What is Envato?
Envato is a creative asset subscription that gives unlimited downloads of stock video, photos, music, sound effects, templates, graphics, 3D models, fonts and add-ons from one library of more than 30 million items. The service grew out of Envato Elements, and the company has served creative professionals since 2006. Shutterstock acquired Envato in 2024, but the subscription still runs under its own brand.
Envato pairs that stock library with a set of AI generators for images, video, music, voiceovers, sound effects, graphics and mockups, which run on monthly AI credits. Each download comes with a lifetime commercial license for the project you register it to. The company also runs Envato Market, Placeit, Mixkit and Envato Tuts+, which serve related needs like one-off purchases and tutorials.
Envato at a glance
How does Envato work?
- Subscribe
Choose Core, Plus or Ultimate depending on how many AI credits you need. Teams get shared access at a discount, and enterprises can ask sales for custom seats and licensing.
- Search the library
Browse video templates, stock footage, music, photos, graphics, fonts, 3D and add-ons for your project.
- Download and license
Download as many items as you want and register each one to a specific project to get its commercial license.
- Generate with AI
Use monthly AI credits to create images, video, voiceovers, music, sound effects, graphics or mockups when stock does not fit.
- Reuse for new projects
To use an item in another project, license it again, which is included in your subscription.
Envato key features
Unlimited stock downloads
Every plan includes unlimited downloads from a library of more than 30 million assets.
Templates for many tools
Video templates, presentation templates, graphic templates and add-ons for popular design and editing apps.
Music and sound effects
Royalty-free tracks and sound effects for videos, podcasts and ads, included in the same subscription.
AI generators
AI image, video, music, voice, sound, graphics and mockup generators, plus an AI image editor, powered by monthly credits.
Newer AI models on higher plans
Plus and Ultimate unlock models such as GPT Image 2, Flux 3 and ElevenLabs, with parallel generations.
Lifetime commercial license
Each licensed project stays covered even after you cancel, for both stock assets and AI generations.
Fonts and 3D
Fonts and 3D models sit alongside photos and video, which reduces the number of tools a designer has to buy.
Why use Envato?
- One flat fee covers almost every asset type a designer or video editor needs, from fonts and graphics to footage and music.
- Unlimited downloads make it practical to test many options before choosing one.
- Licensed projects stay covered after you cancel, so past work is safe.
- AI credits fill gaps without a separate AI subscription, and higher plans run several generations at once.
- Annual billing makes the entry plan much cheaper than monthly billing.
Who is Envato best for?
A good fit for
- Freelance designers and video editors
- Small agencies producing client content
- YouTubers and social media creators
- Students, who get a discount on the Core plan
Less suited to
- Teams needing premium editorial or news photography, which Envato does not focus on
- Users who dislike registering each download to a project
- Heavy AI users on the Core plan, which includes only 20 credits a month
Envato pricing
| Pricing model | Subscription |
|---|---|
| Free plan | No |
| Free trial | Not confirmed |
| Starting price | $16.50/month billed annually (Core) |
All plans include unlimited stock downloads. Plus ($39/month annually) and Ultimate ($168/month annually) add more AI credits, parallel generations and newer AI models, while team and enterprise plans are quoted separately.
Prices checked October 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official Envato pricing page before you buy.
Envato pros and cons
Pros
- Unlimited downloads across many asset types, including fonts and 3D
- Low annual price for the Core plan
- AI generators bundled with stock
- Licensed projects stay covered after cancellation
Cons
- Each new project needs a fresh license registration
- No free plan or free trial listed
- Core plan includes very few AI credits
Envato integrations and platforms
Available on
Envato alternatives
See the full shortlist in Best Stock Media Sites.
Envato FAQ
Is Envato free?
No. Envato is a paid subscription, and its pricing page does not list a free plan or free trial. The Core plan costs $16.50 per month billed annually or $39 billed monthly, and students can save 30 percent on Core. Canceled plans are not refunded, but access continues until the next billing date.
What is Envato Elements?
Envato Elements was the name of Envato's unlimited-download subscription. The service is now presented simply as Envato at elements.envato.com and still offers unlimited downloads of stock video, music, photos, templates, fonts and more, now with AI generators added.
Can I keep using Envato assets after I cancel?
Yes, for projects you already licensed. Each download is licensed to one specific project, and that license stays valid after you cancel. What you cannot do is license items for new projects once your subscription ends. Refunds are not given for canceled plans.
Envato vs Storyblocks: what's the difference?
Both offer unlimited stock downloads. Envato covers a wider range, including fonts, 3D, graphic templates and add-ons, plus AI generators. Storyblocks focuses on video, audio and images with an AI toolkit and an Adobe plugin. Designers often prefer Envato, while video-only teams may prefer Storyblocks.
Who owns Envato?
Envato is owned by Shutterstock, which completed its acquisition of Envato Pty Ltd in July 2024. Envato continues to operate its own products, including the Envato subscription, Envato Market, Placeit, Mixkit and Envato Tuts+.
Sources
This overview is based on Envato's official website and documentation, checked October 2026.