Uncopyright
A curated list of works, resources, and tools that are in the public domain or released under uncopyright principles.
What is Uncopyright?
Awesome Uncopyright is a curated GitHub repository that aggregates works, tools, and resources released into the public domain or under uncopyright principles. It solves the problem of discovering copyright‑free content by providing a well‑organized list across categories like art, books, software, images, and articles. The project helps creators, developers, and educators find materials they can use without legal restrictions.
Content creators, open‑source developers, educators, researchers, and anyone seeking copyright‑free materials for projects, remixes, or commercial use. It’s especially valuable for those building on public domain works or advocating for free culture.
Unlike generic resource lists, it focuses exclusively on public domain and uncopyrighted content, offering a trusted, curated directory. It saves time by vetting resources and providing clear licensing context, supporting the free‑culture movement.
Overview
Curated list of all things public domain.
Use Cases
Best For
- Finding public domain images, fonts, or 3D models for design projects
- Locating copyright‑free music and sound effects for videos or games
- Discovering open‑source software released under CC0 or similar waivers
- Accessing classic literature and audiobooks without copyright restrictions
- Researching anti‑copyright essays and licensing alternatives like CC0
- Building projects that require completely free, unencumbered assets
Not Ideal For
- Projects requiring automated, real-time updates on public domain content
- Teams needing jurisdiction-specific legal guarantees for commercial use
- Developers seeking API access or programmatic integration for asset discovery
- Users who prefer pre-vetted, quality-controlled asset libraries with warranties
Pros & Cons
Pros
The README organizes resources across art, books, software, images, and more, with specific entries like HDRI Haven for HDR panoramas and Kenney for game art, making it a one-stop shop.
Includes detailed info on CC0, Unlicense, and WTFPL, plus warnings about license changes (e.g., Pixabay and Unsplash updates), helping users navigate public domain complexities.
Resources are vetted and described, such as Public Domain Review for professional critiques and SQLite for reliable software, ensuring a baseline of trustworthiness.
Goes beyond listing by including essays, organizations, and talks (e.g., QuestionCopyright.org), supporting the philosophical movement against copyright barriers.
Cons
As a GitHub repo updated manually, some entries may become outdated—the README itself notes Pixabay's license change in 2019, requiring users to double-check dates and terms.
While it provides licensing info, it explicitly cautions users to verify resources independently (e.g., checking Pixabay's historical terms), offering no legal assurances for commercial use.
Some categories have sparse listings compared to specialized sites; for instance, the software section is limited, lacking the breadth of dedicated open-source directories.
Frequently Asked Questions
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