Glide Training Logo

Finding free images for your Word and Docs documents

  

Written by Jane Hames

How to find images that are free to use in Microsoft Word and Google Docs

When searching for an image to insert into a Microsoft Word or a Google Docs Document, do you check the copyright? Depending on the software you are using to create your document, and the search engine being used for the search, you will get different results and options to filter by license. My preference is to use images that I know are licensed for commercial use and modification. This is mainly because I am not an expert in copyright laws, so by filtering for images that are labelled for use commercially, and are allowed to be modified, I know that I am safe. However, filtering to this lowest level of licensing does produce far fewer image results, so if you need more options it would be worth having a look at stock images which you can pay to use.

Here is a basic run down on what happens when you do an image search online and within Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Searching for images within Microsoft Word:

If you search using Word’s online images feature (which replaced Clip Art), you will be able to filter your search to display all image results or those with a creative commons license. The creative commons license does NOT necessarily mean that you have the right to use the image, but it does gives broad permission that you can use it within the limits of that license. This is confusing, and as a result, if I want to use the Bing image search, I do not do it within Word. Keep reading for some alternatives!
Word training in sussex

Searching for images with Bing in your browser:

To avoid the confusion of creative commons, if you search within your browser using bing images, you can choose an image without licensing constraints to insert into Word.
Word training in sussex

Searching for images within Google Docs:

If you choose to insert an image in Google Docs and then select the search option, the results should be labelled for commercial reuse with modification. Just double check the description below the search box as shown here:
Word training in sussex

Searching for images with Google Images in your browser:

When using Google Images, ensure you change the licensing filter, as shown here:
Word training in sussex

Here are some sites which will provide more information about licensing and copyright:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/

http://onlinehelp.microsoft.com/en-gb/bing/dn261810.aspx

https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/29508?hl=en

Here are some sites where you can pay for images:

http://www.shutterstock.com/

http://www.istockphoto.com/

Glide Training provides Google Docs and Microsoft Word training in Sussex, London and the South.


previous post: Bored of PowerPoint Bullet Points?

next post: Go to linked cells in an Excel formula (Quickly!)

Why choose Glide?

Our Unique Approach

Our Unique Approach

We work on a bespoke, requirements-led basis rather than offer a set range of courses. We will work with you to identify your specific requirements and objectives before any training is delivered. That way you can be sure that training will always deliver exactly what you're looking to achieve.

View details »

Our Low Prices

Our Low Prices

We deliver all our on-site training at our customers' premises. Not only does that avoid any travel inconvenience for your team, but also it means we don't have the overheads required to maintain a dedicated training centre - and in turn we are able to pass these savings on to you.

View details »

Our Expertise

Our Expertise

Our trainers have designed and delivered IT training for a wide range of organisations and people including accountants, lawyers, data analysts, sales consultants and buyers. Clients benefit from our our ability to find creative solutions to their problems based on many years of experience.

View details »

Balderton Logo
Kreston Reeves Logo
National Institute of Health Research
England Rugby
Caravan and Motorhome Club Logo
Bird and Blend Logo
Ropetackle Logo
RBLI Logo
Farnborough Airport Logo
Kroll Logo
The Apprenticeship College Logo
Shoreham Port Logo
Adur and Worthing Councils Logo
Balderton Logo
Kreston Reeves Logo
National Institute of Health Research
England Rugby
Caravan and Motorhome Club Logo
Bird and Blend Logo
Ropetackle Logo
RBLI Logo
Farnborough Airport Logo
Kroll Logo
The Apprenticeship College Logo
Shoreham Port Logo
Adur and Worthing Councils Logo