10 Tried-and-Tested Ways to Find High-Quality, Free Images for Your Blog

Finding the right images for your blog is more important than you might think.

Images add life to your posts, grab the reader’s attention, and help convey your message visually.

But finding high-quality images without breaking the bank can feel like a daunting task.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to find free images for your blog.

And no, you don’t have to sacrifice quality or spend hours scrolling through random websites.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through ten of the best ways to find free images, offering practical tips and useful insights along the way.

Pin This For Later!

1. Creative Commons Search Engines

Creative Commons (CC) search engines make finding free images easy.

These tools let you search for images that are licensed under Creative Commons, meaning the original creators have granted permission for you to use them, often with some simple conditions like attribution.

There are a couple of Creative Commons search engines you can try:

I. Creative Commons Search

This is an official search tool from the Creative Commons organization.

It pulls images from a variety of sources like Flickr, Wikimedia Commons, and more.

It’s user-friendly and gives you different filters based on how you want to use the images (for example, commercial use or modifications).

II. CC Search on Google

You can also use Google’s advanced image search to find Creative Commons images.

Just go to Google Images, click on “Tools,” then select “Usage Rights,” and choose the appropriate filter based on the kind of license you’re looking for.

These engines streamline the process of finding images that are legally safe to use.

Just make sure you double-check the individual licenses to see if attribution is required.

2. Free Stock Photo Websites

If you want to keep things simple, turning to free stock photo websites is a great option.

These platforms have massive collections of high-quality images, and the best part? They’re absolutely free to use, even for commercial purposes.

Here are a few of my favorites:

I. Unsplash

This is one of the most popular free image websites, known for its stunning, high-resolution photography.

You’ll find everything from beautiful landscapes to everyday moments, all for free.

Unsplash’s clean layout and search functionality make it easy to find exactly what you need.

II. Pexels

Pexels offers a wide range of free stock images and videos.

It has a robust search feature, and you can also explore images based on color schemes, trends, or popular searches.

III. Pixabay

Another go-to for bloggers, Pixabay provides over 2 million images and videos, all under a very flexible license.

Whether you need abstract art or professional business photos, you’ll find something that works here.

The beauty of these platforms is that you can download images without worrying about complex licenses.

Related: 15 Fool-Proof Methods To Promote A Brand New Blog & Boost Traffic Instantly

But, it’s always a good practice to credit the photographers to show appreciation.

3. Flickr: The Commons

While Flickr is known as a photo-sharing platform, it also has a section called The Commons, which is a treasure trove of public domain images.

These images come from museums, archives, and libraries worldwide and can be freely used for a variety of purposes.

If you’re writing a blog post that needs a bit more personality or you want to stand out from typical stock images, The Commons is a fantastic resource.

4. Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons is the image hub for Wikipedia, and it hosts millions of freely usable media files, including images, videos, and audio files.

What’s great about Wikimedia Commons is that many of its files are in the public domain, meaning they can be used without restriction.

How to use Wikimedia Commons:

I. Browse or Search

You can either search directly for specific images or browse by categories such as art, nature, people, and more.

II. Check Licensing

Each image comes with clear licensing information, so you can easily see if you need to give attribution or if there are any restrictions on how you can use the image.

Wikimedia Commons is particularly useful for bloggers writing educational or informative content since it contains a vast range of scientific, historical, and cultural images.

5. Public Domain Image Repositories

Public domain images are those whose copyright has expired or never existed, making them free for anyone to use for any purpose.

There are several websites dedicated solely to public domain images, which can be incredibly valuable for bloggers.

Some excellent public domain repositories include:

I. Public Domain Archive

This site offers a collection of modern and vintage photos, all of which are 100% free to use for both personal and commercial projects.

It’s perfect for finding both contemporary and nostalgic images.

II. New Old Stock

Specializing in vintage photography, New Old Stock curates public domain images with a historical twist.

If your blog has a retro or historical vibe, you’ll love what you find here.

Also See: 10 Effective Ways To Monetize Your Book Blog This Year

III. The Public Domain Review

This site is more than just an image resource; it’s a curated collection of public domain media, including illustrations and photographs.

It’s great for bloggers who need something out of the ordinary.

Public domain repositories are fantastic because they take the guesswork out of licensing. These images are completely free to use without any restrictions.

6. Canva’s Free Image Library

Many bloggers already use Canva for designing graphics, but did you know it also has a vast library of free images?

Canva partners with stock photo providers like Pexels and Pixabay to offer millions of free images that you can use directly within the Canva platform.

Why Canva is a great option for bloggers:

I. Design + Image

With Canva, you can easily add text, graphics, or filters to your images before downloading them.

It’s a one-stop-shop for bloggers who need both images and design tools.

II. Easy Access

Since Canva integrates free stock images, you don’t have to hop between multiple websites. Everything is available in one place.

III. Customizable

Not only can you use the images, but you can also customize them in ways that suit your brand.

This is perfect if you want to speed up your content creation process while maintaining high-quality visuals.

7. Image Editing Tools with Built-in Free Image Access

Beyond Canva, there are several image editing tools that give you access to free images while also allowing you to tweak or design them to match your blog’s style.

I. Crello

Like Canva, Crello provides access to a wide range of free images and design tools.

It’s another platform where you can seamlessly add images and customize them without leaving the site.

II. Snappa

Snappa offers thousands of free images along with customizable templates that are especially useful for social media and blog graphics.

It’s a lifesaver if you need visually appealing designs but aren’t well-versed in graphic design.

Using these tools gives you the flexibility to create unique and professional-looking images while still sticking to a zero-budget plan.

You May Also Like: 17 Important Legal Pages Every Book Blog Must Have

8. Government Websites

Did you know that many government agencies provide public domain images?

Government websites, particularly in the U.S., offer a wealth of high-quality, copyright-free images that are perfect for educational or informational blog posts.

Some examples include:

I. NASA

Need stunning space photos? NASA’s Image and Video Library has thousands of high-resolution images, all of which are in the public domain.

II. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This site offers a vast collection of wildlife and nature photos that are free to use.

III. The Library of Congress

If you’re searching for historical images or documents, the Library of Congress provides access to a wealth of public domain materials.

These images can add authenticity and professionalism to your blog posts, especially if you’re covering topics like science, history, or nature.

9. Create Your Own Images

Sometimes the best way to get exactly what you need is to create your own images.

This doesn’t require you to be a professional photographer—there are plenty of tools and tips that make DIY image creation easier than ever.

I. Use Your Smartphone

Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras, and you can take your own photos that are 100% unique.

Whether it’s snapping photos of your workspace, products, or scenery around you, this adds a personal touch to your blog.

II. Simple Graphic Design

If you need infographics, charts, or icons, free design tools like Canva or Piktochart can help you create custom visuals.

It might take a bit of practice, but the results are often worth it.

III. Online Photo Editors

If you’ve taken a photo but want to polish it a bit, you can use free tools like Pixlr or GIMP to edit your images without needing advanced Photoshop skills.

By creating your own images, not only do you have complete control over the visual message, but you’re also contributing something totally original to the online space.

10. Screenshot Tools

Lastly, screenshots can be a goldmine for certain types of blog posts.

If you’re writing a tutorial, guide, or review, taking a screenshot of the website, tool, or software you’re discussing can provide relevant visuals.

I. Built-In Tools

Most computers come with built-in screenshot tools. On a Mac, it’s as simple as pressing Command + Shift + 4.

On Windows, you can use Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch.

II. Advanced Tools

If you want to take scrolling screenshots (which capture an entire webpage or a larger section than what fits on your screen), tools like Lightshot, Greenshot, or Awesome Screenshot can be incredibly useful.

These allow you to take detailed screenshots, annotate them, and even blur out sensitive information if needed.

Screenshots are especially valuable when you’re explaining processes, reviewing software, or comparing products.

They’re quick to create, always relevant to your content, and require no special permissions or licenses.

Pin This For Later!

Finding free images for your blog can seem overwhelming at first, but with these ten methods, you’re equipped with a range of resources to find (or create) the perfect visuals.

As a blogger, visuals play a crucial role in engaging your readers and enhancing your storytelling.

By tapping into these free resources, you don’t need a big budget to make your blog posts shine.

Remember, while many of these sources allow you to use images for free, always double-check the licensing requirements.

Happy blogging!