Finding and using images
Presentations off campus follow different copyright rules than in-class presentations.
While you can often use an image found through Google for an in-class project, using that same image in a poster, website, or public event may violate copyright.
The MRU Copyright Guide, created by the MRU Copyright Advisor, explains how to use images in your assignments while respecting copyright. For questions, contact MRUcopyright@mtroyal.ca or 403-440-6618.
See also the Copyright-Friendly Resources page for places to find images that are free to reuse under Creative Commons or public domain terms.
⚠️ Tip: Before using any image, do a quick reverse image search (e.g., with TinEye) to check where it originally came from. Even on free image sites like Unsplash or Pixabay, some images may have been uploaded without permission from commercial stock photo sites. Verifying the source helps ensure you’re using the image legally and ethically.
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Flickr Advanced SearchTip: Limit your search to images licensed through Creative Commons. Always review the specific license (listed under License on the right side of the image page) to confirm whether reuse and modification are allowed
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Google Image Advanced SearchTip: Under Usage rights, choose “Creative Commons licenses” to find images that may be reused. Caution: Some results may still require payment or permission—check the website’s terms of use carefully.
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PixabayTip:Provides free images that are released under a simplified Pixabay license. While most are free to reuse, always verify that the image isn’t watermarked, branded, or sourced from a commercial stock site.
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Public Health Image LibraryTip: Many images are in the public domain. Scroll to the bottom of each photo page to confirm use rights and any restrictions.
Citing images in APA
Using images in your assignments
Do you have the right to use the image?
✔ In-class presentations: You can usually use and cite images found online.
✔ Public or online presentations: Use only images with explicit reuse permissions (e.g., Creative Commons–licensed images such as CC BY).
- Always check with your instructor if you are unsure whether an image is appropriate.
- Before using any image, do a reverse image search (e.g., TinEye) to confirm it wasn’t copied illegally from a commercial site.
How does your instructor want you to cite the image?
- Some instructors require a full figure citation (figure number, title, and note, per APA 7th ed.).
- Others may accept a simple in-text or parenthetical citation below the image, e.g., (Smith, 2015).
- Because expectations differ, always confirm citation format with your instructor.
Posters and slides: Include in-text citations near each image and a reference list (either on the poster or on a separate page, depending on assignment requirements).
