PROMPT GUIDE

What to check before using AI images commercially (reading the terms)

Can you use AI-generated images on merchandise, in ads or in work documents? The answer is: it depends on the service you used and its terms. This guide lists what to check in the terms before commercial use and the steps to follow. Conditions for specific services can change, so always check the official terms.

Last updated: 2026-10-22 approx. 3 min read

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The short answer

Whether an AI image can be used commercially is usually decided by the terms of use of the generation service and the plan you are on. Before using it, check five things in the official terms: whether commercial use is allowed, plan conditions, how rights are handled, prohibited uses and labeling rules. Terms can change, so read the version current at the time of use.

Can AI images be used commercially?

It is usually decided by the generation service's terms of use or your plan, so start by checking the terms.

Even for the same kind of AI-made image, a free plan may restrict commercial use while a paid plan allows it. When you run a model on your own computer, each model may come with its own distribution conditions (license). In every case the conditions are set by the service or distributor and can change, so check the official terms that apply at the time you use the image.

What should you check in the terms?

Check the five items in the table below in the official terms of use or license.

Item to check	Where to look	What to watch
Commercial use allowed?	The commercial use or purpose section of the terms	It can differ by plan
Plan conditions	The pricing page and terms	Free and paid plans may differ
Handling of rights	Sections on outputs, generated content and rights	Who may use it and for what
Prohibited uses	Prohibited actions and usage policies	Certain uses or content may be banned
Labeling rules	Terms and guidelines	An AI label or credit may be required

Anime girl checking papers in an office before using AI images commercially — 規約を確認

Anime girl arranging plain merchandise on a shop shelf, before turning AI art into goods — 規約を確認

Illustration usage rules

Rinka's tips

Terms can change; note the date you used the image and what the terms said then
For models you run on your own computer, also check each model's license
For client work, also check the client's rules on whether AI images are allowed

What are the steps before commercial use?

Go in this order: check the terms, check the content, keep a record, then check the rules of the client or sales platform.

Steps before using an image commercially

Confirm which generation service and plan you used
Read whether commercial use is allowed, and on what conditions, in the official terms
Check that the image does not resemble other works, characters, logos or real people
Check whether the sales platform or client has rules on using or labeling AI images
Keep a note of the service, plan, date and key points of the terms
If anything is unclear, consult a professional or the service's support before using it

[Commercial use check] Service / Plan / Date checked / Commercial use allowed? / Prohibited uses / Labeling rules

[Content check] Not similar to existing works, characters or logos / Not a real person / No text or watermarks

What should you watch for each use?

Sales, advertising and client work each add places you need to check.

Use	What to check	Note
Selling merchandise or self-published comics	The service's terms and the sales platform's rules	Some sales platforms have rules for AI works
Ads and promotion	The terms and the ad platform's rules	Avoid anything misleading
Client deliverables	The terms and your contract with the client	Get the client's permission first
Blog or social media icons	The terms and the posting site's rules	Check the terms even for personal use

The places to check grow when the use changes. If an image you first used on your personal social media later goes onto merchandise or into client work, check the terms and the sales platform's rules again at that point.

What are the common misunderstandings?

Both 'it is AI-made so anyone can use it freely' and 'I checked once so it is fine forever' are risky assumptions.

Common misunderstanding	In reality	What to do
Anyone can use AI-made images freely	Conditions are usually set by terms and contracts	Read the terms before use
A paid plan allows anything	There may still be prohibited uses and conditions	Check the prohibited uses too
Once checked, it stays the same	Terms can change	Read the terms current at the time of use
It is fine if I change a similar image a little	It can still be a problem depending on similarity and use	Do not use images that look similar

Basic cautions about AI art and copyright: AI art and copyright basics (what to watch out for and how to check) →

How to choose and compare AI image services: AI Image Generators Compared (How to Choose by Type) →

Etiquette for labeling your work as AI-generated: How to label your work as AI-generated (social media and art sites) →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AI images be used commercially?

It is usually decided by the terms of use of the generation service and your plan. Conditions differ by service and can change, so check the official terms at the time of use.

Can I sell images made on a free plan?

Some services restrict commercial use on free plans. Check the conditions for each plan in the official terms.

Can I use images I made on my own computer freely?

Each model may have its own distribution conditions (license). Check the conditions set by the model's distributor.

What should I watch when using AI images in work documents?

Besides the service's terms, check the rules of your client or company. Some require permission before AI images can be used at all.