Why are "License for free" stock images watermarked?

[XilburQost]

I have an Adobe account that provides access to Adobe Stock images. Issue: When I download files labeled "License for free" and open in Photoshop, they are watermarked. If they are free with my account, then why are they watermarked? Is there a way to access non-watermarked versions? Needless to say, free or not watermarked images are of no use to me. Thanks.

[Test Screen Name]

It means you didn't actually license them - just downloaded the preview. Which is also a small low resolution file useless for actual work. (If this seems not to be the case please let us know the image size you downloaded). You need to go through licensing, and download the licensed image instead.

[Abambo · Accepted solution]

You need to click the button to licence:

If you save it to the library or only open in the app, you only took a "Comp" Licence. This is the standard behaviour. This is because you need to go through the formal licensing procedure, and that is the same as with buying a licence (just that it is for free…).

[XilburQost]

Thank you for the responses. Yes, the secret is to click the "License for Free" button. Much appreciated!

[Abambo]

You're welcome. And yes, the secret is "License for Free", as even that it is free, it's still a licence ruled by the licensing terms. So, you can use the asset as stated in the licensing terms, but you need to follow also those terms. For pictures and vector, free assets come with a standard licence. For video, 3D assets, and templates, it's an enhanced licence.