Where to search for stock images
There are numerous stock graphic sites online where you can find free photos, videos, and vector illustrations suitable for both personal and commercial projects.
Stock libraries generally fall into two categories:
- Universal options. These platforms cover a wide range of topics such as nature, urban scenes, food, and people. They are ideal for presentations, articles, and small projects.
- Topic focused libraries. These collections specialize in particular subjects like historical paintings or portraits of notable figures.
What to check when using photo stocks Always review the license terms for each image.
For personal use such as school presentations or casual sharing, most photos are acceptable. When the goal is commercial use like a business proposal, media publication, a design project, or printing an image in a book, copyright considerations must be observed.
Copyright basics: terms and penalties
Copyright law covers more than photos and videos. It protects books, music, visual art, software, databases, maps, and more.
Using online content without the right permissions can infringe on property rights. Exceptions exist for informational, educational, or cultural purposes, provided authorship and source are noted and citations align with the publication’s purpose.
Penalties for infringement can include fines for individuals up to a certain amount and more substantial penalties for organizations, with enforcement statutes defined in the national code. Infringing copies and related materials may be seized.
Most stock platforms include filters to help users find legally reusable content. For example, some licenses permit Public Domain usage, allowing free use for any purpose.
Free photo stocks: six top sites
Remove splash
Unsplash stands as one of the largest free image libraries. It shines with keyword search, themed collections, and tagging. For best results, search in English and explore related collections. Images on Unsplash are free for personal and commercial use. Attribution is optional but appreciated. A paid subscription grants access to an expanded library. The site leans toward universal images and rarely features celebrity or historic content.
Freepik
Freepik is another leading free stock source with a vast image library. It allows high resolution downloads and image editing for layouts. Video and audio content exist but in smaller quantities. A notable advantage is Russian-language search support. Users can discover ready-made designs or generate custom visuals via integrated tools. Some free images are suitable for commercial use, while a paid plan is required for broader access and usage rights.
Stockcase
This resource helps designers, students, and photographers locate high-quality imagery. It currently offers a substantial collection that can be downloaded at no cost. English search is recommended since Stockcase operates outside the regional language sphere.
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons hosts over 100 million free images uploaded by volunteers. It is a valuable resource for reproductions of paintings, historical photographs, celebrity imagery, and more. Russian language support exists but English often yields better search results. Always verify the license before using an image for commercial purposes and set the desired license filter when needed.
Important
When using Wikimedia Commons images, credit the author and indicate the license type.
Flickr
Many Flickr creators offer free usage with proper attribution. Credit and license details are usually listed in the image description. Since Flickr is an international service, queries in English tend to be most effective.
Life of Pix
The Life of Pix gallery hosts thousands of photos designed to enhance any project. Images are categorized by themes such as Food, City, Architecture, and Black and White, with new uploads weekly. The interface is English friendly, and free downloads without registration are available.
Best video stocks for designers: three free sites
Free video content for commercial use is less abundant than free photos, yet a few platforms offer high-quality clips at no cost without requiring registration.
One. Lid
This stock lets you search for short clips based on chosen parameters. Downloads are available in MP4 Full HD format without registration. A paid plan improves quality and expands the selection.
Two. Video
A large library that updates weekly. Navigation is intuitive through categories, new and popular tabs, and a demand search. Free videos are downloadable without registration, while some premium clips are flagged with a symbol indicating they require payment.
Three. Cute stock images
This site allows free high-resolution 4K video downloads without registration. It starts with a free collection and includes thousands of files across diverse categories from nature to lifestyle.
Resources with free vector graphics and icons: four useful sites
Numerous online resources provide designers with a wealth of vector icons to speed up project work. Styles vary from outline to flat and two-tone designs, and some creators publish entire icon sets in a unified visual language.
Free icon downloads can be found at:
- Flat icon
- Remix icon
- Fur
- Freepik
Websites with free mockups: top five sites
A mockup presents a realistic preview of how a design will appear in context, whether on a phone screen, a T-shirt, or street signage. Mockups are a practical way to showcase work. If time is tight, free mockup libraries provide valuable help.
Free models you can use include:
- Download Model
- Free model
- Free mockup
- More PSDs
- Freepik