This article explains the terms of use for BioRender's Publication Licenses. It covers what BioRender content includes, how it can be used, and the restrictions applicable to publishing completed graphics that contain BioRender content. It also provides guidance on post-plan termination use.
Table of contents
- What is BioRender Content?
- How is BioRender Content Used?
- Can I Publish BioRender Content?
- Restrictions on BioRender Content
- Use After Plan Termination
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Articles
- Need Help?
What is BioRender content?
BioRender Content includes our digital illustrations, images (whether in 2-D or 3-D form), figures, templates, icons, drawings and any other pictorials, graphics or accompanying information created by BioRender or its licensors.
How is BioRender content used?
BioRender provides a platform to:
- Combine BioRender Content with user-developed or third-party content (referred to as “User Content”).
- Create final illustrations, images, figures, and other graphics (referred to as "Completed Graphics").
These Completed Graphics can then be used for various purposes, including publications.
Can I publish BioRender content?
Yes. With a valid Academic License or Industry License, you can:
- Sub-license completed graphics containing BioRender content to publishers.
- Include these graphics in various use cases such as publications, provided proper credit is given.
✨ Pro-Tip: Premium users enjoy full journal publication rights — ensuring your figures are publication-ready without extra licensing steps. Browser Premium plans here
Restrictions on BioRender content
Certain uses of BioRender content are prohibited. Restrictions apply to both the licensee and sub-licensee (e.g., publishers).
Examples of permitted uses:
- Publishing Completed Graphics in academic journals, industry reports, etc.
- Reshaping or resizing Completed Graphics for publication purposes.
Examples of restricted uses:
- Selling or downloading BioRender Content on a standalone basis.
- Using BioRender content in design templates for resale.
- Including BioRender Content in materials that compete with BioRender’s business.
- Publishing or printing BioRender Content without appropriate credit.
Use after plan termination
- Post-termination of an active plan: Content exported while on a premium plan can be used for relevant publications, even after the plan ends. Any exported publication licenses remain valid in perpetuity. Any content exported post-termination must comply with Basic License Terms.
- Edits: Completed graphics can still be cropped, reshaped, or resized for use in the approved publication.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use BioRender content in presentations or posters?
- Yes, provided the usage complies with the license terms and proper credit is given.
Do publishers need a separate BioRender license?
- No, sub-licensed Completed Graphics can be used by publishers without requiring an additional BioRender license.
Do I need to keep my premium plan active for the duration of the publication process?
- Publication rights are associated with the account status at the time of export. If you export your figures on an active paid plan, you have the right to publish your figures in perpetuity, even if you choose to downgrade after one billing cycle.
Related articles
- How to cite your BioRender figure
- Publishing in closed-access resources
- Publishing in open-access resources
What's next
✨ Watch: Webinar – Get Publication Ready: Top Tips for Effective Publication Figures
Enhance your figure prep workflow with expert advice on layout, formatting, and submission readiness. Watch now on Learning Hub ↗
📊 Explore: BioRender Graph – Create Journal-Ready Graphs (Premium)
Quickly turn your data into stunning scientific graphs. Perfect for figures destined for publication. Learn about BioRender Graph ↗
Need help?
- Email: support@biorender.com
- Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.