IT Learning Programme

Question

Where can I get free images to use in PowerPoint?

Answer

Firstly, you can’t just use an image search tool (such as Google images) and use any image from the web. Most images on the web are covered by copyright.

Secondly, in academia, make use of your librarian or information officer. They can often point you to topic specific image collections for which your institution has a licence.

Thirdly, take a look at some of the following:

Flickr

www.flickr.com
Use the advanced search feature at
http://www.flickr.com/search/advanced/
Type in suitable keywords and scroll down to the Creative Commons section.
Put a tick in the box to only search for Creative Commons licensed content. There are a number of varieties of CC license. Most allow free use, sometimes requiring attribution. Some restrict commercial use. See http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/ for details.

Morguefile

www.morguefile.com
You can search for free images. The quality is variable. Attribution is needed.

FreeFoto

www.freefoto.com
Images are free providing you attribute them to freefoto. Quality is generally good, but the topics are quite limited.

stock.xchng

www.sxc.hu
Some good quality free images. Terms and conditions of use can vary so read carefully.

Commercial Stock Image Sites

www.dreamstime.com
www.123rf.com

and many others.

These are stock image sites. Most images need payment, but the cost is usually quite small (on-line payment by card). Quality is usually excellent. If you register, you can also get access to some free images.