Are the Icons on Icônes Free to Use, and What Licenses Apply?

Updated

Icons on Icônes are free to use only to the extent that the license of each individual icon set allows. Icônes (icones.js.org) is an aggregator: it does not own the icons and does not apply a single license to everything on the site. Each icon set keeps its own license, so the answer for any given icon depends on which set it comes from. Before using an icon in a project — especially a commercial one — check the license of that specific set and follow its terms, including any attribution requirement.

Why there is no single license for Icônes

Icônes collects and displays icons from many independent open-source icon sets. The site provides the browsing and search layer; the copyright and licensing stay with the original authors and projects.

That means:

  • There is no "Icônes license" that covers all icons.
  • Two icons that look similar on the site can carry different terms if they come from different sets.
  • The license belongs to the icon set, not to the individual file you happen to download.

What licenses typically apply

Because the sets are independent open-source projects, the licenses vary from set to set. Common open-source licenses used by icon projects include permissive ones (such as MIT) and licenses that require attribution (such as CC BY). Some sets may also be released under copyleft or other terms.

The practical consequence is the same in every case: the specific set's license is the one that governs your use. Do not assume a permissive license just because the icon is easy to download.

How to check the license before you use an icon

  1. Identify the icon set the icon belongs to. On Icônes, icons are grouped by set, so the set name is the key piece of information.
  2. Find that set's license. Open the set's own repository or homepage (linked from the project) and read its license file or license statement.
  3. Confirm the terms match your use. Check whether commercial use is allowed, whether attribution is required, and whether there are restrictions on modification or redistribution.
  4. Comply with the terms. If attribution is required, include the credit in the form the license specifies. If the license is unclear, treat it as restricted until you can verify.

Quick reference

Question What to do
Are all icons on Icônes free? No single answer — it depends on each set's license.
Can I use an icon commercially? Only if that set's license permits commercial use.
Do I need to credit the author? Only if that set's license requires attribution.
Where do I find the license? In the icon set's own repository or project page, not on Icônes itself.
What if I can't find the license? Don't assume it's free — verify with the set's project before using it.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming the site grants the license. Icônes is a viewer/aggregator; the rights come from the icon set.
  • Mixing sets in one project. If you combine icons from several sets, you may need to satisfy several licenses at once.
  • Skipping attribution. Attribution requirements are easy to miss and are a frequent source of license violations.
  • Treating "open source" as "no rules." Open-source licenses still carry conditions; permissive and attribution licenses differ in what they ask of you.

If you need a definitive answer for a specific icon, go to the source: open the icon set's repository, read its license, and use the icon only within those terms.