Finding the Right Images on Unsplash
TL;DR:
- Use specific keywords in Unsplash's search bar to find relevant images quickly
- Browse by themes like 'nature' or 'technology' for broader collections
- Filter by colour to match your website's design palette
- All Unsplash images are royalty-free for personal and commercial use
- Apply filters for orientation and size to narrow down results
- No download limits or attribution requirements
Unsplash offers one of the largest collections of free, high-quality images on the web. When you're building a website, finding images that fit your design and message can make or break the user experience. Here's how to search Unsplash effectively and get the images you actually need.
Understanding Unsplash's Search System
Unsplash organises its massive image library through keywords, themes, and visual properties. The platform uses machine learning to tag images automatically, but photographers also add their own descriptions. This means you can search in multiple ways depending on what you're after.
The search algorithm looks at image titles, descriptions, and visual elements. It also considers how popular certain images are and how often they've been downloaded for similar searches.
Keyword Searching Techniques
Start with specific terms rather than broad ones. Instead of searching 'business', try 'team meeting' or 'office workspace'. The more precise your keywords, the better your results will be.
Use multiple keywords to narrow things down. 'Coffee shop interior' gives you much better results than just 'coffee'. You can also try related terms if your first search doesn't deliver what you need.
Think about the mood and context you want. Words like 'bright', 'minimal', or 'cozy' can help filter results that match your website's tone, even when combined with your main subject.
Theme-Based Searching
Themes work well when you're looking for inspiration or need images that fit a broader concept. Popular themes include nature, technology, business, travel, and lifestyle.
Within each theme, Unsplash creates collections curated by both algorithms and human editors. These collections often group images by style, colour, or specific use cases.
Browse the 'Related Collections' that appear with your search results. These can lead you to image sets you hadn't considered but that might work better for your project.
Colour-Based Filtering
Colour searching helps maintain visual consistency across your website. You can search using basic colour names like 'blue' or 'green', or get specific with hex codes like '#FF5733'.
This feature works particularly well when you've already established a brand colour palette. Finding images that complement your existing colours creates a more cohesive design.
Remember that colour filtering looks at the dominant colours in images, not just background colours. A sunset photo might come up in orange searches even if it contains other colours.
Using Unsplash's Filter Options
After running your initial search, use the filters to refine results:
Orientation filters help when you need images for specific spaces on your website. Portrait images work well in sidebars, while landscape images suit hero sections and headers.
Size filters ensure you get high-resolution images suitable for your intended use. Larger images give you more flexibility for cropping and different screen sizes.
Licence filtering isn't usually necessary on Unsplash since everything is royalty-free, but it's worth understanding if you use multiple image sources.
What Makes a Good Web Image
Look for images with clear focal points that won't compete with your text content. Busy images can make websites feel cluttered and harder to read.
Consider how images will look at different sizes. An image that works well as a large header might not be recognisable when scaled down for mobile devices.
Think about your audience and brand voice. A playful, colourful image might work for a creative agency but feel out of place on a law firm's website.
Common Search Mistakes to Avoid
Don't rely on the first page of results. Scrolling deeper often reveals less popular but equally good images that fewer websites are using.
Avoid searching for concepts that are too abstract. Terms like 'success' or 'innovation' often return generic stock photo clichés that don't add value to your content.
Don't forget to check image dimensions before downloading. While you can resize images, starting with appropriate proportions saves time and maintains quality.
Making the Most of Search Results
Save images to collections while browsing, even if you're not sure you'll use them. This creates a shortlist you can review later when making final decisions.
Look at the photographer's profile when you find an image you like. They might have other images with a similar style that work well together.
Pay attention to related searches that appear below your results. These suggestions can lead you to better keywords or concepts you hadn't considered.
FAQs
Can I use any image from Unsplash on my website?
Yes, all Unsplash images are royalty-free for both personal and commercial use. You don't need to pay fees or ask permission, though attribution is appreciated.
Are there any restrictions on how I can use Unsplash images?
You can't sell unedited Unsplash images as your own or use them to create competing stock photo services. Otherwise, usage is unrestricted.
Do I need to credit the photographer?
Attribution isn't required but it's encouraged. Many designers include photographer credits in their website footer or image captions.
Can I edit Unsplash images?
Yes, you can crop, filter, and modify Unsplash images as needed for your projects. This includes adding text overlays or adjusting colours.
How do I know if an image will work on my website?
Download a few options and test them in your design. Consider how they look with your fonts, colours, and overall layout before making final decisions.
Jargon Buster
Royalty-free – You can use the image without paying ongoing fees or royalties, though there may be some usage restrictions
Attribution – Crediting the original photographer or source when you use their image
Stock photography – Professional photos created specifically for commercial use in marketing and design
Hex code – A six-digit code that represents specific colours in digital design (like #FF5733 for orange)
Resolution – The quality and size of an image, measured in pixels
Wrap-up
Effective image searching on Unsplash comes down to being specific with your keywords, using the available filters, and thinking about how images will work within your overall design. Take time to explore different search approaches and build collections of potential images before making final decisions.
The right images can transform your website from functional to memorable. With Unsplash's extensive library and search tools, you can find professional-quality photos that fit your brand and budget.
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