Google Image Search

Only Return Images Matching Specified Usage Rights

SUMMARY: Only return images in a Google Image Search that are labeled for specific types of reuse.

Sometimes when you search the web for images via Google Image Search you are looking for images purely for research purposes, or you're looking for image for purposes that fall under "fair use" guidelines.

In some instances, however, you may need to find images that you can legally use for commercial purposes, such as to be placed inside printed advertisements or catalogs. To help in these searches you can now limit your results to those matching certain image reuse restrictions based on their Creative Commons license or images in the public domain.

Returning images via Google Image Search that are labeled for commercial reuse

1. From Google Image Search, click the "Advanced Image Search" link.

2. Next to "Usage Rights", click the pull-down next to "Return images that are" and choose from the following options:

* not filtered by license
* labeled for reuse
* labeled for commercial reuse
* labeled for reuse with modification
* labeled for commercial reuse with modification

Though these are general reuse categories, each image's license should spell out the reuse restrictions.

3. Finish your query, and then click "Google Search" to see your results.

Results of a Google Image Search for 'laptop', limiting results to images that can be reused with modifications

As noted in the Google help pages, before using any images, ensure the license is correct, legitimate, and covers all possible problem scenarios - i.e. does the image contain a person or product's image, especially a publically recognizable one, and thus does the license have the legal rights to cover the use of the person or product in commercial settings? You may wish to consult an attorney if you have questions regarding reusing images.

More information about usage rights can be found in the Google help pages.

Return to the Google Image Search page.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >