A Guide to Midjourney, DALL·E, and the Terms You Need to Know

You’ve generated something incredible.

You’re proud of it.
And now you’re wondering… Can I sell this?

The answer depends on more than just copyright laws.
It depends on the terms of the platform that helped you create it.

Every AI art generator has its own rules about commercial use—and most people never read them. That’s where creators get into trouble: by uploading images they technically don’t have the right to profit from.

So in this post, we’ll break it down clearly:

  • What do “commercial rights” actually mean?

  • Which platforms allow you to sell your images?

  • What’s the fine print you need to understand before you build a store?

Let’s get into it.

First: What Does “Commercial Use” Actually Mean?

“Commercial use” just means: you can profit from the thing you made.

This includes:

  • Selling prints or digital downloads

  • Using the image on merchandise (mugs, shirts, stickers, etc.)

  • Including it in paid content or client projects

  • Licensing it to others

But here’s where people get tripped up: just because you generated it doesn’t mean you own it.

Each platform has different rules based on:

  • Your subscription tier

  • Whether they claim partial ownership of your outputs

  • Whether you’re generating in a private or public feed

  • Their stance on reselling, redistribution, or editorial use

Let’s walk through the most common platforms.

Midjourney

  • Can you sell Midjourney images?
    Yes—if you’re a paying subscriber.

  • Terms Summary:

    • Commercial use is permitted for paid accounts

    • Free users cannot sell their images

    • Midjourney retains a license to your work, but you can monetize it

    • Images are created in public channels by default unless you purchase a stealth plan

  • Key fine print:
    You are allowed to sell your generated images, but anyone else could theoretically use them too—because they’re public. Midjourney doesn’t offer exclusive ownership.

DALL·E (OpenAI)

  • Can you sell DALL·E images?
    Yes—if you follow their terms.

  • Terms Summary:

    • You can use, sell, and monetize your creations

    • You retain rights to commercial use

    • You must comply with content policies (no offensive or misleading material)

  • Key fine print:
    While you’re granted commercial rights, DALL·E does not guarantee uniqueness. Other users could create similar outputs.

Adobe Firefly

  • Can you sell Adobe Firefly images?
    Yes, and it’s one of the most creator-friendly options.

  • Terms Summary:

    • Commercial use is allowed—even in the free plan

    • Trained only on Adobe Stock and public domain content

    • Strong protections against copyright infringement

  • Key fine print:
    Adobe is aiming for enterprise-level safety and clarity, which makes Firefly a great option if you’re worried about legal gray areas.

http://Leonardo.Ai

  • Can you sell Leonardo images?
    Yes—with some limitations.

  • Terms Summary:

    • Paid plans allow for commercial use

    • Free plans may include restrictions

    • Content moderation is strict—make sure your outputs meet guidelines

  • Key fine print:
    Leonardo occasionally flags or restricts outputs they deem sensitive, so this isn’t the best platform for edgy or controversial art.

Playground AI

  • Can you sell Playground AI images?
    Yes—on paid plans.

  • Terms Summary:

    • Commercial use is allowed with subscription

    • Free users may not monetize their images

    • Outputs must adhere to ethical content guidelines

  • Key fine print:
    Playground AI is relatively generous but has strict policies about AI nudity, impersonation, and realism. Read their community guidelines before building a store around their outputs.

So… Which AI Generator Is Best for Selling?

Here’s a quick comparison:

AI Art Platform Comparison: Commercial Use and Legal Protections

Platform Commercial Use Allowed Free Plan Available Rights Strength Legal Protections Notes
Midjourney Yes (Paid only) No Moderate Public gallery; no exclusivity Popular, but limited rights
DALL·E Yes Yes Moderate Widely used; flexible use terms Suitable for general use
Firefly Yes Yes Strong Strongest for commercial protection Safest option for client work
Leonardo Yes (Paid only) No Moderate Subject to platform rules Good features; rights vary
Playground Yes (Paid only) No Moderate Still developing legal clarity Easy to use, newer platform

Would you like this turned into a downloadable comparison chart for your course or blog?

hat You Can’t Do (No Matter What Platform You Use)

  • Claim AI-generated art as 100% your original work if you didn’t edit or modify it

  • Sell offensive, deceptive, or infringing material

  • Assume that AI-generated = copyrightable (it usually isn’t, legally)

  • Pretend your art was hand-drawn or painted (unless it was)

You can absolutely be honest about what AI tool you used—and still have pride in the result.

What's Next?

The legal system may be slow, but your art doesn’t have to wait.

If you’re ready to:

  • Choose the right generator

  • Format your files for real-world sales

  • List your products with clear, honest descriptions

  • Create art that looks as good on paper as it does on screen...

I walk through the whole process in my self-paced course, made specifically for creators using AI tools responsibly.

Been wanting to try AI art?

Whether you're curious about creating, want to improve image quality, or are thinking about selling your work—this course is for you.

Learn how to generate stunning images, fix common flaws, and turn your art into real income.

Join the waitlist and get a discount code on launch day!

Up Next: Art, Medicine, and the Role of the Human in an AI World

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