Finding Copyright Free Images

Creating a PowerPoint presentation for a classroom project?  Adding pictures can make a slide POP!  Because it can be so easy to find images on the internet, are you thinking of grabbing one and putting it onto a slide?  Be careful.  Most pictures or images are copyrighted.  There are several websites where the images may be freely copied without seeking permission to use. However, you should still cite the original creator according to the style preferred, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

Detroit Sculptures by LadyDragonflyCC ->;< is licensed under CC by 2.0

Detroit Sculptures by LadyDragonflyCC ->;< is licensed under CC by 2.0

Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Online – all images are in the public domain

Creative Commons – nonprofit organization “that enables the sharing and use of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools.”

Flickr – offers images under Creative Commons or the images will be labeled “all rights reserved.” Make sure the images you select are licensed in CC.

Google Copyright Free Images — In Google, type the image you need, click Images, click Search Tools, click Usage rights.  Now click Labeled for noncommercial reuse with modification.

Internet Archive Book Images – Find copyright free images.  The images range from 1500 through 1922 and include journalistic photographs, charts, portraits, headlines, maps, decorative images, drawings and editorial cartoons.

Wikimedia Commons –It is a database of  freely usable media files to which anyone may contribute. Includes sounds and video.

Again, be sure to always cite images that someone else has created.

By Sue Homant, Librarian Consultant