Copyright:Legacy/Copyright Resources/Image Sources/Wikimedia
Wikimedia Commons
Link: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
"Welcome to Wikimedia Commons,a database of 12,138,456 freely usable media files to which anyone can contribute" (Wikimedia homepage). Wikimedia Commons is just as it states: a database of user uploaded images, videos, and sound materials that are available for use under Creative Commons (CC) copyright licences. Images cover a variety of subjects from cartoons and fine art to science and engineering. Images can be downloaded in a variety of sizes, linked to, or embedded in webpages.
License
Each file is licensed under a CC licence. Each image will have it's own set of permissions and requirements for use depending on the CC licence used. To find the licensing details just scroll down the image's information page.
Searching, Downloading, & Embedding
Searching
- Use search box on main page. Try using multiple variations of your search as the cataloging information accompanying each image is minimal.
- Browse images by category and subcategory. Main categories are listed on the bottom right part of the main page under "Content".
- Click on an image to go to image information page with licence information and downloading.
Downloading
- Go to image information page.
- After checking licence, click on "Full Resolution" link underneath image. This will open a new page with only the image on it.
- Right click image and choose "Save Image As".
Embedding
- If embedding image in a website or blog:
- click on "Use this file on the web."
- copy HTML/BBCode, paste into webpage or blog.
- If embedding image in a wiki:
- click on "Use this file on a wiki."
- copy thumbnail or full image code, paste into wiki.
Example
Notes / Caution
- Double check the licence permissions specific to the image. Always use common sense when assessing user uploaded materials.
Similar / See Also