attributiontext

Attribution text is the explicit, human-readable credit that accompanies a work when it is shared or reused. It identifies the creator, the title or work, the source, and the licensing terms, and may include a link to the license. It is commonly required by open licenses to ensure that creators receive proper credit.

In practice, attribution text should include several elements: the author or creator’s name, the title of the work, the year of creation (if known), the source or publisher, and the license under which the work is used. The exact wording varies by license, but the emphasis is on a clear, accurate, and reasonably prominent credit. When works are remixed or translated, attribution should reflect the contributions of all credited parties and the applicable licenses.

Placement and visibility are important considerations. Attribution should appear near the work itself or in a dedicated credits section, such as a caption for an image or a credits list on a webpage. It should not be hidden in metadata or buried in a location where users are unlikely to see it.

Examples of attribution text are commonly found in captions or credits. For instance: “Jane Doe, Sunset Over the River, 2020, licensed under CC BY 4.0.” or “Photo: Jane Doe; Sunset Over the River; licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.” Where feasible, including a link to the license improves accessibility and compliance. Attribution text helps maintain ethical use and legal clarity across platforms.