Library Resources: Copyright and Fair Use: Images- Can I Use?

When Can I Use Images?

Different rules apply if you are using an image as part of a class assignment versus creating something you plan to publish.

For Class: make sure you cite any image you use (see the Citation Guide for format). Most of GCC Library's Databases provide citations in correct format if you find the image in the database. Plagiarism and copyright infringement are not the same. Copyright infringement is illegal and has potentially legal and monetary consequences; plagiarism in academic terms can result in academic consequences (failing grade, referral to administration, academic probation.)
For Publication: Assume all images you find online are copyrighted. Look for an explanation of how the image can be used. The safest designation is one that is in "public domain." These are open for any use. Others may indicate you can use the image with proper attribution, which is the guideline for Creative Commons licenses. When in doubt, contact the creator and ask for permission or don't use!

Go to TheVisualCommunicationGuy's website for a larger view of Can I Use that Picture? infographic

Recommended Places to Find Images

Google Searches:

Images on a general Google search are likely copyright protected, but there is a way to narrow down the results to usable pictures and graphics.

When performing a search, click on "settings," then "advanced settings."
Then (under "usage rights") choose "free to use or share" or "free to use, share, or modify."
For high-resolution images, click on "tools," then (under "size") "large."

Pixnio
High quality copyright friendly images, not copyrighted and no restriction for their use. Images explicitly placed in the public domain, no any rights reserved. Public domain images can be used for whatever you want, use it freely for any personal or commercial use.
Unsplash
Free to use for personal or commercial with no attribution.
Life of Pix
Free high resolution photos. No copyright restriction.
Pixabay
Free for any use without attribution.
Pexels
Free to use for any purpose under the Creative Commons Licensing.
Pikwizard
PikWizard offer thousands of free stock photos across a broad range of subjects. An excellent resource if you need natural-looking photos of people.
Creative Commons Image Sharing
Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
National Archives Photos
All pictures are public domain. Keyword search and then limit to images.
NASA Image and Video Library
All images are public domain. Please credit: "NASA/JPL-Caltech" or "Courtesy of NASA/JPL."
Gratisography
A collection of quirky pictures by photographer and graphic designer Ryan McGuire.
Negative Space
All photos under creative commons license, so you can copy, modify, distribute the work even for commercial purposes.
New Old Stock
Vintage public domain photos. Not searchable.
Open Clip Art
Free clip art.
Open Parks Network
A digital archive of images and documents of the National Parks. Most are public domain.
The Pattern Library
Free to use pattern downloads.
Photos for Class
Available for educational use. Automatically creates a citation that posts with the image.
StockSnap.io
All photos under creative commons license, so you can copy, modify, distribute the work even for commercial purposes.

Graphic Design Tools

Canva
Canva uses a drag-and-drop format and provides access to over a million photographs, graphics, and fonts. It is used by non-designers as well as professionals. The tools can be used for both web and print media design and graphics.
Piktochart
Piktochart is a web-based infographic application which allows users without intensive experience as graphic designers to easily create infographics and visuals using themed templates

Image Collections for Research/ Education

"Open access" availability does not mean that the images in these collections are in the public domain--rather, it refers to their accessibility for research and educational purposes. For copyright and use restrictions, locate and read the image use policy for each collection.

National Gallery of Art / NGA Images
NGA Images is a repository of digital images of the collections of the National Gallery of Art. On this website you can search, browse, share, and download images. A standards-based reproduction guide and a help section provide advice for both novices and experts. More than 51,000 open access digital images up to 4000 pixels each are available free of charge for download and use. NGA Images is designed to facilitate learning, enrichment, enjoyment, and exploration.
World Images
Over 73,000 images organized into nearly 900 topical portfolios. Portfolios are grouped by subject. The entire database is searchable. Incorporates AICT - Art Images for Teaching.
Art Images for College Teaching
Art Images for College Teaching (AICT) began as a personal project dedicated to the principle of free exchange of image resources for and among members of the educational community. While the AICT site is maintained and distributed under the general auspices of the Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD), this institution is not responsible for content or use thereof. All work on the AICT project has been voluntary, and MCAD-affiliated personnel have contributed innumerable hours of research, clerical, and design effort on a pro-bono basis. Use of the images displayed on this website has also been contributed on a non-royalty basis for the public good.

AICT certifies that the image copies provided hereunder, the originals being the copyrighted intellectual property of art historian and photographer Allan T. Kohl (unless otherwise credited), are licensed for non-profit use as set forth below, and that the art and architectural works documented are, to the best of its knowledge, within the public domain
Library of Congress Prints & Photographs
Nearly one million digital images taken from the Library's 50+ collections of prints and photographs. Included are images from the the National Child Labor Committee Collection, the U.S. News and World Report Magazine Photograph Collection, the Library of Congress Baseball Card Collection, and the Collection of Architecture, Design and Engineering Drawings.

Copyright and Fair Use

When Can I Use Images?

Recommended Places to Find Images

Graphic Design Tools

Image Collections for Research/ Education

Privacy and Copyright for Photographers