Free High-Quality Unsplash Photos for Web Design
TL;DR:
- Unsplash photos are completely free to use for any purpose, including commercial projects
- No subscription fees or hidden costs when downloading images
- High-quality photos across multiple categories for web design needs
- Direct integration available with WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace
- You can edit and modify photos following Unsplash's guidelines
- Attribution isn't required but it's good practice
Unsplash has become a go-to resource for web designers who need quality images without the cost. The platform offers thousands of high-resolution photos across every category you can think of, making it easy to find something that fits your project.
Why Unsplash Works Well for Web Design
The main draw is simple: no costs, no subscriptions, and genuinely good quality photos. Unlike stock photo sites that charge per download or require monthly fees, Unsplash operates on a community model where photographers share their work freely.
The image quality is consistently high. Most photos are shot by professional photographers or serious enthusiasts, so you're not dealing with grainy smartphone snaps. The resolution is usually more than adequate for web use, and many images work well for hero sections or featured graphics.
Getting Unsplash Photos Into Your Website
Most major website builders now include direct Unsplash integration, which saves you from downloading and uploading files manually.
WordPress users can install plugins like Instant Images that let you search and insert Unsplash photos directly from your media library.
Wix has built-in Unsplash integration through their media manager. You can search Unsplash without leaving your Wix editor.
Squarespace also includes Unsplash in their image search, accessible when you're adding images to any section or gallery.
If your platform doesn't have direct integration, you can still download photos from Unsplash's website and upload them normally.
Editing Unsplash Photos
You're free to modify Unsplash photos to fit your design needs. This includes cropping, colour adjustments, adding text overlays, or combining images for custom graphics.
The licence is very permissive, so you won't run into issues with basic editing. Just remember to keep the original file backed up somewhere in case you need to start over with your edits.
Things to Watch Out For
While Unsplash photos are free to use, there are a few practical considerations. Popular images might appear on multiple websites, so your site could end up using the same photo as competitors. If brand uniqueness is important, you might want to stick to less downloaded images or consider custom photography for key pages.
Also worth noting: while you can use these photos commercially, you can't sell the photos themselves as stock images or claim them as your own work.
FAQs
Do I need to credit the photographer when using Unsplash photos?
No, attribution isn't required under Unsplash's licence. However, crediting photographers is good practice and helps support the community that makes these images available.
Can I use Unsplash photos for client projects and commercial websites?
Yes, the licence covers commercial use without additional permissions or fees. You can use these images for client work, e-commerce sites, or any business purpose.
Are there any photos I should avoid on Unsplash?
Check that images don't feature recognisable people in ways that might be problematic for your brand. While Unsplash handles the basic licensing, some images might not be suitable for certain commercial contexts.
What happens if Unsplash shuts down or changes their policy?
Any photos you've already downloaded and used remain legally yours to use under the licence terms that applied when you downloaded them.
Jargon Buster
Attribution: Crediting the original creator of an image, typically with their name and a link back to their profile or the original image.
Commercial use: Using images for business purposes, including on websites that generate revenue, in marketing materials, or for client projects.
Resolution: The level of detail in an image, usually measured in pixels. Higher resolution means sharper, more detailed images suitable for larger displays.
Licence: The legal terms that define how you can use a particular image or piece of content.
Wrap-up
Unsplash offers a straightforward solution for web designers who need quality images without the budget for premium stock photos. The direct integration with popular website builders makes it even more convenient, and the freedom to edit images means you can adapt them to match your design vision.
For most web design projects, Unsplash provides more than enough variety and quality to create professional-looking sites. The only real limitation is that popular images might appear elsewhere, but with thousands of photos uploaded regularly, finding unique options isn't difficult.
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