Images from the Internet

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Last updated: Nov 13, 2024 by Peter Means
2 min read

This tutorial discusses the issues surrounding the use of images found online in your Photoshop project. It covers where to legally acquire images and how to download images. 

Where to Legally Acquire Images Online

When adding images from the Internet to your Photoshop project, it is important to consider the legal issues surrounding using images that are not your own. The following sources provide methods of obtaining images that you may use, reuse, or alter according to the rules of copyright law.

Google

  • http://images.google.com
  • These images are, of course, free.
  • Click on Advanced Image Search > Usage Rights > Pick one of the available options, each of which returns different search results catering to the searcher's desired use for an image:
    • Not Filtered By License: Searches all images regardless of copyright limitations.
    • Labeled for Reuse: Search results will only include images you may copy and/or modify.
    • Labeled for Commercial Reuse: Search results will only include images you may copy and use for commercial purposes.
    • Labeled for Reuse with Modification: Search results will only include your may copy and modify.
    • Labeled for Commercial Reuse with Modification: Search results will only include images you may modify and then use for commercial purposes.

iStockPhoto

  • http://www.istockphoto.com
  • This company provides royalty-free photos at a small cost.
  • Click on Advanced Search and enter search term.

Flickr Creative Commons

  • http://flickr.com
  • Creative Commons images are available freely because they are not copyrighted in the traditional way. To learn more about Creative Commons, visit their website.
  • First, click the search button. You need not enter a search term at this time.
  • Click on Advanced Search and enter search term.
  • Check "Only Search Within Creative Commons-Licensed Content."
    • If you also check "Find content to modify, adapt, or build upon," your search results will include images that you may edit freely.

Downloading an Image from the Internet

  • If you are using a PC, right-click on the image and choose "Save Image to Desktop." Name the file and press save.
  • If you are using a Mac, press the control key and click on the image and choose "Save Image to the Desktop." Name the file and press save.
  • Remember to consider image quality, and consequentially, its usability: Make sure to get the biggest size on screen you can get. Small images will not blow up well on screen, let alone look good in video or in print.