CC BY-ND (NoDerivatives)
What CC BY-ND (NoDerivatives) Means
CC BY-ND (NoDerivatives) is a Creative Commons license that allows others to reuse a work, but only in its exact original form. The license permits sharing and redistribution, in any medium or format, so long as the creator is credited and no changes are made to the work. The combination of attribution (BY) and the no-derivatives condition (ND) sets clear boundaries: you may not alter, remix, translate, or create new works based on the original.
Definition of CC BY-ND
In practical terms, CC BY-ND means you can copy and share the material as-is, without altering its content, structure, or presentation. You may not modify images, text, videos, or audio. If you need a modified version, you must seek permission from the rights holder or use a different license that allows derivatives. The “BY” element requires users to give proper credit, and the “ND” element restricts any adaptation or change that would yield a derivative work.
Key terms: attribution and no derivatives
Attribution requires giving appropriate credit to the creator, providing a link to the license, and indicating if changes were made (if any). With ND, the critical constraint is that no derivative works may be produced. This means edits, translations, abridgments, remixes, or formatting changes that produce a new, distinct work are not allowed under the license. Together, these terms balance permissive sharing with protections against alterations that could misrepresent the original work.
What You Can Do Under CC BY-ND
Under CC BY-ND, you can freely share the original work with others. You can reproduce it, distribute copies, display it publicly, and use it in ways that preserve the exact content without modification. The license ensures that while the work can reach a wide audience, its original form remains intact so that downstream users encounter the same material the creator released.
Allowed uses (sharing, reproduction) with attribution
Sharing and reproducing the work in its unchanged form is allowed, provided you give proper attribution and include a link to the license. Redistribution can occur in print, digital, or other media, but the content itself must remain unaltered. This makes CC BY-ND suitable for contexts that require identical presentation, such as official documents, textbooks, or repository uploads where fidelity to the original is important.
Commercial vs non-commercial use
CC BY-ND does not prohibit commercial use. You may sell or distribute the work for profit as long as you do so without changing the content and you meet the attribution and license notice requirements. This distinction means businesses, publishers, and educators can leverage ND works in monetized contexts, but they must maintain the original form and clearly attribute the creator.
Education and non-profit uses
Educational settings benefit from CC BY-ND by enabling teachers and institutions to share materials with students without licensing changes. Non-profit organizations can likewise distribute ND-licensed content to support learning and outreach. In both cases, it remains essential to preserve integrity of the work and provide complete attribution.
What You Cannot Do
The ND component of the license restricts any modification that would generate a derivative work. This limitation is central to how CC BY-ND shapes reuse. You should plan reuse strategies that respect the original content while still achieving your objectives, or seek permission for any changes beyond the allowed scope.
No derivatives: what counts as a derivative
A derivative is a work that is based on or derived from the original content but is not identical to it. Examples include edited text, remixed audio, redesigned graphics, abridged versions, or any form of adaptation that changes the content in a meaningful way. Even if the new work adds value or shifts the audience, it would be considered a derivative under ND.
Modification restrictions
Modifications such as correcting typos in a way that alters meaning, changing formatting, or adjusting layout are typically considered derivatives. Reordering sections or translating the text into another language, without explicit permission, also falls under derivatives and is not permitted under CC BY-ND unless a separate license or permission is obtained.
Adaptations and translations
Translation, localization, and adaptation into other media (for example, turning a text into a video with new narration or converting a graphic into a different design) create a derivative. If you require these forms, you should obtain permission from the rights holder or select a license that allows derivatives, such as CC BY or CC BY-SA.
Attribution Requirements
Attribution is a core requirement of CC BY-ND. You must credit the creator, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. The attribution should be clear, reasonably visible, and placed close to or within the work when feasible. When multiple authors or sources are involved, give appropriate credit for each contributor as applicable.
How to attribute properly
A proper attribution typically includes the author’s name, the work’s title, a link to the original work, and a link to the license. If the license text is not embedded in the work itself, you should include a statement such as: “Original work by [Author], licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.”
Attribution formats
Attribution can be included in captions, credits, metadata, or a credits section. For digital reuse, consider including a credit line near the top or bottom of the page or within the metadata of a file. When in doubt, mirror how professional publishers present licensing information, ensuring it is accessible to the audience.
Examples
Example 1: If you reuse a text block in a handout, place a notice near the bottom: “Source: Title by Author, licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.” Include a link to the original work and to the license.
Example 2: If you publish an image exactly as originally supplied, caption it with credit: “Image: Title by Author, licensed CC BY-ND 4.0.” Include a URL to the source and license terms.
Practical Scenarios
Understanding real-world use helps clarify when CC BY-ND is appropriate. Consider how ND interacts with your goals in education, media, and research contexts.
Examples in education
In a classroom, a teacher can distribute a PDF of a scholarly article to students as-is, with proper attribution. A university repository may host the original work for academic referencing, enabling students to access unmodified source material. However, if students need a localized version for a different audience, the teacher must obtain permission or use a different license.
Examples in media
A documentary filmmaker can include a CC BY-ND image exactly as released, credit the creator, and display the license. The filmmaker cannot alter the image to suit the narrative or remix it into a new scene. If a publisher wants to adapt the material for a different platform, they must contact the rights holder for permission.
Examples in research
Researchers can share ND-licensed datasets or figures in their articles, maintaining the original state and including attribution. If the researcher wishes to incorporate the material into a new composite or translate it for a different audience, they would need explicit permission or a license that permits derivatives.
License Comparison and Alternatives
Choosing among Creative Commons licenses depends on how you want your work reused. The main contrasts involve attribution, derivatives, and how freely others can adapt your material.
CC BY vs CC BY-ND vs CC BY-SA
CC BY allows redistribution, adaptation, and commercial use with attribution. CC BY-SA also allows derivatives but requires that those derivatives be licensed under the same terms (the ShareAlike condition). CC BY-ND restricts derivatives entirely, permitting only unchanged sharing with attribution. ND can protect the integrity of a work, but it may limit localization and adaptation compared to BY and BY-SA.
When to choose CC BY-ND
Choose CC BY-ND when you want broad sharing in original form, want to ensure your work is reproduced exactly as released, and are less concerned about localization or adaptation. It’s suitable for official documents, studio materials released for public distribution, or resources where consistent formatting and content are critical. If your goal includes translations, adaptations, or culturally targeted versions, consider CC BY or CC BY-SA and plan for permissions where needed.
Using CC BY-ND Content Effectively
Even with ND, you can maximize impact by planning distribution strategies that emphasize faithful reproduction and clear attribution, while recognizing the limits on modification.
Localization considerations
Localization—adapting language, cultural references, or examples for a specific audience—requires permission under ND. If you anticipate localization needs, assess whether ND will meet your goals or if a more permissive license would better support accessibility and reach.
Creating derivative works with permission
When derivatives are essential, contact the rights holder to request permission for modifications, translations, or adaptations. Some creators are open to negotiated terms, especially for educational or non-profit purposes. These permissions can unlock broader dissemination while respecting original authorship.
Jurisdiction and Legal Considerations
Copyright law, fair use, and international treaties shape how CC BY-ND operates across borders. While Creative Commons licenses are designed to be globally applicable, local laws can influence enforcement and interpretation.
Copyright laws and fair use
Copyright laws determine the rights of creators and the scope of permissible use. Fair use (or fair dealing in some jurisdictions) may allow certain limited uses without permission, but it does not override the explicit terms of a license like CC BY-ND. Users should not assume that fair use converts ND content into a derivative or permits unapproved modifications.
International applicability
CC licenses attempt to provide uniform terms worldwide, but translations and local legal contexts can affect interpretation. When distributing ND-licensed material internationally, ensure that attribution requirements and no-derivative restrictions are understood by all audiences and that localized practices align with the license terms.
How to Attribute and Provide Source Links
Clear attribution and source linking support transparency and compliance. Follow consistent practices to ensure others can identify the original creator and license terms easily.
Citation style examples
Example citation: “Author Title, License CC BY-ND 4.0, URL to original work.” Include a link to the source and the license. If your format includes a formal bibliography, adapt the style to your discipline (APA, MLA, Chicago) while preserving the essential components: author, title, source, and license.
Attribution templates
Template 1: “Title by Author, licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/.”
Template 2: “Author, Title (Year). Source. CC BY-ND 4.0. Access: URL.”
Trusted Source Insight
Trusted Source Insight
For additional guidance, refer to UNESCO’s Open Educational Resources recommendations. The trusted source URL is provided here for direct access: https://unesdoc.unesco.org.
Trusted Summary: UNESCO’s Open Educational Resources guidance highlights the value of open licenses in expanding equitable access to learning materials. It notes that while licenses like CC BY-ND protect attribution and prevent derivatives, their restrictiveness can impede localization and adaptation across cultures. This insight informs educators and publishers to weigh ND restrictions when designing educational resources.