What CC0 Really Means

I’ve been part of the 3D community for years, and I've seen firsthand how generous creators share their assets. When artists release textures and models under the CC0 license, they invite you to use these resources however you like—no strings attached and no need for credit. However, such freedom also comes with a shared responsibility.

Understanding the CC0 License

The CC0 license essentially means that the creator is relinquishing all copyright, placing their work in the public domain. This provides a tremendous resource for personal and commercial projects without legal complexity. Some of the most popular assets under CC0 include:

• CC0 Free Textures

• CC0 3D Models

This freedom fuels creativity, especially within open-source communities, educational settings, and rapid prototyping environments.

The Issue with Unauthorized Redistribution

Lately, I've noticed that some developers have started distributing these CC0 assets through their own tools—like Blender addons—without linking back to the original source. While it may seem like a handy way to share resources, the reality is a bit more complex.

When these tools pull assets from our storage without linking back to our website, every download counts against us. We end up shouldering the costs for every bandwidth hit and download, which ultimately reduces the traffic and support that our creators need to continue their work. This arrangement not only prevents proper recognition for the original artists but also hinders our capacity to manage the expenses required to keep the service running.

Our Commitment at ShareTextures

At ShareTextures.com, we firmly believe that everyone benefits when the original creators get the attention they deserve. That's why our Terms of Service clearly specify that the CC0 license is only valid when the asset is downloaded directly from our website. This ensures that every download contributes to:

• Covering operational costs (like storage and bandwidth)

• Supporting the artists who devote their time and talent

• Maintaining a sustainable free asset service for the entire community

Being Supportive of Creators

I wholeheartedly support innovation and appreciate creative developers who build tools that improve workflows within the 3D community. If you’re crafting an addon or a similar tool that utilizes these CC0 assets, please consider:

• Crediting the original source by linking back to ShareTextures.com

• Partnering with Asset Creator

These steps may seem small, but they ensure that the ecosystem remains strong and that the original creators can keep providing high-quality free assets.

A Community That Cares

By being mindful of how we access and distribute these materials, we help cultivate a more generous and supportive environment. Every time you download a CC0 texture or 3D model from ShareTextures.com, remember that an artist poured passion and effort into making it available for everyone.

Let's join hands and maintain the spirit of sharing by giving back whether it's through proper attribution, linking to the original source, or sharing in the revenues. Together, we build not just projects, but a thriving, sustainable community where creativity can truly flourish.