Say Goodbye to Stock Photo Fees: Free Commercial Image Alternatives

Did you know that some of the world’s most iconic advertisements use stock images for commercial use? For example, AlamapBBDO, a Brazilian ad agency, used stock photos from Getty Images to create their Endless Possibilities campaign in 2016. The advertising campaign combined photos of random people’s faces to recreate portraits of famous people such as the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis.

Most creative agencies prefer altering stock images in most of their work. This is because it allows them to create campaigns for different companies much faster at affordable costs. Keep reading to find out how to get free images for commercial use in your next project.

Part 1: Download images in loyalty-free sites

Several sites offer free images for commercial use as part of their services. In addition, you do not need to register an account to download the images. The sites typically rely on user contributions and content teams to ensure their databases are fresh and maintain consistent quality. Furthermore, all creative assets they offer fall under the creative commons zero license or a variation of it. Here are some of the sites that offer you images for commercial use for free.

1. Pexels

Pexels.com is a free-to-use provider of high-resolution photos and videos for aspiring creators. The German-based website was started in 2014 by two brothers and has been under the Canva umbrella since 2018.

Currently, the website hosts over 3.2 million images and videos from over 250,000 active contributors. In addition, all the material you find in its library is under the Pexels license, which slightly varies from the creative commons zero license model. Some of the restrictions it enforces include:

You can only use pexels images for commercial use after making alterations to the original image. For example, you can use part of an image to create a collage for your commercial branding.
Furthermore, you cannot use any of the website’s content to promote political ideologies and explicit content, especially if the images contain identifiable subjects.

Pexels is available through the following channels:

Your web browser by typing the URL pexels.com.
The Android and iOS app.
A plugin for other content creation software such as Google Slides and MS Office.
An extension on your Chrome browser.
You can also access the database using the official Canva app.

2. Unsplash

Another website that offers free images for commercial use is Unsplash, a subsidiary of Getty Images since 2021. The website is a favorite among creators boasting over 16 billion photo impressions monthly. In addition, the database consists of over 3.48 million photos from more than 265,000 unique contributors, all under the Unsplash license.

The Unsplash license restricts the sale of its creative assets without incorporating new creative elements, including using them in print media and physical goods such as mugs and caps.

You can access Unsplash from your web browser or request API integration for your application from the site’s owners. In addition, the site also hosts photo walks across different cities, where Unsplash guides show you the best photo locations around the city and the best camera techniques for your work. Some cities to host the event include Boston, Montreal, Tokyo, and Toronto.

3. Freerange

Freerange Stock is an online resource for photos, illustrations, and textures you can download and use for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Since 2007, the site has continued to provide high-quality images to its community of over 800,000 registered users.

Unlike the previous examples, all content on Freerange falls under the website’s Equalicense. It grants you broad commercial rights of its stock images while allowing the contributors to retain control of their copyright, image resale, and distribution. As such, you cannot use the images for bulk distribution or print-on-demand works.

Freerange Stock maintains its steady supply of images for commercial use via the following methods:

It has an in-house team of professional photographers who upload images across the different categories on the website.
Freerange Stock also purchases image rights or directly commissions photos from independent creators.
You can also contribute to the website’s library by voluntarily submitting your work to the platform. Kindly note that you will need a verified account to enable this function.
The website also works directly with photographers through a licensing and distribution model, providing them extra exposure on the site.
Finally, Freerange stock aggregates public domain images from other sources, including similar sites and government institutions. It does so by acknowledging the image owner and sometimes lists the image source when the owner is unknown.

Freerange Stock is accessible through your web browser or as an API integration on your app.

4. Vecteezy

Vecteezy is an extensive online library of free stock images for commercial use. Some of the site’s highlight features include the following:

A best-in-class search engine that incorporates multiple filters to ensure your results are extremely accurate. For example, you can sort images by color, style, number of people, and age of the subjects, something other free stock websites do not provide.
All images, videos, and vector illustrations are free for personal and commercial uses. It does so through a property sign and release model with its extensive network of contributors, which protects users from any legal liabilities.
Finally, it employs a content team that manually reviews each photo submission to ensure consistent quality standards for its offerings.

In addition, you can also purchase design resource bundles by subscribing to its Vecteezy pro for as little as $9 monthly. Some of the resources available include the Ultimate Text Effects Layer Styles Bundle for Photoshop, which costs $39 stand-alone or $4.50 when you subscribe to pro.

Part 2: Buy from stock providers

Another way to get images for commercial use is by buying them from stock providers. Some of the benefits of buying images from stock providers include:

You get a wide selection of unique photos from top-tier photographers. Stock providers always seek collaborations with the industry’s finest to edge out the competition.
You receive exemplary customer service with your purchase. Selecting the right image can be confusing for amateur creators. As such, stock image providers have customer support channels to help you throughout your creative process.
Stock images reduce your delivery times significantly. Buying images from a stock provider eliminates the need to invest in photography equipment and the time you need for post-production. As such, you can deliver projects in a fast and cost-effective way.

Despite the above positive, here are some challenges that buying stock images may present:

Not all stock image providers will have the creative assets you need.
Image overuse is likely since every creator will rush for the most popular contributor.

Below are some of the stock image providers you should consider.

1. iStock

iStockphoto.com is an online database of creative resources, including royalty-free photos, videos, audio, illustrations, and clip art you can use in your creations. The website is a Getty Images subsidiary based in Calgary, Canada. In addition, contributors earn royalties depending on how often users download their content.

2. Alamy.com

Alamy.com is a British-owned stock image provider with contributions from photographers and agencies in 173 countries. It compensates its contributors by offering higher than average payouts every time users download their creations. Some popular brands to use Alamy’s services include M&C Saatchi, Microsoft, and The Economist.

Part 3: Shot a Photo by yourself or create one with editing tools

Alternatively, you can get images for commercial use by shooting them yourself or creating them with editing tools such as Figma and Wondershare’s Filmstock. Here are some benefits of using this method:

You get exactly what you want, provided you have the required skills and equipment. Sometimes, getting the right image for your commercial purpose can be challenging. As such, shooting an original photo may be the only option.
You have full ownership of the image.

Unlike obtaining images from stock photography websites, you are free to use the image in whatever capacity you please without any restrictions. For example, sites such as Unsplash do not allow you to use their images in political statements, a restriction you can bypass when using your own creations.

However, you should also consider the following factors when using this method.

It requires a substantial investment

Getting high-quality images for commercial purposes requires specialist equipment. For example, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 camera, which has 4K resolution capability, costs $2,197 on Amazon. This makes it extremely expensive for amateur creators.

There is a steep learning curve

Becoming a professional photographer takes time and effort. Unless you are creating as a hobby, it will be a while before you can start generating income from your creations.

Part 4: FAQs

1. Do you need a contributor account to get images for commercial use?

Not necessarily. Stock image sites like pexels.com allow you to download images from their website without creating an account. You will only need one if you want to showcase your work on the platform.

2. Can you use your smartphone to get images for commercial use?

Yes. Most stock image providers have device-specific apps that allow you to access their databases from your mobile device. For example, UnsplashPhotoPicker allows you access to the Unsplash library from your Android device.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

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The Ultimate Guide to Free Video Editing on 32-Bit Windows

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Free Video Editing Software for 32-bit Windows

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Even though it may not seem obvious at first, the version of the OS you have installed on your Windows PC can impact the performance of the video editing software you are using. If you have Windows 10 or Windows 8 installed on your computer, the chances are you are already using the 64-bit version of the OS in most cases, but if you have Windows 7 installed on your PC, you might be using the 32-bit Windows.

If this is the case, you won’t be able to use most of the video editing software products, as the vast majority of them require you to have 64-bit Windows installed on your computer. Read on if you would like to find out more about the best video editing software for 32-bit Windows OS.

Part 1: Best Free Video Editing Software Products for 32-Bit Windows OS [Available for Windows 7]
Part 2: Best Video Editing Software for 64-Bit Windows for Beginners

Best Free Video Editing Software Products for 32-Bit Windows OS

1. Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora is a video editing software that is compatible with 32-bit Windows computers (previous version). you can download the version suitable for 32-bit Windows computers with the following buttons. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features. They make the editor suitable for editing videos on older Windows systems. With Filmora, you can easily import, edit, and export videos in various formats. Overall, Filmora is a reliable and accessible video editing solution for 32-bit Windows computers.

However, the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit Windows OS may not seem that big until you realize that a 32-bit OS can only utilize 4GB of RAM. This means that even if you have 8GB of RAM, half of your computer’s RAM is going to remain idle if you have 32-bit Windows installed on your PC. Therefore, maybe you need more advanced video editing software for your advanced Windows.

Maybe you need a more advanced computer system. Click here to see the best AI video editor for your more advanced Windows!

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2. VSDC

This is an undemanding video editing software that requires you to have just 256 MB of RAM and 50 MB of free space on your hard drive. VSDC is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10, so you just have to choose if you want to download a 32-bit or 64-bit version of the software. If you are still using Windows 7 or some earlier version of the OS, then you should install the 32-bit version of VSDC on your PC.

Click to Download 32-bit VSDC free video editor

Besides enabling you to edit your footage, this 32-bit video editing app is also equipped with the tools you are going to need to record voiceovers , create slideshows, convert video files or capture your computer’s screen.

VSDC supports all common video file formats and allows you to edit footage recorded with a broad range of cameras. This video editing software for 32-bit Windows allows you to perform color correction, cut, trim or merge multiple video clips or apply visual and audio effects to the footage you are editing. VSDC lets you export your projects directly to YouTube, while it also offers preset profiles for videos you would like to upload to Vimeo, Twitter or Instagram.

3. Shotcut

In case you would like toedit 4K videos on a Windows 7 OS, then Shotcut is one of your best options. It is worth noting that you are not going to be able to install this open-source video editor on your PC if you have a version of Windows that is older than Windows 7. Shotcut allows its users to record videos through a webcam , and it supports nearly all video and file formats. The app also offers a set of versatile video editing tools, you can use to perform all basic video editing actions.

Click to Download 32-bit Shotcut

Applying transitions, adjusting a video’s playback speed, or adding video filters to video clips is an effortless process that won’t take much more than a few clicks. Moreover, Shotcut lets you set keyframes for all video filters you use in your projects, which enables you to adjust their intensity throughout the clip.

This video editing software for 32-bit Windows is equipped with powerful audio editing tools so that you can control the volume or apply sound effects to your audio files with ease. However, you must have at least the basic level of video editing skills in order to utilize Shotcut’s capabilities to the fullest, since some options this video editing software offers can be overwhelming for inexperienced video editors.

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4. Lightworks

Pulp Fiction, King’s Speech or LA Confidential are just a few among countless movie masterpieces that were edited in Lightworks. Even though the 32-bit version of this cross-platform video editing software can be downloaded for free, the recommended technical specifications can be overwhelming for most PC that have Windows 7 installed. You are going to need an Intel i7 or an AMD processor, at least 3GB of RAM and 2GB of free space in order for Lightworks to run on your computer smoothly.

Click to Download 32-bit Lightworks

In terms of video editing capabilities, Lightworks stands shoulder to shoulder withprofessional video editing software products like Final Cut Pro X, and Adobe Premiere Pro CC. You’ll be able to perform even the most demanding video editing tasks if you decide to install the 32-bit version of Lightworks on your PC.

In addition, the app’s multi-cam editing option enables you to edit the footage that was recorded with several different cameras. You can also apply a real-time visual effect to 4K, 2K or Full HD footage, but you are not going to be able to install the Boris FX plugin that lets you create custom transitions and numerous other visual effects if you edit your videos with the 32-bit version of Lightworks.

Check the detailed guide about how to use Lightworks .

Best Video Editing Software for 64-Bit Windows for Beginners: Wondershare Filmora

Filmora video editor is one of the best video editing software for 64-bit Windows 7/8/8.1/10 computers. However, if you’re running 32-bit Windows, you can still download and purchase the previous Filmora version.

The video editing software you are using can struggle to perform even the basic video editing actions, which is the reason why you must find the option that has system requirements your computer can meet. Let’s take a look at one of the best video editing software products you can use for free on a Windows 64-bit PC.

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For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

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For macOS 10.14 or later

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Filmora’s Top Advantages for 64-Bit Windows

1. AI Smart Cutout

Wondershare Filmora comes with an integrated feature of smartly cutting out elements within video footage. Its Smart Cutout tool makes it exceptionally easy to remove or extract anything from a video. With a click of a button, you can have it all done. Combining it with other features, it gets really easy for you to enhance your videos with different elements and backgrounds.

2. Motion Tracking

If you have upscaled a fast-motion video using Topaz Video Enhancer, you can use this video in Filmora. It has a feature that allows you to track a subject in motion using AI capabilities. The tool will track the motion of your subject so that you can apply effects to it. Filmora’s Motion Tracking is a great feature that opens up endless possibilities of creativity for the user.

3. Text-to-Speech (TTS)

You might find plenty of tools that offer text-to-speech options, but an editor providing this feature is incredible. Wondershare Filmora allows the user to access its text-to-speech feature powered by AI. It is a feature that narrates for you using your texts. It means anyone can create a tutorial video or professional presentation with Filmora.

Conclusion

Editing videos on 32-bit Windows may be challenging for a variety of reasons, especially if your PC doesn’t have a lot of RAM. What’s more, finding a video editing software that can run on Windows 7 and older versions of the OS is becoming increasingly difficult because you can’t use most video editing apps unless you have 64-bit Windows installed on your computer.

Hopefully, this article has helped you find the best 32-bit video editing software for Windows that can meet all of your video editing demands. Are you editing videos on the 32-bit version of Windows? Leave a comment below and share your experiences with us.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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