use is by buying them from stock providers. Some of the benefits of buying images from stock providers include:

You get a wide selection of unique photos from top-tier photographers. Stock providers always seek collaborations with the industry’s finest to edge out the competition.
You receive exemplary customer service with your purchase. Selecting the right image can be confusing for amateur creators. As such, stock image providers have customer support channels to help you throughout your creative process.
Stock images reduce your delivery times significantly. Buying images from a stock provider eliminates the need to invest in photography equipment and the time you need for post-production. As such, you can deliver projects in a fast and cost-effective way.

Despite the above positive, here are some challenges that buying stock images may present:

Not all stock image providers will have the creative assets you need.
Image overuse is likely since every creator will rush for the most popular contributor.

Below are some of the stock image providers you should consider.

1. iStock

iStockphoto.com is an online database of creative resources, including royalty-free photos, videos, audio, illustrations, and clip art you can use in your creations. The website is a Getty Images subsidiary based in Calgary, Canada. In addition, contributors earn royalties depending on how often users download their content.

2. Alamy.com

Alamy.com is a British-owned stock image provider with contributions from photographers and agencies in 173 countries. It compensates its contributors by offering higher than average payouts every time users download their creations. Some popular brands to use Alamy’s services include M&C Saatchi, Microsoft, and The Economist.

Part 3: Shot a Photo by yourself or create one with editing tools

Alternatively, you can get images for commercial use by shooting them yourself or creating them with editing tools such as Figma and Wondershare’s Filmstock. Here are some benefits of using this method:

You get exactly what you want, provided you have the required skills and equipment. Sometimes, getting the right image for your commercial purpose can be challenging. As such, shooting an original photo may be the only option.
You have full ownership of the image.

Unlike obtaining images from stock photography websites, you are free to use the image in whatever capacity you please without any restrictions. For example, sites such as Unsplash do not allow you to use their images in political statements, a restriction you can bypass when using your own creations.

However, you should also consider the following factors when using this method.

It requires a substantial investment

Getting high-quality images for commercial purposes requires specialist equipment. For example, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 camera, which has 4K resolution capability, costs $2,197 on Amazon. This makes it extremely expensive for amateur creators.

There is a steep learning curve

Becoming a professional photographer takes time and effort. Unless you are creating as a hobby, it will be a while before you can start generating income from your creations.

Part 4: FAQs

1. Do you need a contributor account to get images for commercial use?

Not necessarily. Stock image sites like pexels.com allow you to download images from their website without creating an account. You will only need one if you want to showcase your work on the platform.

2. Can you use your smartphone to get images for commercial use?

Yes. Most stock image providers have device-specific apps that allow you to access their databases from your mobile device. For example, UnsplashPhotoPicker allows you access to the Unsplash library from your Android device.

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Mobile 3D Animation Made Easy: Top Apps for Android & iPhone

Best 3D Animation Apps for Android and iPhone (Free Download)

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

You don’t need to use your desktop to create exciting, fun, and thought-provoking 3D animations.

In fact, more and more people are moving from using animation software on desktop and producing outstanding 3D animation videos through their apps.

There are many great reasons for making your photo 3D cartoon videos on your phone or tablet. You don’t need to carry your laptop around with you all the time or use your desktop to get the results that you require.

Read on to learn more about six of the very best 3D animation apps for your phone.

Part 1: Best 3D Animation App for iPhone
Part 2: Best 3D Animation App for Android
Part 3: FAQ about 3D Animation Apps

Recommended 3D animation software - Filmora

It is true that you can make animation on your phone, but editing 3D animation on the desktop is necessary if you want to have more controls on an animation video. Here we recommend using Filmora.

You can use it to make 3D animation or 2D animation by adding keyframes , so the animation will be smooth and natural. You just need to build a white plane to easily start making animation.

Besides, color correction/grading and audio mixer will raise up your animation video to a new level.

Free download it to have a try!

Note: The light flare effects of Filmora will make 3D animation to a new level.

Below is a comparison table of 3D animation apps. It is a quick introduction of these 6 3D animation software on Android and iPhone. Take a look.

Support OS	Features	Pros	Cons
Bot3D Editor	iPhone	Make 3D pose as you want; Lip-sync to recorded voices	User-friendly interface; You can make all kinds of gestures	Impossible to download characters
Toontastic 3D	iPhone/Android	Liked by Common Sense Media; Mix audio with song	You can customize the color of the characters	Users want more props
Maya For 3D Animation	Android	Integrate your work with Maya	Upload your work to Maya for future editing	Some bugs will appear
Animate It!	iPhone/Android	Change playback speed as you want	Onion skinning is fun to use for us	Not all characters are free to use
Animate Me	iPhone/Android	Easy to use for beginners and higher end users	Regular audio update; Share unlimited 3D animation	Vague icons may cause misunderstanding
Anim8	iPhone/Android	Simple to use with friendly interface	Make full-body animation at one time	Only two characters are available

Part 1: Best 3D Animation App for iPhone

1. Bot3D Editor

This best 3D animation app promises to give you “everything you need at your fingertips” and is one of the most efficient smartphone and tablet 3D animation editors on the market.

It’s easy to export and share your work when it is finished, and the app is compatible with iPhones and iPads.

You can create poses within moments and animate them immediately. Key features include the Full Body Inverse Kinematics Algorithm, the importing of sound data and a HandEditor, Face Editor and SceneEditor.

You can also import your own photos and create characters that can lip-sync to voices. The app allows you to create vertical and horizontal videos.

Pros:

Customization is good to use
Easy to use and make your pose
Various emotions to use

Cons:

You can’t download your own characters
Limited combination and they can’t be mixed up

2. Toontastic 3D

This app allows you to draw, animate, and narrate cartoons. Toontastic is the best 3D animation app that can record your voice and animations and store your animations on your device.

Many people are using the app to create photo albums, put together news reports, and create adventures, and much more.

The animation maker has received glowing reviews from many leading media outlets and was even named the Best Kids App of the Year for 2017. Download the app to create pirates, villains, robots, and all sorts of different characters. Built-in songs are available, and there are three Story Arcs to choose from. You can even add yourself to your stories.

Pros:

It has a Parents’ Choice Gold Award
You can design your own 3D drawing tools
Directly upload it to Photos library

Cons:

Needs more characters in one scene
More props or extra sound effects are required

Part 2: Best 3D Animation App for Android

1. Maya For 3D Animation

Maya is developed by Autodesk, Inc and can be used to produce interactive 3D applications such as visual effects, animated films, video games, and more.

3D assets created in Maya have been seen in various films, TV series, and games. Those seeking a reliable 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and imaging solution should feel well catered-for by Maya.

Pros:

This 3D animation maker is easy to make
You can import your work to Maya

Cons:

Some bugs appear for many times

2. Animate It!

Animate It! It comes with a host of useful features for the ambitious animators of today. The animation app allows you to create sketches and poses on your tablet and smartphone whenever inspiration strikes.

It offers simple, intuitive controls, and you can perform various actions by finger touching, touching and dragging, and more.

The app can even be used by children to create animations, though it is also a favorite with students, game developers, and professional animators.

There are various skins available for your characters, as well as props and land creation facilities.

Pros:

You can select your characters easily
You can add user skins up to 10 PNG images

Cons:

No tutorial or instruction offers
Icons are vague

3. Animate Me

This 3D animation app is perfect for kids in particular but is ideal for adults too. Kids across the world have been using Animate Me to create exciting 3D animations and upload them to YouTube.

The app comes with in-built cartoon characters that help kids and those new to the world of animation to get to grips with the basics. It’s possible to make characters perform various actions, including walking, running, jumping, and talking with the app.

There are also video tutorials that will help you get more out of the app. The Everyplay feature enables you to share your work across all kinds of online platforms, including not only YouTube but Facebook and Twitter too.

Pros:

Make 3D cartoons move quickly and easily
Include video tutorials for beginners

Cons:

You have to buy other characters

4. Anim8

If you’re looking for a tool that will let you gain a deeper understanding of 3D and character animation, Anim8 may well be the perfect solution.

You can use the app to pose five existing characters in a 3D environment, with the controls being highly intuitive and efficient. Many people are drawn to this app because of its simplicity.

The app has been designed by leading character animators, and you can start animating within just a few minutes once you have downloaded it. Full body animation is possible thanks to the advanced articulation on offer, and you can sketch out key poses with the drawing tool.

The onion skin feature will help you plan out poses and time in a precise manner, and you can easily upload your work to a plethora of online platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. There are more than 30 points of articulation, and you can also import audio with ease.

Pros:

Easy to use interface in Anim8
You can sketch your key poses every time

Cons:

Sometimes you can share your 3D animation
Not all characters are free to use

Part 3: FAQ about 3D Animation Apps

1. What is the best app for animation?

For the 3D animation app, we suggest using the Bot3D Editor. It is an easy-to-use anime editor that only needs dragging to complete your editing. If you know how to use keyframes, it will give you more control over animation. For example, you can make poses in many ways by keyframes.

2. How do you animate a 3D object?

The best way to animate a 3D object is by using keyframes and built-in templates. As a beginner, you may not know how to make a 3D object, but with templates, you just need to choose one and start customizing it.

3. Where can I animate for free?

There are so many free-to-use animation software to use. Pencil2D is a reliable tool to make animation easy. You just need to download it on the desktop to animate objects. However, it’d be best if you have a basic understanding of how to make animation. Otherwise, you may need some time to learn it first.

Conclusion

3D animation apps are ideal for those wishing to learn new skills and heighten their creativity. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re confident that you’ll find an app that meets your needs above. You can also use leading tools such as Filmora to edit your video and add extra effects to add an extra touch of magic to your work. Why not get started right now?

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox