If you’re a Teachers Pay Teachers seller – or you’re thinking about becoming one – you’ve probably felt overwhelmed by this question at least once:
Which fonts, clipart, and images can you use in TPT resources?
The rules around commercial use can feel confusing, especially when you’re just trying to create high-quality resources without accidentally breaking Terms of Use.
The good news is once you understand a few key “rules,” this becomes much simpler and much less stressful.
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Fonts You Can Use for Commercial Use on TPT
When you’re selling on TPT, you must use fonts that are approved for commercial use, meaning they can legally be used in products you sell.
If you’re creating resources in Google Slides, Google Docs, or Google Sheets, all Google Fonts are free for commercial use. You can even download Google Fonts and use them in other programs like PowerPoint. You don’t need to provide attribution, which makes them a great beginner-friendly option.
If you use Microsoft PowerPoint, you can legally use the fonts included with a Microsoft 365 Business subscription for commercial purposes. This includes standard fonts like Times New Roman and Arial. Microsoft’s terms require you to create commercial products using a business license rather than a personal one, making this an important distinction if PowerPoint is your primary tool.
Many sellers also use Canva, which is completely fine – with some important caveats. You can use fonts included in Canva Free and Canva Pro for commercial purposes, but you cannot use Canva for Educators when creating TPT products. That version is provided specifically for classroom use, not for selling resources. If you’re curious about what you can and can’t do with Canva, listen to this recent podcast where I break it all down for you.
Another excellent option for fonts is Teachers Pay Teachers itself. Many font creators sell commercial-use fonts directly on TPT, often with free starter packs so you can test their style. Always check that the font is labeled for commercial use, not personal use only.
When choosing fonts, readability matters just as much as style. Inside your actual resources, stick with clean, simple fonts that are easy for students to read. Covers and previews can be more playful, but always remember that your cover image appears very small in search results – if buyers can’t read it at a glance, they won’t click.
Using Clipart in Your TPT Resources
Clipart is especially common in elementary and upper-elementary resources, but it can be useful across all grade levels.
Teachers Pay Teachers is one of the best places to find clipart designed specifically for classroom resources. When purchasing clipart, think long-term. Choosing one or two artists with a wide range of sets helps keep your store be visually consistent, which builds brand recognition and encourages repeat buyers.
Canva is also a popular option. You can use clipart from Canva Free and Canva Pro commercially as long as it’s part of a complete design, such as a worksheet, activity, or layout. You cannot sell a single piece of Canva clipart on its own, and Canva for Educators is not allowed for TPT use.
Other sites like Creative Fabrica offer clipart bundles that are licensed for commercial use, but always double-check the license before downloading or purchasing.
Photos and Images You Can Use Safely
When it comes to real photos (not illustrated clipart), you’ll want to stick with sites that clearly offer images for commercial use.
Websites like Pixabay, Pexels, and Unsplash provide thousands of photos that are free for commercial use without attribution. These are especially helpful for middle and high school resources where real-world images feel more appropriate.
If you teach history or social studies and need historically accurate images, look for public domain sources like the Library of Congress or the National Archives.
One important warning: Google Images is not a safe source. You can’t assume an image is cleared for commercial use simply because it appears in Google Slides or PowerPoint. Always verify licensing before using an image in a paid product.
Following Terms of Use (Flattening and Securing Files)
Most font and clipart sellers include Terms of Use that explain how their artwork must be protected. This may include flattening, securing, or both.
Flattening locks your clipart and fonts in place so others can’t easily extract them from your file. If you’re creating PDFs in Canva, there’s a simple “flatten” option you can check before downloading. PowerPoint and other programs also offer ways to secure content before exporting.
While Canva elements don’t require attribution, it’s still best practice to flatten your files whenever possible to protect both your work and the original artist’s work.
If you need to know how to flatten and secure your TPT resources, make sure to listen to this podcast where I tell you everything you need to know.
Should You Invest in Fonts and Clipart?
Yes, when it makes sense.
Free resources are great, especially when you’re starting out. But consistently investing in quality clipart can elevate your products and help them stand out in a crowded marketplace. You can turn your early TPT earnings into clipart investments by purchasing during sitewide sales and planning ahead.
Fonts, on the other hand, don’t require much spending. Most sellers use just a few core fonts across all their resources. Canva alone provides plenty of high-quality options without additional purchases.
Want Step-by-Step Help Creating and Selling on TPT?
If learning about fonts, clipart, and Terms of Use already feels like a lot, you don’t have to figure the rest of TPT on your own.
I offer a free TPT training that helps you with everything. It walks you through how TPT works, what to focus on first, and how to create and list resources.
Inside the training, I break everything down into clear, actionable steps so you can feel confident creating resources, using the right tools, and building your store the right way from the beginning.
