Adaptations and collections

In copyright and licensing terms, an adaptation takes material from one or more works to create an entirely new work. Making a translation of a work, or creating a film from a novel are examples of adaptations. Making a copy to correct spelling errors, or making print copies of digital material are examples which do not constitute an adaptation. We use the terms adaptation, modification, remix and derivative interchangeably.

If you are combining more than one work you cannot always distinguish between the constituent elements. Regardless, it is important to clearly indicate where you have modified or adapted another person's work and to provide attribution to the original author(s) or creator(s). Creative Commons provides additional guidance.

In copyright and licensing terms, a collection is a group of creative works which have been combined to create a new work. An example is a poetry anthology. The constituent elements each retain their separate identity, and their licences and attributions should be clearly visible.

Creative Commons offers guidance and a list of licence options available to you as an adapter. Any licence you choose only applies to your contributions. If you modify someone else's work, indicate this and include a link to the original work and its licence:

Where you are combining more than one work, Creative Commons provides a helpful matrix which allows you to see at a glance which licenced works are compatible and can be remixed.