licensing information

Arcangel licenses imagery under two main models: Rights-Managed (RM) and Royalty-Free (RF). The majority of our collection is licensed on a Rights-Managed basis, with RM licences custom-built around each project so you can define usage, territory, duration and print run with precision. RF licences offer a more flexible usage framework within a single fee, ideal for clients working across multiple titles, formats and channels.

benefits

rights-managed

premium quality imagery

Tailored licences for specific titles and territories, with options for exclusivity, tighter brand protection and imagery curated for high-end book cover use.

royalty-free

simple licensing terms.

One-time fee with broad reuse across titles, formats and platforms, ideal for fast-moving projects and clients needing flexible, budget-friendly usage.

budgets

rights-managed

flexible to your budgets

Rights can be tailored to each project – non-exclusive or exclusive, limited or wide distribution – so you only pay for the usage you need, which can often be more economical than standard RF.

royalty-free

predictable costs

A simple one-time fee gives broad usage within the licence terms, making it easy to plan and control budgets across multiple titles and formats.

process

rights-managed

simple, guided quoting

Use our online calculator to enter your usage, territory and print run, then send it directly to your account manager for approval. If your company has a pricing agreement, your agreed rates will appear automatically in the calculator.

royalty-free

instant purchase & download

Add the image to your cart and check out online for immediate licensing and download, or ask your account manager to complete the purchase for you. Ideal when you need artwork cleared and ready to use in minutes.

support

rights-managed

working closely with you

Our international account managers and picture researchers work closely with you on every rights-managed licence – from image search and usage advice to contracts and approvals – so you get exactly what you need with the minimum fuss.

royalty-free

experts on hand

Whether you prefer a fully self-service experience or guidance from your account manager, the same expert team is on hand to help with image selection, licence questions and billing, so RF purchases fit smoothly into your workflow.

flexible pricing

Our pricing is designed to work around the realities of your list, not the other way round. Whether you license the occasional image, run multiple campaigns or need a longer-term subscription, we’ll shape fees, rights and terms to match your usage, budgets and timelines. The aim is simple: clear, fair pricing that gives you flexibility and confidence from project to project.

individual image licensing

One-off licensing for a specific project – ideal for single titles or occasional use.
Clear rights agreed per use (campaign, territory, term)
Fast approval and straightforward paperwork
Flexibility to license exactly what you need, only when you need it

personalised pricing agreement

A tailored licensing plan for regular or multi-title needs.
Preferential rates based on volume and usage patterns
Rights shaped to your requirements (formats, territories, duration, exclusivity)
A single, flexible framework that simplifies approvals and budgeting

personalised subscription

An agreed annual or period-based spend, giving you ongoing access at pricing and terms that suit your team.
Up-front, predictable costs for a defined period
Agreed rights and fee levels, reviewed and refined as we work together
Priority support and proactive image suggestions across multiple campaigns and lists

*High-res download access is granted to approved accounts with an established track record.

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about licensing, pricing, contributor applications, and how Arcangel works. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help.

If your organization has an Arcangel publisher account, pricing is shown automatically when you are signed in. If you see standard pricing, your account may not be linked yet. Contact us to connect it. We also offer individual pricing agreements for those not part of a large publishing house – email pricing@arcangel.com to discuss.

All registered users can download medium-res files for layout and pitching. High-res files are available to users with a publisher agreement or once a project delivery is approved. Email us for urgent high-res access.

It calculates fees based on usage (cover vs. interior, territory, language, print run, etc.). If you have a pre-agreed pricing structure, those contracted terms will appear instead.

A reservation protects an image while you pitch concepts. It is not the same as exclusivity. Exclusivity is available for Rights-Managed images to secure a specific market (e.g., book publishing in Spain). Contact us to confirm availability or secure exclusive rights.