What are the rules when it comes to using pirated software to create a piece of art?

**tn100** · May 11th, 2008, 01:16 AM

Okay, I don't use pirated software but my friend has pretty much every art program on his computer. They are all pirated and he did not buy any of them. Now... he pretty much just uses it for personal use and fun but I was wondering, what are the rules when it comes to using pirated software to create art? What if you created something spectacular that you could actually sell to people from pirated software, are you not allowed to ever sell it? or is there a rule where once you have bought the software, all the pirated past doesn't count? Errr... sorry if what I'm asking sounds confusing.

I'd like to know what pros out there do? Do all of you buy your favorite programs every year with all the new versions that come out just so that you can create work? Do you just buy one version and then never upgrade? I really have no clue about any of this stuff and I'd like to learn from everyone. Thanks so much.

**HunterKiller_** · May 11th, 2008, 01:47 AM

... Is this a serious question?

By law, you cannot even have possession of unlicensed software, you definitely cannot use it, let alone make profit from it.

Adobe and Corel offer discounted student versions of their products, which of course you must pay for, and you cannot even make a profit using this student license.

**J Wilson** · May 11th, 2008, 02:09 AM

The are no "rules" other than don't pirate software. There is NO allowed use of pirated software what so ever.

Most professionals pay for their software and only update when there are features that make them say "oh man, I HAVE to have that." You only need to pay full price once though, and after that it's much cheaper to upgrade.

In addition to the student versions both Photoshop and Painter have stripped down versions that have fewer features available for much less.