Check font and image licences for your cover design

Create an asset register

Record the font or image name, creator or supplier, source, licence version, acquisition date and project use. Keep receipts and terms with the source reference. Distinguish using an asset in an exported cover from supplying its editable source to another person.

Read the relevant use scope

Check commercial artwork, promotion, merchandise, web embedding or redistribution as applicable. OFL fonts permit broad design use under their specific licence while font-software sharing has conditions. That does not establish the rules for another commercial font or a stock image.

Review images independently

Confirm the intended use of photographs, stock material and generated imagery, including any relevant person or property permission. Do not assume the designer owns every imported asset. Obtain clarification or an alternative cleared asset where the evidence does not cover the actual release.

Keep the handover controlled

Provide the approved exports and only those editable assets or font files whose licences permit the transfer. Preserve required notices and any credit instructions. Seek appropriate advice for unclear terms. This guide does not grant a font licence, buy an asset or certify worldwide rights for a customer’s design.

Sources and review

Reviewed 4 November 2026. Platform requirements and plan terms can change. Examples are planning aids, not a promise of account access, release acceptance or earnings.

• SIL OFL use and redistribution
• UK permission scope guidance

Continue your release planning

• Build a useful public page for a music release
• Keep one verified register of your official artist links
• Privacy choices for artist websites and fan forms

Ask the DistroBolt team about your release. Send a concise question and release reference; never send account passwords or verification codes.