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Free Stock Photos and AI-Generated Images: The Best Resources
The world of online imagery has changed dramatically in recent years. In addition to traditional stock photo websites, generative AI now makes it possible to create unique images from written instructions. You can describe the subject, style and format you need, and the service will generate a new image. Many tools can also edit existing images, add or remove objects and create multiple variations of the same concept. Terms, pricing and usage rights vary between services, so always review the current conditions before using an AI-generated image commercially.
Some of the most popular AI image-generation services include:
- ChatGPT Images – creates and edits images through conversational instructions.
- Midjourney – popular for detailed, artistic and highly stylized images.
- Adobe Firefly – Adobe’s platform for AI image generation and generative editing.
- Google Gemini – generates and edits images directly within Google’s AI assistant.
- Canva AI Image Generator – combines image generation with Canva’s design tools and templates.
- Ideogram – particularly useful for images containing text, headlines or typography.
- Leonardo.Ai – offers image generation, editing and tools for maintaining consistent visual styles.
AI-generated images can be a useful alternative when you need a unique visual that cannot be found in a traditional image library. Stock photography remains valuable when you need authentic photographs of real people, places or situations.
Photography has always been an integral part of design. Below is our updated selection of websites offering free stock photos and other visual resources.
Please note that “free” does not necessarily mean free from copyright. Most websites now use their own licenses, and restrictions may apply to redistribution, trademarks, recognizable people and commercial use. Always check the license for the individual image before publishing it.
1. StockSnap.io
StockSnap offers a large collection of searchable, high-resolution stock photos. Its images are available under the Creative Commons CC0 license, and attribution is not required.
2. Pexels
Pexels provides free stock photos and videos contributed by photographers around the world. Content is governed by the Pexels license rather than CC0. Attribution is not required, but restrictions apply to resale, redistribution and misleading use.
3. Unsplash
Unsplash offers a large searchable collection of free photographs and illustrations. Free images are provided under the Unsplash license, while some additional content is available through the paid Unsplash+ service.
4. Vecteezy
Vecteezy provides stock photos, vectors, videos and design resources. The service includes both free and paid content. Free downloads commonly require attribution, so check the license shown on each resource.
5. Pixabay
Pixabay provides photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, music and other media. Content can generally be used and modified without attribution under the Pixabay Content License, subject to its prohibited uses.
6. FoodiesFeed
FoodiesFeed specializes in high-resolution food photography. Its images are particularly useful for food blogs, restaurants, recipes and editorial design.
7. Gratisography
Gratisography offers distinctive and unconventional stock photos that can be used in personal and commercial projects under the site’s own license. Redistributing the original files is not permitted.
8. Freestocks.org
Freestocks.org provides free photographs covering subjects such as people, nature, fashion, food and technology. Images are offered under the Creative Commons CC0 license.
9. Picography
Picography offers high-resolution stock photos contributed by different photographers. The site describes its free collection as CC0 content.
10. FOCA Stock
FOCA Stock provides free photos, videos and templates for personal and commercial projects. Its collection includes nature, technology, workspace and city imagery.
11. Picjumbo
Picjumbo offers free and premium stock photos in categories including business, fashion, food, nature and technology. Usage is subject to Picjumbo’s current terms and license.
12. Kaboompics
Kaboompics specializes in cohesive photo collections for branding, lifestyle, interiors, food and fashion. Standard-license images may be used in personal and commercial projects without attribution. Images marked “Editorial Use Only” have additional restrictions.
13. Skitterphoto
Skitterphoto provides photographs created by its contributors and made available as public-domain images under CC0.
14. Life of Pix
Life of Pix offers high-resolution photography from a community of photographers. Check the site’s current terms before using or redistributing an image.
15. New Old Stock
New Old Stock collects vintage photographs from public archives. The images are presented as being free of known copyright restrictions, but rights can vary between archives and countries. Check the original source before use.
16. ISO Republic
ISO Republic offers free stock photos and videos covering business, technology, nature, travel and other subjects. Review the current license and any third-party rights associated with the image before publication.
17. StyledStock
StyledStock provides free styled photography with an emphasis on fashion, business, lifestyle and traditionally feminine visual themes. Its images may be used commercially without attribution, subject to the limitations in the site’s license.
