Image Search Tools

Openverse

Openverse is search engine for openly-licensed photos, audio, and video from dozens of sources. All Openverse content is under a Creative Commons license or in the public domain, and you can filter your search results by license. Additional search tips are available in the Openverse Syntax Guide. Each image page includes a "Credit the creator" section, which provides a recommended attribution statement in various formats. 

Below is an example of a Thingiverse image indexed in Openverse with an accompanying attribution statement.

"Chasecam with GoPro Attachment" by Henrique Cisneros is marked with CC0 1.0.

Unsplash

Unsplash allows you to search millions of curated photos, all freely available to download and use in accordance with the Unsplash License. The license does not require attribution to the creator, but it is appreciated. When you download an image, a recommended attribution statement will be provided. 

Below is an example of an Unsplash photo with the recommended attribution statement.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Pixabay

Similar to Unsplash, on Pixabay you can search millions of images, videos, and music, all of which are freely available to download and use in accordance with the Pixabay license. The license does not require attribution to the creator, but it is appreciated. When you download an image, a recommended attribution statement will be provided. 

Below is an example of a Pixabay photo with the recommended attribution statement.

Image by Tatiana from Pixabay 

Google Images

Google Images is considered the most comprehensive image search engine, but it is important to note that it includes many images that are not licensed for reuse. Once you start your search, you can use the "Usage rights" filter (under "Tools") to restrict results to those that have Creative Commons licenses, but you should always doublecheck the licensing information. Google's Help Center provides instructions for using the "Usage Rights" filter and verifying licensing information.

Below is an example of a Wikimedia Commons photo indexed in Google Images with an accompanying attribution statement.

"File:USA Oklahoma relief location map.svg" by SANtosito is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International.

Flickr

Flickr is an image and video hosting service that allows creators to choose a license when uploading content. Not all content is licensed for reuse, but you can filter your search results by license or use the Explore/Creative Commons tool to browse or search content under each type of Creative Commons license. Refer to Flickr's Developer Guide for guidance on attributions for content that has a Creative Commons license.

Below is an example of a Flickr image with an accompanying attribution statement.

"Open access overview: Focusing on open access to peer-reviewed research articles and their preprints" by opensourceway is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.