LibGuides: Copyright: Using Images

Using Images & Understanding Permissions

Images found in select resources through the Library may be used for research and/or educational purposes, provided permission is obtained from the copyright holder and credit is given as per copyright holder instructions.

If you have any questions regarding the use of images from any Library resource (books, ebooks, journals, databases, etc.), please contact the Library for guidance or the publisher of the material in question for permission/instruction.

Resources for General Images

Getty Images
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Some images include royalties.
Internet Archive Digitization Project (Flickr)
2.6 million copyright-free images are available through this Flickr dataset.
Microsoft Office Online Pictures
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Microsoft Office Online Pictures is powered by Bing Image Search. Pictures can be directly embedded in your documents via the ribbon at the top of the document screen, under "Insert", then from the "Illustrations" group, click "Online Pictures". A pop-up will appear where you can search for images in the Bing search box. Select a picture, then click insert. Bing uses the Creative Commons only filter which provides a link to the image source. Review the source to determine if your use complies with the license. When using pictures or clip art from Bing, you are responsible for respecting copyright.
Pixabay
Over 570000 high quality photos, illustrations, and vector graphics. Free for commercial use. No attribution required.
Shutter Stock
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Images are royalty-free. There are pay as you go and subscription options available. There are free images available, however, you must sign up for an account.
Stock by Getty Images
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All images are royalty-free. There are pay as you go, pre-paid, and subscription options available.
Unsplash
A platform powered by photographers that have gifted over a million photos under the Unsplash license. They are free and usable.

Creative Commons & Creative Commons Search

What is Creative Commons?
Creative Commons is a non-profit organization that facilitates sharing and use of content.

The organization has created licenses that standardize and convey how content can be used. Conditions of use are determined by the creator.
If you want to use content governed by a Creative Commons license you must follow the conditions set by the creator.

Creative Commons Image Search
From Creative Commons: Do not assume that the results displayed in this search portal are under a CC license. You should always verify that the work is actually under a CC license by following the link. Since there is no registration to use a CC license, CC has no way to determine what has and hasn't been placed under the terms of a CC license. If you are in doubt you should contact the copyright holder directly, or try to contact the site where you found the content.
Creative Commons for Educators and Librarians
This publication complements the online course: Creative Commons for Educators and Librarians and provides in-depth coverage of CC licenses, open practices and the ethos of the Commons, published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 international license.

Resources for Medical Images

Anatomy TV
Images can be used for educational purposes, provided that they include the copyright information (©Informa UK Limited 2019) and a link to the site's Terms and Conditions page.
ClinicalKey
Images may be exported from the Presentation tool (user account required). You must use the citation provided by Elsevier.

Nutrition Label Generator
Free nutrition label generator.
Public Health Image Library (PHIL)
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Images are either "Public Domain" (free use) or "Copyright Protected" (restricted, obtain permission before use).
Wellcome Images
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Images available under Creative Commons license. The Biomedical Collection holds over 40,000 high-quality images from the clinical and biomedical sciences. Selected from the UK's leading teaching hospitals and research institutions, it covers disease, surgery, general healthcare, and sciences from genetics to neuroscience including the full range of imaging techniques.

Icons & Symbols

Aiga.org Symbols
The complete set of 50 passenger/pedestrian symbols developed by AIGA is available for all to use, free of charge. Signs are available here in EPS and GIF formats.
Icon Finder
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Use filters to include only "free" items. Be mindful of license restictions. Some items are free for commercial use with a link back to the designer's website, some are free to use without a link back.
The Noun Project
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The Noun Project has more than 25,000 icons and the collection grows each day. Many icons and symbols are available for free, while others can be purchased. Check the license note under each image for Public Domain, Creative Commons, and other license stipulations.
Open Icon Library

Image Editing Software - Freeware

The following programs are free to download from the manufacturer's website.

GIMP
GIMP is a freely distributed program that is used for photo retouching, image composition and image authoring.
- Similar to: Adobe Photoshop
Inkscape
Inscape is a vector graphics editor.
- Similar to: Adobe Illustrator
Jing
Jing is a screen capture tool that allows you to share images and videos.
Paint.NET
Paint.NET is an image and photo editing program for desktops that run Windows.
Pixlr
Pixlr is a free photo editor that can be used online or downloaded to your mobile device or desktop.

Image Editing Software - Paid

The following programs are available by paid subscription or by purchase of license only.

Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is used to create and manipulate vector illustrations.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is used to edit, enhance, retouch, and manipulate photographs.
Affinity Designer
Pixelmator
Snagit
Snagit is a screen capture tool and image editor.