Finding and Using Free Images

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Last revised on 2/3/2025 by kk.

Overview

Without licensing (i.e., permission from the copyright holder), uploading copyrighted material to HuskyCT violates copyright law. Copyright issues often arise when it comes to using images in courses, as placing copyrighted images in documents and HuskyCT is considered unauthorized copying and distribution. Any images used in online courses must be licensed for this purpose. This post shows how to find, use, and cite free images that support learning in online courses legally.

Apps with Built-In Image Libraries

Several applications UConn licenses include built-in image libraries.

Microsoft 365

As Microsoft 365 subscribers, UConn Microsoft 365 accounts “have access to a growing library of thousands of royalty-free images, icons, illustrations, videos, and more” (Microsoft Support, n.d., para. 1). While available in multiple Microsoft 365 apps, this feature is especially useful when creating PowerPoint presentations. Learn how to insert premium content.

HuskyCT

HuskyCT (Blackboard) has built-in imagery features to help with building courses. When inserting an image, selecting the Image Source provides options for “Stock images from Unsplash” and “Generate images” using the AI Design Assistant. (Not all options are available in all areas of HuskyCT.) This feature makes it seamless to add a Course Image/Banner, learning module thumbnails, and other imagery to a course. Note that these image features are not available to students.

Other Sources of Free Imagery

A number of sites have free images that can be used in your courses. Most of the images on these sites are in the public domain or licensed under a Creative Commons (CC) license that requires attribution. Note that some CC licenses do not permit commercial use. With lack of consensus on whether the use of content in a course [that charges tuition or program fees] at a public university is commercial or noncommercial, it’s recommended to only use images licensed to permit commercial use (Creative Commons, 2024; Lowe, n.d.; “Noncommercial Interpretation,” 2017).

This is not an exhaustive list but provides a starting point. These sites may require creating a free account.

List of free image sources and related information about each source.
Website Types of Media License Attribution Requirements Notes
UConn Media Share Photos (UConn) Photos may be used by UConn employees for University projects. Not required —
Unsplash Photos, Graphics Unsplash License Not required but appreciated Use of some images requires a paid subscription. Filter for free images.
Pixabay Photos, Graphics Pixabay License or CC0 Not required but appreciated —
Pexels Photos Pexels License Not required but appreciated —
Flickr Photos, Graphics CC Licenses Likely required Filter for CC licenses that allow for commercial use (i.e., does not include “NC” license element).
Google Images Photos, Graphics CC licenses Likely required Filter for CC licenses that allow for commercial use (i.e., does not include “NC” license element).
Wikimedia Commons Photos, Graphics Typically CC Licenses Likely required Search for works licensed for commercial use (i.e., does not include “NC” license element).
BioRender Graphics (Scientific Figures) BioRender License Required Can create up to five figures for free.
Iconfinder Graphics (Icons) Typically CC Licenses Likely required —
Flaticon Graphics (Icons) Flaticon License Required for free accounts —

Using Generative AI to Create Images

A 3D-animated husky dog playing basketball in a stadium
Image generated using Microsoft Copilot, prompt: “A 3D animated blue-eyed husky dog playing basketball in a stadium”

From Copyright in Online Courses: Using Free Content Legally:

Generative AI is another way to legally use free content in a course. AI-generated works currently cannot be copyrighted in the U.S. and are in the public domain unless a human being sufficiently modifies the direct output to create a new creative work (Martin, 2024; Zirpoli, 2023). However, AI-generated outputs may still violate copyright law if the output is “substantially similar” to existing copyrighted works (Zirpoli, 2023).

While many generative AI tools can create content, Microsoft Copilot is the preferred option for UConn employees. Copilot is part of the University’s Microsoft 365 license which meets institutional privacy requirements (UConn Information Technology Services, 2024).

Attribution Examples:

  • Image generated using [tool, version], prompt: “[prompt]”
  • Image generated using [tool, version] from “[prompt]” prompt.
  • Image generated using [tool, version] from the prompt “[prompt].”
  • “[Prompt]” prompt, generated by [tool, version].

References

  1. Creative Commons. (2024, June 3). Frequently asked questions.
  2. Lowe, C. (n.d.). An issue for open education: Interpreting the non-commercial clause in Creative Commons licensing. Conference on College Composition & Communication (CCCC).
  3. Mamak, L., & Mosher, L. (2024, January 4). MLA citations for content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Normandale Community College Library.
  4. Martin, M. (2024, February 28). Your creative AI copyright questions, answered. Superside.
  5. Microsoft Support. (n.d.). Insert images, icons, and more in Microsoft 365.
  6. NonCommercial interpretation. (2017, October 15). In Creative Commons Wikipedia.
  7. RMIT University Library. (2024, August 2). Artificial intelligence – referencing guidelines: Referencing AI-generated images.
  8. UConn Information Technology Services. (2024, July 12). Microsoft AI services. University of Connecticut.
  9. Zirpoli, C. T. (2023, September). Generative artificial intelligence and copyright law (LSB10922). Congressional Research Service.