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Envato Elements Downloaders: Should you use one?

Envato Elements downloaders are illegal and here's why

Using Envato Elements downloaders is illegal, and here’s why:

However, there are legal ways of getting Envato Elements for free.

How to get Envato Elements for free without downloaders?

Currently, there is only one safe and legitimate way to get Envato Elements for free. Each month, Envato Elements picks a mix of 12 files that you can download for free and use even for commercial purposes. You can find them here.

Envato Elements also used to offer a free trial which allowed you to test their unlimited downloads subscription for 7 days. But as of March 2023, the free trial no longer exists because it was closed.

The risks of Envato Elements downloaders

Using downloaders or other tools to circumvent the subscription process and gain unauthorized access to these assets can present a number of risks:

  1. Legal risks: Unauthorized access and use of copyrighted material can lead to legal action. This could involve fines or even more serious penalties depending on the jurisdiction and the extent of the violation.
  2. Malware: Downloaders and other unauthorized tools can often contain malware, which can infect your system, leading to data loss, data theft, or other damage.
  3. Quality issues: Unauthorized copies of assets may not be of the same quality as the original. They may be compressed, watermarked, or otherwise altered.
  4. Lack of updates and support: When you use unauthorized copies of assets, you often lose access to updates and support. This can be particularly problematic for software, where updates can include important security patches.
  5. Ethical considerations: Artists, designers, and developers work hard to create the assets available on services like Envato Elements. Using their work without proper compensation is unfair and discourages the creation of new content.

It’s always a good idea to respect copyright laws and the hard work of content creators by purchasing and using digital assets legally. This ensures that you get the best quality content while also supporting the people who create it.

Benefits of a legitimate subscription

Having a legitimate subscription to Envato Elements carries a variety of perks and benefits that you simply can’t get through unauthorized downloaders. Here’s a look at the significant advantages that come with a proper subscription:

1. Access to a Vast, High-Quality Library:

A legitimate Envato Elements subscription gives you unlimited access to an extensive library of high-quality digital assets, from website templates and graphics to music tracks and stock photos. You won’t have to worry about encountering low-quality, compressed, or watermarked content. Everything you download is in its original, pristine condition, ensuring that the final product of your creative work is of the highest possible quality.

2. Regular Updates and New Assets:

The world of digital design is ever-evolving, and Envato Elements ensures that its library remains current and dynamic. New assets are added regularly, ensuring you always have fresh content and styles to choose from for your projects. An official subscription also guarantees access to these updates as they happen.

3. Legal Coverage and Usage Rights:

Every asset you download from Envato Elements as a legitimate subscriber comes with broad commercial rights. This means you can use the assets for both personal and commercial projects without worrying about copyright infringements. It provides a safety net against any potential legal issues that might arise from using copyrighted material.

4. Exceptional Customer Support:

If you ever encounter a problem or have a question, Envato Elements offers comprehensive customer support to its subscribers. This can be especially helpful if you’re having trouble with a particular asset or if you need help navigating the site. Unauthorized downloaders, on the other hand, leave you on your own if you run into issues.

5. Support for Artists and Creators:

By subscribing to Envato Elements, you’re not just getting access to incredible resources; you’re also supporting the artists, designers, and developers who create these assets. Your subscription fee helps these creatives earn a living, encouraging them to continue creating and sharing their work.

6. Seamless Integration:

Many assets from Envato Elements can be easily integrated with popular software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and more. This seamless integration is another perk that makes the subscription worth it for many creative professionals.

In a nutshell, a legitimate subscription to Envato Elements offers you quality, variety, legality, support, and a sense of community, all while contributing to the broader creative industry. It’s not just about accessing resources; it’s about participating in and supporting a global creative ecosystem.

Feeling the impact: How piracy affects creators

Piracy might seem like a victimless crime to some, but the reality couldn’t be more different. The actual victims are often the hardworking artists, designers, and developers who pour their passion, time, and talent into creating the digital assets that we so often take for granted. Here’s an insight into how unauthorized downloading impacts these creators:

Creativity Undercut:

When a designer’s work is pirated, they’re essentially being robbed of the fruits of their creativity. Imagine spending weeks or even months crafting a unique piece of work, only to have it stolen and distributed without your consent or without receiving any compensation. This not only hurts financially, but it also can have a severe emotional impact, which can, in turn, stifle creativity.

The Financial Fallout:

Piracy directly hits creators where it hurts the most – their pockets. A significant portion of the income artists and designers earn comes from the sales or licensing of their work. When their creations are pirated, they lose that income. Over time, this financial drain can make it difficult for creators to sustain themselves, forcing many talented artists out of their profession.

The Domino Effect on Quality:

With the financial instability caused by piracy, creators may find it challenging to invest in better equipment, software, or professional development opportunities that could enhance the quality of their work. This could result in a decline in the overall quality of digital assets available to users, affecting the entire digital creative ecosystem.

The Devaluation of Work:

Piracy also sends a message that the work of artists, designers, and developers is not valued. This can lead to a decrease in motivation for these creators, who might feel that their efforts are not recognized or appreciated. Over time, this could lead to a decrease in the number of new, high-quality digital assets being created, limiting the options available for legitimate users.

A Barrier to New Creators:

Finally, rampant piracy can discourage new talent from entering the field. If potential creators see that their work is likely to be stolen and they will not be adequately compensated, they may choose a different career path. This loss of potential talent is a loss for everyone who values diverse and innovative digital assets.