How to Credit Unsplash Photos in Web Design
TL;DR:
- Always include the photographer's name when using Unsplash photos
- Add a link back to the original image page on Unsplash
- You can use Unsplash images commercially without asking permission
- Crediting isn't legally required but shows good practice
- Place credits where they're visible but don't disrupt your design
When you grab an image from Unsplash for your web design project, taking a moment to credit the photographer properly shows respect for their work. While Unsplash's license doesn't require attribution, it's good practice and helps support the community of photographers sharing their work for free.
Getting the Credit Details Right
Start by collecting the photographer's information from the Unsplash page. You'll find their name displayed prominently below each image. Click through to their profile if you want to see more of their work, but the essential detail you need is right there on the image page.
Copy the direct URL to the specific image page, not just the photographer's profile. This way, anyone who clicks your credit link lands on the exact photo you've used.
Where to Put Photo Credits
The trick is making credits visible without breaking your design flow. Most web designers handle this in one of three ways:
Footer credits work well if you're only using a few images. List them at the bottom of your page with a simple format like "Photo by [Name] on Unsplash" with the name linking to their profile and "Unsplash" linking to the image page.
Image captions sit directly below or overlaid on the image itself. This works particularly well for hero images or featured photos where the credit becomes part of the visual story.
Dedicated credits page makes sense if you're using lots of stock photos across your site. Create a simple page listing all your image sources and link to it from your footer.
Making Credits Look Good
Keep your credit text readable but subtle. A smaller font size that matches your site's secondary text works well. Avoid colours that clash with your design, but make sure the text contrasts enough to be legible.
For overlay credits on images, add a subtle background or shadow to ensure text remains readable across different image backgrounds.
What About Image SEO?
When you're crediting images, you can boost your SEO at the same time. Use the photographer's name in your alt text where it makes sense, like "Mountain landscape by John Smith showing misty peaks at sunrise" rather than just "mountain landscape."
This approach gives context to search engines while acknowledging the photographer's work.
FAQs
Do I legally have to credit Unsplash photos?
No, Unsplash's license doesn't require attribution, but it's considered good practice and helps support the photography community.
Can I modify Unsplash images and still use the same credit?
Yes, you can edit Unsplash images and the same crediting approach applies. You might mention if you've made significant changes.
What if I can't find space for credits in my design?
Create a dedicated credits page or add them to your site footer. The key is making the information accessible somewhere on your site.
Should I credit every single Unsplash image I use?
Ideally yes, but focus on prominent images first. Background textures or small decorative elements might be less critical than hero images or featured photos.
Jargon Buster
Attribution – Giving credit to the creator of work you're using, typically including their name and source
Stock photography – Professional photos available for licensing, either paid or free like Unsplash
Image licensing – The legal terms that govern how you can use someone else's photograph
Alt text – Descriptive text for images that helps screen readers and search engines understand image content
Wrap-up
Crediting Unsplash photos properly takes just a few extra minutes but shows respect for the photographers making their work freely available. Your approach doesn't need to be complicated – clear, consistent credits that fit your design will do the job perfectly.
Good crediting habits also set you up well for any future projects where attribution might be legally required, so it's worth getting into the routine now.
Join Pixelhaze Academy to learn more web design best practices and build sites that work beautifully for everyone.