Copyright Free Images

The resources in this page are useful when looking for imagery for any need. They can be used to search for copyright free images for your department's print material, speaker event posters, documents, web material, online course content, and more. Most photos are open and available to the public, and you do not need to restrict access to your academic environment. However, still ensure that you are complying with specific use restrictions and attribution requirements, if specified.

Image Relay

A new digital asset system which has thousands of high-quality, searchable, UT photos that are available for download to use on websites (and other communications needs). Image Relay is managed by University Communications.

To get access to Image Relay, you'll need to first request an account.

Websites with Copyright-Free Images

• StockSnap - High-resolution photos added weekly. Free to download and use in commercial or personal projects.
• Unsplash - Freely-usable images for download in commercial and non-commerical purposes. Attribution is appreciated but not required.
• Pexels - Photos and videos that are free to use and modify. Attribution is appreciated but not required.
• Pixabay - Free, high quality images and videos.
• Burst - Free stock photos for websites and commercial use.
• Canva - Free and premium photos.
• The Noun Project - Database of icons that can be used for free with attribution
• The Gender Spectrum Collection: Stock Photos Beyond the Binary - A stock photo library featuring images of trans and non-binary models. This collection aims to help media better represent members of these communities as people not necessarily defined by their gender identities.

Open Access Photographs & Historical Images

• USA.GOV - Pictures provided by the U.S. government, free for use.
• Wikimedia Commons- A collection of 73,888,068 freely usable media files to which anyone can contribute.
• Flickr Creative Commons - Galleries of photos shared by community members.
• Creative Commons - Over 500 million images, avaialble for reuse.
• Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Online - Public domain images from the Library of Congress
• World Images - Collection of primarily historical images organized into categories like Science, Religion, the Arts, and more. Many images come embedded with relevant information.

Examples of Copyright-Free Image Use

The formats below show several instances of how UT faculty and staff use copyright-free images in web and print destinations. Using interesting and appropriate images can elevate the presentation and appearance of your departmental content. 

Additional Guides and Resources

• Computer Hope - More information on finding free public domain images

***Make sure to select copyright free for use images if the option arises*** 

Searching for Copyright Free Images on Creative Commons

Creative Commons is a great place to find images that are copyright free for use on the COLA websites.

1. Go to Creative Commons
2. Click on the image you would like to use & make sure that it says “Public Domain” at the bottom right

Searching for Copyright Free Images on Google

1. Search for Image. Type in relevant titles for the image you are looking for; you can be as specific as you want
2. Finding the “Right” Photo. Once you click search, there will be bunch of images that pop up. But it is important to make sure that you are using a COPYRIGHT FREE IMAGES. To do so, you click on:  “Tools” → “Usage rights” → “Labeled for noncommercial reuse with modification”