Looking for the perfect image to spruce up your blog post, website, or project? You’re in the right place! 🌟 Here’s a list of the top websites where you can download high-quality images that are totally free and public domain. Whether you need eye-catching graphics for your printed materials or stunning visuals for your mobile app, these resources have you covered.
While these websites are great for direct image downloads, don’t forget that Google can also serve as a handy tool for finding the perfect picture.
#1 Pexels
👍 What We Like
- Variety of image sizes to fit any project.
- Great for browsing when you’re not sure what you need.
- Advanced filters to help you find the perfect image.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- The search function could be improved for better user experience.
Pexels is a goldmine of free images, boasting hundreds of thousands of options for both personal and commercial use—ideal for everything from blogs to mobile apps. It’s incredibly user-friendly and continuously updated with fresh content. You can search by keyword, explore different collections, or check out the leaderboard to see trending contributors. If you’re looking for something popular, the Popular Searches page is a great resource. You can even customize the size of the images you download, from small adjustments to the original dimensions.
#2 Unsplash
👍 What We Like
- Wide range of collections and genres.
- Easy-to-use quick download feature.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Frequent prompts to credit the author.
- Includes premium Unsplash+ content in search results.
Unsplash is my go-to alternative to Pexels when looking for public domain photos. Its vast collection is constantly growing, with thousands of new images added monthly. The platform offers an array of options to discover photos, from exploring different topics like Current Events, Textures, or Health & Wellness, to diving into specific collections or trends. While some images are exclusive to Unsplash+ subscribers, you can easily filter to view only the free content. All free photos under the Unsplash License are available for any use without needing permission or credit.
#3 Kaboompics
👍 What We Like
- Fresh photos added every day.
- Options to download custom sizes.
- Innovative filters and sorting features.
- Use images freely without needing to credit the source.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- The website layout can be confusing initially.
- The color picker feature may not meet everyone’s needs.
Kaboompics offers a vast array of public domain images that you can browse by color, keyword, orientation, or category. Categories range from Technology and Food & Drink to Business & Office and Home Decor, ensuring you find the right image for any project. You can easily download images with a quick button click or opt for custom sizes directly from the photo’s download page. The site also features themed photoshoots, perfect for projects requiring a consistent visual style.
#4 Pixabay
👍 What We Like
- Extensive collection of images, videos, and sounds.
- Option to support creators through donations.
- All images are free, regardless of the download size.
- Ability to exclude AI-generated images in searches.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Includes sponsored content.
- Requires login for downloading full-resolution images.
- Some customer service issues have been noted.
- Occasional arbitrary rejections of uploaded images.
Pixabay is a treasure trove of millions of free resources, including photos, illustrations, vector graphics, and even videos and music. These high-resolution visuals are perfect for any project, and you don’t need to give credit to use them. The site’s Explore section helps you discover popular images, Editor’s Choice selections, and specially curated collections focusing on themes like Lifestyle, Wild Animals, or Celebrating Women. Advanced filters also allow you to refine searches by publish date, color, size, and orientation, ensuring you find exactly what you need.
#5 Public Domain Pictures
👍 What We Like
- Easy to find top-quality public domain images.
- Opportunity to donate to the image creators.
- Affordable Premium Download options for larger images.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Be aware of specific usage conditions on some images.
- Larger image sizes require a small fee.
- Numerous ads that might be mistaken for free images.
- No option to filter images by orientation.
Public Domain Pictures is home to thousands of stunning photos and drawings, all available for free download. For those needing higher resolution, there’s a very reasonably priced Premium Download option. While navigating the site, it’s important to note any special usage conditions—like restrictions on images with recognizable people—to ensure appropriate use.
#6 Morguefile
👍 What We Like
- Trusted by creative professionals for high-quality images.
- Attractive and user-friendly website design.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Some image URLs are tied to ad domains and may be blocked by ad blockers.
- Requires creating an account to use features.
Morguefile is a premier source for free high-resolution public domain images, attracting a significant number of submissions from around the globe. The site’s vast library includes hundreds of thousands of stock photos free for commercial use. According to Morguefile’s license, you are free to modify the images; however, if you use the photos without alterations, crediting the photographer is required.
#7 Wikimedia Commons
👍 What We Like
- Vast catalog of over 100 million files.
- User-friendly interface, similar to Wikipedia.
- RSS feeds to keep up with new additions.
- Extremely high-resolution images available.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Complex, multi-layered layout can be overwhelming.
- Some images require attribution to the creator.
Wikimedia Commons is an enormous repository filled with free media files, including images, videos, and sounds, available in multiple languages. Despite its immense size, which can be daunting, starting points like Featured Pictures, Quality Images, or Valued Images are recommended for navigation. While most content is free to use, some files come with usage restrictions clearly noted alongside the media, typically requiring you to attribute the original creator.
#8 NYPL Digital Collections
👍 What We Like
- Impressive, thematically organized collections.
- Focuses on unique archival content rather than typical stock images.
- Excellent navigation and visually appealing website.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Some images require a license for use.
- Highly specialized collections may not suit general editorial needs.
- Occasional broken links can be frustrating.
The New York Public Library offers a breathtaking array of public domain images through its Digital Collections. This extensive collection, nearing one million items, includes everything from illuminated manuscripts to historical maps and vintage photographs. You can easily search for specific materials by ensuring the “Search only public domain materials” option is selected, or explore highlights and new additions featured on the home page. Before downloading, check the Rights Statement at the bottom of the page; images confirmed as public domain by NYPL require no attribution for their use.
#9 Flickr Commons
👍 What We Like
- Rich collection of historical photographs.
- Collaborations with prestigious organizations worldwide.
- Established in 2008, offering a robust archive.
- Multiple size options typically available for images.
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Download pages can be overly cluttered.
Flickr Commons, a collaboration between Flickr and the Library of Congress, hosts thousands of public domain photographs. With contributions from dozens of institutions globally, this platform provides an invaluable resource of historical images, all categorized under “no known copyright restrictions.”
Users can tailor their searches by filters such as color, orientation, minimum size, and date captured, making it easy to find the perfect image for any project. The initiative serves dual purposes: enhancing public access to photography collections and enabling the global community to contribute knowledge and information.
For those looking to find even more public domain images, the Public Domain Flickr group is another excellent resource available on the site.
Need to change the image format? No problem! Use an image file converter to adapt your public domain photo to the file type required by your specific software or project needs, such as converting a JPG to a PNG.
What Are Public Domain Images?
Public domain images are exactly what they sound like: free to use, for anyone and for any purpose. Whether it’s for commercial projects or personal use, these images come without the usual legal entanglements—no need to worry about copyright infringement, no requirement for attributions, and no costs involved.
While most public domain images follow these free-use principles, some may have specific conditions attached. These exceptions are usually clearly noted either in the descriptions provided here or directly on the hosting website.
Conclusion
Exploring public domain images offers a treasure trove of possibilities for creatives, bloggers, educators, and businesses alike. The platforms we’ve discussed provide not only a vast array of visual resources but also the freedom to use them without the typical constraints of copyright laws. Whether you’re looking for historical photographs, stunning high-resolution pictures, or thematic collections, these websites make accessing and using images straightforward and cost-free.
Remember, while the majority of images on these platforms come with no strings attached, it’s essential to check for any specific conditions or requirements mentioned on individual photos. By utilizing these resources, you can enhance your projects and presentations, safe in the knowledge that all legal bases are covered.
Leverage the power of public domain images to bring your creative visions to life, enrich your content, and connect with audiences around the world without the worry of copyright restrictions.
FAQ
What are public domain images?
Public domain images are photos, drawings, and other visual content that are free to use for any purpose, including commercial and personal projects. Users don’t need to worry about copyright infringement, attributing the source, or paying fees.
Can I use public domain images from these websites for commercial projects?
Yes, the majority of images available on the websites mentioned are free to use for both private and commercial purposes. However, it’s important to check if there are any specific restrictions or conditions noted on certain images.
Do I need to credit the creator when using public domain images?
Generally, no credit is required for using public domain images. However, some platforms or specific images might request attribution, so it’s a good idea to verify the usage terms for each image.
What should I do if I need an image in a different format?
If the required format differs from what’s available, you can use an image file converter to change the public domain photo to your desired file type, such as converting a JPG to a PNG.
Where can I find high-quality public domain images?
Websites like Wikimedia Commons, Flickr Commons, Pixabay, and others mentioned in the article offer a vast range of high-quality public domain images suitable for various uses, from educational materials to commercial designs.
What are some common pitfalls to avoid when using public domain images?
Common pitfalls include not checking for specific usage conditions that may apply to some images, mistaking ads for free images, and navigating through cluttered download pages. Always review the details provided on the hosting website to ensure compliance with any terms.
