Project:File licensing

It is very important that files are uploaded with the correct license in order to ensure that copyright is upheld.

Images released under "free licenses" that unambiguously allow for their legal use on this wiki are preferred.

Images and other media from the internet and printed publications

Images from the internet and printed publications are rarely released under free licenses. Please check carefully to assertain what license(s) the file is released under, and ensure that you select the correct license when uploading. Note that the license drop-down doesn't contain all possible options. You should edit the license template after uploading to fill out more information.

Non-free images

In some cases, it may be required to use non-free images. This should be avoided wherever possible, but it is sometimes necessary for historic imagery or images of non-public areas that we cannot photograph ourselves. Wherever possible and feasible, please seek permission to upload the file. Failing this, upload it under fair dealing. Note that, if a copyright holder wishes to have a file belonging to them removed from the wiki, they may get in contact and we will almost always comply.

Your own work

Due to the difficulties around photos, videos and other files sourced from the internet and printed publications, it is usually greatly prefered for editors to take their own photos and videos for use on the wiki. When doing so, it is suggested (but not strictly mandatory) to upload the file under a Creative Commons 4.0 license. CC BY-SA 4.0 (the same license as the wiki's text) is the prefered license, but, to reiterate, not mandatory.

Note that the provision known as "Freedom of Panorama" gives a lot of freedom for legally photographing and distributing photos of buildings, sculptures and "works of artistic craftsmanship". Please see this page on Wikimedia Commons for more details.