Finding and Using Images
It is easy to find images online, but most are covered by copyright. There are library and open-source sources for copyright-free images that you can use in your academic work, even if you intend to publish.
Finding Images
Library Resources
Images from our online library resources can normally be used in educational presentations if you cite the source (called attribution). You can find the citation with the downloaded image.
Resources for finding images include:
- ClinicalKey : Change the search dropdown to multimedia to find images
- Access Medicine: Use the multimedia tab to search images
- Bates’ Visual Guide to Physical Examination
Open Resources
Open resources include images in the public domain as well as those published under a Creative Commons License, which grants permission to use a copyrighted work. Learn more about Creative Commons Licenses.
- Flickr and Flickr: The Commons
- Images available for use with attribution requested.
- Getty Open Content Program
- Public Domain and available images. Using Getty Open Content Images
- Google Images
- Images results can be filtered by Creative Commons license.
- MedPix
- Images available from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) for personal and educational use.
- Pixabay
- Free images and illustrations. Terms of Service
- Wikimedia Commons
- Most images may be used with attribution
Using Images
Even if an image is available for your use you still must include a citation or attribution to avoid plagiarism. See our citation style guides for help citing images.
Learn More
Finding and Using Openly Licensed Images: A Quick Guide for Students by Rachael Nevins
Questions & Help
If you have questions on this, or another topic, contact a librarian for help!