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Security Risk of Free SVG Files You Don’t Realize!

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For crafters, especially beginners, free SVG files are necessary to download. New crafters will still need to figure out the types of crafting that can be produced using SVG and cutting machines. This article is intended to introduce the risk of free SVG that crafters collect.

Free SVGs are usually shared when a new user subscribes to a craft blogger’s mailing list. They are also included in the package when you sign up for crafting camp/classes, whether online or on-site. You can be rest assured that this kind of free SVGs are safe. You only need to follow the instructions or licensing explanations given to you.

What about the rest? Are free SVG safe?

It may seem shocking but the risk of free SVG can also affect even the most skilled crafters. How could that be? Can SVG be malicious? Is there something we should be wary of?

Free SVG has lower quality than premium SVG

Not all free SVG files are designed with optimal cutting and crafting in mind. Some files may have poorly designed paths or other issues that can cause problems during the cutting process, resulting in wasted materials and time.

If you wish to collect free SVG, choose websites that specializes in craft file designs. These websites already have the technical know-hows from years of experience. 

Take Drizy Studio for example, the designers are well informed of the needed measurements to make cuttable designs and are always notified if there are standard changes.

Most (but not all) free SVG have simple designs. For a more complex design, sometimes you need to resort to buying premium SVG. 

Dog Lover 3D Paper Cut – Pet Lover Shadow Box

So, are free SVG safe? Even if you manage to obtain a free SVG with a beautiful, intricate design, you must pay attention to this next risk of free SVG below.

Copyright License

Let’s learn from the basics. Are SVG files copyrighted?

SVG files can be subject to copyright protection, same as any other work of creative authorship. The creator of an SVG file can hold the copyright to the file and may require a license or permission to use the file for commercial purposes. 

It’s important to be aware of the copyright status of an SVG file before using it in any project to avoid any potential legal issues. You can check the licensing terms of an SVG file with the source or by contacting the creator directly.

There are different types of SVG craft file licenses that you may encounter. Here are some examples of them:

1. Personal Use

This type of license allows you to use the file for your own personal projects.

2. Commercial Use

Are SVG files copyrighted? Example of SVG file license
Example of our commercial license

This type of license allows you to use the file for commercial purposes, such as selling products made using the file. Some commercial use licenses may have specific restrictions, such as a limit on the number of products you can sell, or a requirement to credit the creator of the file.

3. Crafter’s License

This type of license is specifically designed for small business owners who make handmade items to sell. It typically allows for commercial use of the file, but only for a limited number of products.

4. Attribution License

This type of license requires you to credit the creator of the file when using it in your own work.

5. Royalty-Free License

This type of license allows you to use the file without paying a fee for each use, but may still have restrictions on how you can use it.

Potential risk of free SVG files associated with license can come in two ways.

One, while there are many legitimate sources for free SVG files, some websites might offer files that are copyrighted or not properly licensed for free use. You may not be aware of this problem because the SVG provider does not give clear explanations about it.

And two, the free SVG files are properly licensed for personal use and you are aware of it, but you chose to use it for commercial use. That’s a high risk for legal issues.

are svg files copyrighted
Don’t take risk by selling items made for personal use.

Let me explain what use is categorized as “personal use” to be clear.

Personal use must conform to all three of the following conditions:

  1. No exchange of money or services involved
  2. No financial gain is earned, directly or indirectly
  3. It must not promote a business entity (including non-profit organizations)

If any one of these conditions is not met. Then it is categorized as commercial use.

Let’s avoid legal issues caused by the risk of free SVG. It’s important to carefully read and understand the terms of any license agreement before using the licensed SVG, and to always use the appropriate license for your intended use.

If you’re unsure about whether a particular license is suitable for your intended use, it’s best to contact the licensor for clarification.

Free SVG can contain malware / virus

Can SVG be malicious? The answer is yes. Let’s discuss the security risk of free SVG.

A malicious actor or threat actor could potentially upload an SVG file that contains malware or malicious code that could infect a user’s computer when the file is downloaded or opened.

Malware can enter downloaded files in a variety of ways. One common method is through the use of malicious attachments in emails. These attachments may be disguised as legitimate files but actually contain malware.

can SVG be malicious
Internet security risk of free SVG files

Another method is through the use of malware-infected downloads. This can happen when a user downloads a file from an untrusted or malicious website, or when a legitimate website is hacked and a download is replaced with a malware-infected file.

Always be cautious and only download SVG files from reputable sources to reduce the risk of malware or other security threats. It may help to list down some reliable sources when purchasing SVG files to reduce these risks.

Additionally, make sure to scan any downloaded files with a reliable antivirus software before opening or using them. Keeping your antivirus software up-to-date and using a firewall can help reduce the risk of malware infections.

Infographic Be Aware The Risk of Free SVG

To wrap up this article, there is one last tip you can do. Consider learning to create your own designs. You can do this little-by-little.

If you need tips for crafting or making simple SVG, you can head over to Drizy Studio’s Instagram page.

We share information that can help beginners like you start making crafts! Make sure to follow!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Drizy Studio | 1st SVG Cut Files Handcrafter Studio in Asia (@drizy_studio)

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