Where can you reliably find PNG images under these licenses? This guide highlights the top trustworthy sites and shares best practices for sourcing and using these images responsibly.
When working on commercial projects, ensuring that your images are free to use—without legal gray areas—is essential. Public domain and CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) licenses offer maximum flexibility, allowing creators to use images for any purpose, including business and marketing, with no attribution required.
But where can you reliably find PNG images under these licenses? This guide highlights the top trustworthy sites and shares best practices for sourcing and using these images responsibly.
If you need a quick starting point, you can explore a diverse selection of royalty-free PNG graphics availablein this curated PNG section, where many assets are suitable for both commercial and personal use.
Understanding Public Domain and CC0 Licenses
Public domain images are those that are free from copyright, either because the copyright has expired or the creator has waived their rights.CC0 is a license created by Creative Commons that allows authors to give up their copyright, placing their work as close as possible to the public domain.
Key advantages:
No attribution required: You can use the image without crediting the author.
No commercial restrictions: You can use, modify, and distribute the image for business, marketing, product design, or any other commercial purpose.
Maximum legal safety: As long as the image is genuinely public domain or CC0, you have broad freedom to use it.
Top Sites for Free PNGs with Public Domain and CC0 Licenses
1.Pixabay
Pixabay offers a vast collection of images, including high-quality PNGs. All content is released under the Pixabay License, which is similar to CC0. Images are free for commercial use and do not require attribution, although redistribution on competing platforms is not permitted.
2.Unsplash
Unsplash is renowned for its extensive photo library but also includes PNG and vector assets. Their license grants broad rights for commercial use with no attribution required. While Unsplash is not technically CC0, the license is highly permissive and safe for commercial projects.
3.Pikwizard
Pikwizard provides a wide range of royalty-free PNG images that can be used in both personal and commercial settings. Many of their images are available with clear, flexible licensing that allows for broad commercial use. Their selection is particularly useful for marketers and designers needing transparent PNG files.
4.OpenClipart
OpenClipart is a true public domain resource. All images are released with no restrictions, so you can use any PNG for commercial or personal projects—no strings attached.
5.Public Domain Vectors
Although its main focus is vector graphics, Public Domain Vectors also offers PNG downloads. All artwork is either public domain or CC0, so you can confidently use it in commercial products.
6.PNGWing
PNGWing hosts a massive variety of transparent PNG images. Many are listed as available for commercial use, but always verify the stated license for each image to ensure compliance.
7.CC Search (now Openverse)
Openverse, operated by WordPress, aggregates openly licensed and public domain content from various sources, allowing you to search specifically for CC0 PNG images suitable for business projects.
Tips for Safe Use in Commercial Work
Always verify the license on the download page and keep a record for your files.
Avoid trademarked or branded images—even if the PNG is public domain, trademarks can carry separate restrictions.
Check the quality and resolution before using PNGs in professional materials.
Periodically review site policies—licensing terms and availability can change.
Conclusion
Public domain and CC0-licensed PNGs offer peace of mind for commercial creators, letting you focus on design and innovation without legal concerns. Whether you're building a website, designing marketing materials, or developing products, the sites listed above provide trustworthy sources for truly free images.
