BioRender allows you to create scientific figures using its extensive library of icons and templates. If you choose to publish or share these figures under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, you need to include proper attribution. This guide shows you how to credit the original creators, indicate modifications, and properly attribute the re-use of BioRender’s icons.
Table of contents
- Understanding the CC BY License
- Basic Attribution for a BioRender Figure
- Indicating Modifications or Adaptations
- Re-using Specific Icons or Elements from BioRender
- Republishing or Sharing Your BioRender Figures
Understanding the CC BY License
The Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license lets anyone:
- Share (reproduce and distribute) your BioRender figure in any medium or format.
- Adapt (remix, transform, and build upon) your figure for any purpose, even commercially.
However, anyone who uses or adapts your figure must:
- Credit you (the original creator).
- Provide a link to the license (where possible).
- Indicate if changes were made to your figure.
For reference, you can read the full license here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Basic attribution for a BioRender figure
Whenever your figure is reproduced on a website, in a paper, in a presentation, etc, it should include an attribution statement. The statement should:
- Name the figure (if it has a specific title).
- Credit you (the original author/creator).
- Note that the figure was created with BioRender
- Link to BioRender with the BioRender-generated short-form URL
- Mention the CC BY 4.0 license, linking to it when possible.
Sample Basic Attribution
“Mouse Influenza Model” by J. Smith created in BioRender (https://biorender.com/shortURL) is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Feel free to adjust the text to fit your specific context, but ensure all of the above elements are present.
Indicating modifications or adaptations
If someone modifies or adapts your CC BY–licensed figure (for example, by changing labels, colors, icons, or re-arranging elements), they must still credit you, but they should also clearly indicate that the figure was adapted from your original version.
Sample “Adapted” Attribution
“Modified Mouse Influenza Model” by R. Brown is adapted from “Mouse Influenza Model” by J. Smith created with BioRender (https://biorender.com/shortURL) and is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Here:
- R. Brown is the person making the adaptation.
- The original creator (J. Smith) is still credited.
- The adaptation is clearly indicated with “adapted from.”
- The CC BY 4.0 license is still clearly referenced.
Re-using specific icons or elements from BioRender
BioRender’s library includes a wide variety of icons and elements. If you plan to re-use a particular BioRender icon outside of BioRender’s platform, either in a figure or standalone, make sure to:
- Check the BioRender license terms for icons. (Typically, icons are available for use in your completed BioRender figures, but confirm that you have the right to use them standalone or in a different context.)
- Credit BioRender if required. You may need to include a simple statement like this:
- “Mouse Icon” created by BioRender (https://www.biorender.com/icon/mouse-icon);
- “Blue Monkey Icon” created by BioRender (https://www.biorender.com/icon/blue-monkey-cercopithecus-mitis). - Include the CC BY–licensing statement if your new figure is still licensed CC BY (e.g., if your new work still includes CC BY–licensed content from an original figure).
Often, if you’re just using icons within a new BioRender project (rather than exporting icons for a non-BioRender use), your normal “created with BioRender” mention in your figure attribution is sufficient.
Republishing or sharing your BioRender figures
Under CC BY, anyone can re-publish or share your figure (in print, on a website, in a course, etc.), as long as they maintain the attribution statement. You do not need to provide separate permissions beyond the CC BY license, but you may want to remind others of what proper credit looks like.
Reminders:
- If you combine multiple CC BY–licensed figures (from different authors) into a single new work, you must credit each original creator.
- If your figure references other copyrighted elements (e.g., photos, data, or text excerpts) that are not under CC BY, be sure to check those separate licensing terms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to include the URL to the CC BY 4.0 license every time?
It is strongly recommended to include a link to the official license when feasible. If you can’t include a hyperlink, you can simply note “licensed under CC BY 4.0.”
Can I just say “CC BY 4.0” without mentioning the name of the creator?
No. Attribution must credit the creator’s name (or username/pseudonym) and identify the work’s title where available.
If I change colors or remove an icon, is that considered a modification?
Yes. Under CC BY, any revision, cropping, color change, or element addition/removal is considered an adaptation. You must say “adapted from” and indicate the original creator.
What's Next
🎥 Watch: Tutorial – BioRender Basics & Features. Perfect if you're just getting started with icons, templates, and layout tools. Watch the tutorial ↗
🖼️ Explore: BioRender Templates. Publication-Ready Figures. Browse real examples of figures used in published research across various scientific fields. Explore templates ↗
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