Find Free and Safe Images on Google Images

  • Updated on Jul 29, 2025
  • Published on Jul 23, 2025
  • 1 minute(s) read
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To avoid legal repercussions, you can use the Creative Commons license function on Google Image Search to find Free-to-Use images.

Important Notes:

  • Reference this article to find out if an image is truly Free or Safe to Use: Is it safe to use Google Images?

  • The Creative Commons license image may be free to use, but the Related Images that appear with the free image may not be. Always double-check to make sure a related image is free.

  • Please look at our article Alternatives to Google Images for other ways to find free photos.

Disclaimer

Although Google makes it easy to find images you can use, some risks are involved. Even though there are images available to use for free, it is often better, in the long run, to take your own pictures or use pictures that you own the rights to.

Instructions

  1. Navigate to Google Image Search

  2. Enter your search criteria and click Enter on your keyboard or click the Magnifying Glass to initiate the search The magnifying glass icon at the left end of the text entry field.

  3. Click Tools at the top of the page The option labeled Tools, below the search bar to the right of the All, Images, Shopping, Books, Videos, News, Maps, and More labels.

  4. Select the Usage Rights filter The dropdown menu labeled Usage rights, below the Images, Shopping, and Books labels, to the right of the Size and Color drop-down menus.

  5. Select Creative Commons license The Creative Commons licenses option in the Usage rights dropdown menu.

  6. Select one of the images An example image of search results using the Creative Commons license.

    Note:

    Always double-check any Related Images to see if they are free to use. You cannot assume they are free-to-use.

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