How to Search for Creative Commons Images

Creative works are often limited by copyright or "All Rights Reserved."  This means that you cannot use it without first obtaining permission.

Creative Commons licenses allow creators to have some or no rights reserved.  This means that the author has given you permission to use it with some or no restrictions.

When you find a Creative Commons image, check the symbols and letters to see how you can or cannot use the work.

A symbol with a person means attribution.  You must give credit to the author.

A symbol with a Yen, Euro, or dollar sign currency crossed out means that it cannot be used for commercial purposes.  The author has said that you cannot make money from using it.

An equal symbol means no derivatives.  You can use the work, but you cannot change or modify it.

The share alike symbol has a backwards C with an arrow on the end indicating that you must share the new modified work you create with the same Creative Commons license.

The least restrictive licenses are for public domain and no known copyright.  The symbols are a zero or crossed-out C.  This means that you can use the work in any way you would like.  You do not have to give credit, but it is still best practice to do so.  

Use the acronym TALL to give proper attribution: T stands for title, A is for author, L is for license, and the second L is for links.

Type a keyword in the Google search box.

Click on "Images."

Go to the right and click on "Tools" to make a drop-down menu appear.

Click on "Usage Rights."

Select the option for "Creative Commons licenses."

Click on an image and visit the source to check on the licensing rights.

You can click on the license or symbols for more information if needed.