How Unsplash Works for Web Designers
TL;DR:
- Photographers upload their best work to Unsplash for free exposure
- Unsplash curates submissions to maintain high quality standards
- You can download and use images for free in commercial web projects
- Always double-check licensing requirements before using any image
- Use specific keywords when searching to find relevant images faster
Unsplash connects photographers who want to showcase their work with web designers who need quality images. It's become one of the go-to sources for free stock photography, but understanding how it actually works helps you use it more effectively.
The Three-Step Process
Photographers Contribute Their Work
Professional and amateur photographers upload their images to Unsplash. They do this to build their portfolios, gain exposure, and support other creatives. The platform gives them a way to get their work seen by millions of users worldwide.
Unsplash Reviews and Curates
Not every photo makes it onto the platform. Unsplash has a curation team that reviews submissions based on technical quality, composition, and usefulness. This filtering process keeps the overall standard high and means you're less likely to waste time scrolling through poor-quality images.
Users Download for Free
Once approved, images become available for anyone to download. You can use them in web design projects, both personal and commercial, without paying licensing fees. The download process is straightforward – no account required for basic downloads, though creating one gives you access to collections and download history.
What This Means for Your Web Projects
The curation process works in your favour. When you search for "modern office" or "coffee shop interior," you get professionally shot images rather than amateur snapshots. This saves time and gives your websites a polished look without the budget for custom photography.
The search function lets you filter by orientation, colour, and category. Use specific terms rather than broad ones – "laptop on wooden desk" will give better results than just "technology."
Understanding the Business Model
Unsplash makes money through Unsplash+ (their premium service) and partnerships, not by charging for downloads. This means the free tier isn't going anywhere, but premium options exist if you need guaranteed exclusive usage or want to support specific photographers.
FAQs
Can I modify Unsplash images for my website?
Yes, you can crop, resize, adjust colours, and make other modifications. The license allows derivative works.
Do I need to credit the photographer?
Credit isn't required but it's appreciated. Unsplash provides easy copy-paste attribution text with each download.
Are there any restrictions on how I use the images?
You can't sell the images as-is or use them to create competing stock photo services. Normal web design use is fine.
What happens if an image gets removed from Unsplash?
Your right to use downloaded images continues even if they're later removed from the platform.
Jargon Buster
Curation – The process of reviewing and selecting which uploaded photos appear on the platform
Royalty-free – You pay once (or in Unsplash's case, not at all) and can use the image multiple times without additional fees
Creative Commons – Unsplash uses a custom license that's similar to Creative Commons but specifically tailored for their platform
Resolution – Image quality measured in pixels. Unsplash provides high-resolution downloads suitable for web and print
Wrap-up
Unsplash works because it benefits everyone involved. Photographers get exposure, users get free quality images, and the platform maintains its reputation through careful curation. For web designers, this means access to professional-quality imagery without licensing headaches or budget constraints.
The key to getting the most from Unsplash is understanding that quality comes from their curation process, not just the volume of available images. Take advantage of the search filters and don't be afraid to dig deeper than the first page of results.
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