When creating a test site—for development, experimentation, or demonstration purposes—understanding the licensing landscape is crucial. This guide aims to clarify the requirements and help you navigate how to use Envato items, ensuring your project aligns with our policies and avoids potential pitfalls.
Understanding Licensing Needs
First and foremost, every element used in your test site requires a valid license. This rule applies universally, encompassing everything from themes and plugins to photos and fonts. The fact that your site is not intended for public viewing does not exempt it from adhering to these requirements and our User Terms.
If you need a dedicated staging or test site, setting it up on a subdomain might help you avoid the need for an additional license. However, please consult directly with the author of the item to understand how their theme handles test sites and to ensure compliance with our User Terms.
Selecting the correct license is pivotal; for most themes and plugins used in hidden or private test environments, a Regular License will typically meet your needs. However, it's important to remember that all components must be appropriately licensed regardless of their function or visibility.
Each license you purchase allows you to create one unique end product. For example, a website theme can be customised to create one specific website. If you want to create a second website from the same theme, you'll need to purchase another license.
Envato Elements: A Solution for Serial Testers
For those who frequently find themselves building test sites or needing access to a broad spectrum of resources, Envato Elements presents an ideal solution. This subscription-based service grants you unlimited access to an extensive library of items, all under a simplified licensing agreement.