16+ Sources for Free Public Domain and CC0-Licensed Images

Sources for free public domain and CC0-licensed images can be the best solution for anyone who needs high-quality visuals without worrying about copyright issues. Whether you are a blogger, graphic designer, student, or online business owner, access to free, royalty-free images can help enhance your content while ensuring its legal use. 

However, not all free image sources offer the same quality. Knowing the right websites allows you to find relevant, aesthetically pleasing, and niche-appropriate photos without spending a dime. This article will discuss tips for finding the best images and a list of trusted websites that provide free image collections with Public Domain or CC0 licenses.

Tips for Finding High-Quality, Niche-Specific Images

Finding free images is about availability and finding relevant, aesthetically pleasing visuals that fit your needs. With the right strategy, you can get high-quality images that support your content's message.

• Use specific keywords: When searching image provider sites, use more detailed keywords. For example, type "minimalist workspace" instead of just "workspace" for results that are more relevant to your niche.
• Choose high resolution: Always prioritize high-resolution images to look professional on various devices and platforms. High-resolution images are also more flexible for editing purposes.
• Pay attention to style consistency: To maintain your branding, choose images with a consistent tone, color, or photography style. This will make your website, blog, or social media look neater and more professional.
• Check licenses carefully: Although many sites provide free images, read the license details. Some images require attribution, while others are free to use without conditions.
• Take advantage of curated collections: Many sites offer special collections based on themes or categories. These collections can save time because specific topics like food, technology, or business organize them.

16+ Sources for Free Licensed Images

Finding free images with a safe-to-use license can be challenging, especially if you want high-quality results. Fortunately, many trusted sites provide collections of royalty-free images for various needs, from blogs and social media to commercial projects.

1. Pexels

Pexels is one of the most popular free stock photo and video platforms. Its collection is vast and well-organized, and it is released under the flexible Pexels License. This means all content can be freely used for a wide range of purposes, including commercial projects, without needing special permission.

In addition, all photos on Pexels can be used without attribution. This is especially useful for designers, bloggers, and business owners who need high-quality visuals quickly and easily, without worrying about complicated licensing requirements.

2. Unsplash

Unsplash is widely recognized as a go-to source for high-resolution photos with a strong artistic touch. Content creators, designers, and developers often use it to find aesthetic, professional-quality images. All content is covered under the Unsplash License, which allows free use, even for commercial purposes.

The platform also has a powerful search feature that makes it easy to find images based on themes such as nature, technology, or office environments. With its quality and variety, Unsplash is an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their digital content

3. Pixabay

Pixabay offers more than just free photos, you can also find illustrations, vectors, music, and videos. All works on the platform are covered by the Pixabay License, which allows personal and commercial use without requiring attribution.

Its collection is regularly updated, so users can always find fresh, relevant content. This flexibility makes Pixabay especially valuable for creators who need various media types beyond photography.

4. Negative Space

Negative Space features a beautifully curated collection of photos, all released under the CC0 license, making them completely free to use. The platform is especially helpful for bloggers, artists, and small businesses looking for high-quality images at no cost.

It also provides search and categorization features that let users filter by tags or dominant colors. This makes finding visuals that align with branding or specific content themes easier.

5. Public Domain Pictures

Public Domain Pictures offers a wide range of free high-quality images, graphics, and vectors. All content can be used freely for personal and commercial purposes without copyright concerns.

The collection is organized into categories, making it simple for users to find images relevant to their topics. This structure makes it a practical choice for quickly locating photos or illustrations to match specific needs.

6. New Old Stock

As its name suggests, New Old Stock is dedicated to showcasing a stunning collection of vintage photographs. These images come from public archives and are now part of the public domain, making them free to use without restrictions. These photos' nostalgic and historical feel makes them ideal for storytelling, educational projects, or creative designs that need a retro aesthetic.

The platform is a gem for history lovers, bloggers, and designers looking for authentic vintage visuals. Since the images are drawn from real historical collections, they carry a sense of authenticity that modern stock photos can't replicate. New Old Stock is a unique source compared to typical free image platforms.

7. My Stock Photos

My Stock Photos is a project created by the team at ThemeIsle. It offers a curated library of high-resolution images under the CC0 license. All photos can be used freely for personal or commercial purposes, making them highly versatile for various projects.

The site organizes its content neatly into popular categories, which helps users quickly find images relevant to their blogs, websites, or design work. Its focus on simplicity and accessibility makes My Stock Photos a handy resource for anyone who values quality and convenience.

8. Pickup Image

Pickup Image provides an extensive library of public domain images that anyone can download and use without restrictions. It includes a wide range of visuals, from nature and landscapes to lifestyle and urban scenes, making it a great resource for diverse content needs.

In addition to stock photos, Pickup Image also offers free clipart and graphics, giving creators more flexibility for design projects. With its tag-based browsing system and built-in search feature, users can easily navigate the site and find visuals tailored to their specific projects.

9. Openverse

Openverse is a robust search engine for openly licensed media and is part of the official WordPress project. It aggregates content from hundreds of sources, offering access to over 600 million images and audio files in the public domain or licensed under Creative Commons.

The platform comes with advanced filters, making it simple to refine searches and find exactly what you need for a website, blog, or creative project. With its massive database and integration with WordPress, Openverse is a reliable tool for creators who want legally safe, high-quality content.

10. Splitshire

Splitshire is a visually appealing collection of photographs released under the CC0 license, which can be freely used for personal and commercial projects. The platform was built by a professional photographer, which ensures a unique and artistic touch to its content.

Users can browse the site through tags and filters or use its mosaic view to explore available photos more visually. Combining high-quality images and an intuitive browsing experience makes Splitshire a great option for bloggers, designers, and marketers seeking fresh and original visuals.

11. The British Library

The British Library has opened up its massive collection of historical illustrations, drawings, and artworks through its Flickr account. With over a million images sourced from 17th, 18th, and 19th-century books, it offers an incredible archive of vintage visuals that are now part of the public domain.

Because these works are released under the CC0 license, they can be freely downloaded and used without restriction. This makes the collection a valuable resource for educators, historians, designers, and anyone in need of authentic historical imagery.

12. LibreShot

 LibreShot is a photography project by Martin Vorel, who shares thousands of his photos under the CC0 license. This means all images are completely free for commercial use and require no attribution, making them highly versatile for websites, blogs, and marketing materials.

The photos cover a wide variety of themes, from nature and travel to business and lifestyle, and they are known for their vibrant colors and artistic quality. LibreShot stands out as a personal yet professional resource where every image has a unique photographic style.

13. StockCake

StockCake is a fast-growing library of high-quality images that are entirely free to use. What makes it unique is that all of its visuals are AI-generated and then carefully curated by a team to ensure consistency and quality.

Released into the public domain under CC0, StockCake images can be downloaded and used anywhere, without licensing concerns. This makes it a great option for those seeking modern and creative visuals that feel fresh and different from traditional stock photos.

14. Reusable Art

Reusable Art offers a vast collection of vintage illustrations, drawings, and artworks that have entered the public domain. The site is especially appealing for those working on creative projects with a historical or artistic touch.

Every image is organized into categories, making it easy to browse and locate specific styles or subjects. Since the works are public domain, they can be used freely for personal, educational, or even commercial purposes without the need for attribution.

15. Skitterphoto

Skitterphoto provides a carefully curated selection of free images released under the CC0 license. Unlike many stock photo sites, most of the pictures here are taken by the platform's own photographers, ensuring that the content feels original and less overused.

The site covers a wide range of subjects, from landscapes and architecture to abstract and everyday life. Because of its unique approach, Skitterphoto is perfect for creators looking to stand out with visuals that are not commonly seen on other stock platforms.

16. StockSnap.io

StockSnap.io offers a huge library of stunning stock photos contributed by a community of talented photographers. Hundreds of new images are added weekly, ensuring a fresh and constantly growing collection. All photos are released under the Creative Commons CC0 license, so they can be used freely for personal and commercial projects.

Users can download, edit, and share the images without worrying about attribution. With its wide range of categories and a strong focus on quality, StockSnap.io has become a favorite resource for bloggers, marketers, and creatives seeking fresh, high-resolution visuals.

17. Barn Images

 Barn Images provides a collection of what the creators call "non-stock" photography. Instead of generic visuals, the site focuses on authentic, high-resolution images that feel fresh and original. The content is available under the Barn Images License, which allows free use for commercial projects.

Users can explore the site by browsing categories and tags or using the search bar to find specific subjects. Barn Images is particularly valued by those who want their content to stand out with natural, professional-quality photos that don't look like typical stock images.

18. FreeImages

Freeimages is a long-standing platform that offers thousands of free stock photos across multiple categories. From landscapes and business settings to abstract designs, the library is diverse and suitable for both creative and professional projects.

While the site has premium options, the free collection is extensive enough to cover most needs. With its easy navigation and broad range of subjects, Freeimages is a practical resource for anyone looking to find visuals for personal or commercial use quickly.

19. Shopify Stock Photo

Shopify Stock Photo, or Burst by Shopify, is a resource designed to help entrepreneurs, e-commerce owners, and marketers. It provides a large collection of high-quality images, all released under a license for free commercial use.

The platform's photos are particularly tailored for online stores and business-related content, covering niches like technology, fashion, and lifestyle. With its strong business focus, Shopify Stock Photo is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a professional and visually appealing brand presence.

Conclusion

Free licensed images are essential for creating engaging and professional content without worrying about copyright issues. With these 19 platforms, you can access millions of photos, illustrations, and graphics that elevate your website, blog, or online store. Choosing the right visuals improves aesthetics and strengthens your brand presence.

To maximize the impact of these images, consider organizing and optimizing them effectively on your WordPress site. Tools like WP Media Folder make media management seamless, while WP Meta SEO helps boost your site's search performance. Combining high-quality visuals with smart WordPress plugins will give your content the professional edge it deserves.