Best Aspect Ratio Changer Tools for Videos and Images

10 Most Popular Aspect Ratio Changer Tools

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

In simplest terms, the Aspect ratio defines the relationship between the width and the height of a graphic. The values mentioned in the aspect ratio are not the actual value but refer to the relation of the width and height. Aspect ratio is expressed in terms of X: Y where X refers to the width while Y refers to the height of the video. Several aspect ratio standards are used in the present times like 16:9, 4:3, 3:2, 1.85:1, and more.

An aspect ratio defines the resolution of the display and thus for proper video playback that fits in within the screen size, the right aspect ratio has to be selected. Aspect ratio plays an important role in video resizing. To ensure that the videos do not look distorted while resizing, its aspect ratio has to be maintained.

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Videos recorded on different devices have different aspect ratios and thus to make them compatible with other players and platforms, the need for change in the aspect ratio arises. Moreover, platforms like YouTube, IGTV, Twitter, Facebook, and others have their recommendations for aspect ratio and to play your videos on these platforms, you need to match these requirements.

Additionally, when you want to resize a video or an image without making it appear distorted, you need to maintain its aspect ratio. So, to change ratio of photo and videos, right tools have to be used.

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

Plenty of freeware and online tools to change the video aspect ratio are available. The browser-based programs are free and simple to use and there is no hassle of any software download or installation. Freeware is the software that can be used without any license fee and support decent functions. To prevent you from getting confused, we have shortlisted the top 10 as below.

● Clideo

Videos from your local system, Google Drive, and Dropbox can be added to this online tool for changing the aspect ratio and resizing the videos for Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites. The interface is user-friendly and the processed videos can be downloaded to the local system.

Steps:

● Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

● Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

● Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

● Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

● Veed.io

Using this free browser-based tool, the videos on your system, Dropbox, and link can be added to the tool for processing. The option for adding a YouTube link is also there. Choose the aspect ratio for popular social media sites or the supported ones. Further customization can also be done by changing other elements of the video.

Steps:

● Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

● After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

● Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● Online UniConverter

Earlier known as media.io, this is a feature-packed online tool supporting all key video-related tasks including changes in the aspect ratio and other editing functions like adjust, rotate, flip, and more. The output format of the processed files can also be selected from the supported options.

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

● Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

● Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

● FreeConvert

Files up to 1GB from your system, Google, Drive, Dropbox, or using a URL can be added to this online tool for processing. Aspect ratio pre-sets suitable for several social media sites are available to choose from. You can even choose the customized resolution and the output format.

Steps

● Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

● At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

● Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

● CloudConvert

This is another widely used video conversion tool that supports video editing as well. Thus, using the program, you can change the aspect ratio to the key formats. Videos from the system, Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, and using a URL can be added to the interface. The user-friendly interface makes the tool apt for all users.

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

● Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

● Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

● Finally, click on the Convert button.

● Kapwing

Using this online video editor, the videos in all ley formats can be customized by changing several parameters including aspect ratio. You can choose from the pre-set profiles of social media sites for quick processing. Local, as well as files from the cloud storage, can be added to the interface.

Steps

● Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

● After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

● Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● FileConverto

This online tool supports video conversion and multiple video editing functions including changes in the aspect ratio. The interface is simple and the process is fast. Files in all key formats up to 500KB can be added to the interface. The pre-set aspect ratio for different social media sites can be selected.

Steps

● Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

● Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

● Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

● Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

● Free HD Video Converter

This is free-to-use software that can help you perform multiple video editing functions including change of the aspect ratio. The software also supports the conversion of files in over 500 formats and pre-set formats. The software also allows downloading videos from popular streaming sites. A user-friendly interface and quick processing make the software popular among the users.

Steps

● Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

● At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

● Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

● AV Video Converter

This free software for Windows is majorly a video and audio conversion tool that supports other file editing options as well including changes in aspect ratio. The interface of the software is intuitive and there is an option to create templates for batch processing of files.

Steps

● Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

● The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

● Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

● TEncoder Video Converter

As the name suggests, this is a video conversion tool that is available for free download and uses on your Windows system. Videos and audio files in all key formats can be processed using the tool. The software allows changing the aspect ratio, codec, resolution, and other parameters of the file. Batch processing is supported for changing the aspect ratio of multiple files at a time.

Steps

● Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

● Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

● Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

The above-listed online tools and freeware software are basic programs for editing the aspect ratio of your videos. If you are looking for a professional alternative that not only allows changing the aspect ratio without affecting the video quality with support to advanced features, Wondershare Filmora Video Editor is the best. This excellent video editing software offers multiple features and functions to customize your videos in all possible ways.

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Files in all key formats are supported by the program and with an intuitive and clean interface, the task becomes much easier and quicker. There are multiple ways by which the aspect ratio of the videos can be changed using the software. You can change the aspect ratio at the starting interface, under the project settings, while editing the videos, by using auto-reframe, or while exporting the video.

Key features of the software

● Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

● Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

● Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

● Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

● The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

● Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

● Online and freeware programs can be used for basic changes in the aspect ratio but if you are looking for an advanced and professional tool that is also simple to use , Wondershare Filmora is the right choice.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

● Clideo

Steps:

● Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

● Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

● Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

● Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

● Veed.io

Steps:

● Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

● After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

● Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● Online UniConverter

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

● Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

● Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

● FreeConvert

Steps

● Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

● At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

● Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

● CloudConvert

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

● Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

● Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

● Finally, click on the Convert button.

● Kapwing

Steps

● Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

● After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

● Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● FileConverto

Steps

● Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

● Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

● Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

● Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

● Free HD Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

● At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

● Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

● AV Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

● The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

● Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

● TEncoder Video Converter

Steps

● Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

● Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

● Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Key features of the software

● Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

● Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

● Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

● Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

● The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

● Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

● Clideo

Steps:

● Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

● Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

● Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

● Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

● Veed.io

Steps:

● Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

● After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

● Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● Online UniConverter

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

● Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

● Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

● FreeConvert

Steps

● Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

● At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

● Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

● CloudConvert

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

● Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

● Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

● Finally, click on the Convert button.

● Kapwing

Steps

● Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

● After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

● Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● FileConverto

Steps

● Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

● Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

● Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

● Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

● Free HD Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

● At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

● Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

● AV Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

● The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

● Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

● TEncoder Video Converter

Steps

● Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

● Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

● Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Key features of the software

● Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

● Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

● Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

● Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

● The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

● Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

● Clideo

Steps:

● Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

● Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

● Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

● Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

● Veed.io

Steps:

● Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

● After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

● Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● Online UniConverter

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

● Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

● Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

● FreeConvert

Steps

● Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

● At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

● Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

● CloudConvert

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

● Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

● Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

● Finally, click on the Convert button.

● Kapwing

Steps

● Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

● After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

● Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● FileConverto

Steps

● Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

● Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

● Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

● Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

● Free HD Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

● At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

● Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

● AV Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

● The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

● Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

● TEncoder Video Converter

Steps

● Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

● Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

● Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Key features of the software

● Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

● Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

● Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

● Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

● The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

● Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Top 10 Free Stock Photo Sites

10 Best Public Domain Image Websites

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.

What Are Public Domain Images?

By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:

Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.

1. Pexels

Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.

Pros:

Neatly organized website
Free and easy sign-up
Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

Some categories should contain more images
Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.

Pros:

Powerful search tools and various filters
Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.

Pros:

All images are available in high resolution
Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.

Pros:

Unlimited access to historical photos
Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.

Pros:

Excellent source of high-resolution photos
Quick and easy search

Cons:

Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.

Images are organized into categories
Access to rare images

Cons

Some images are not free
Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.

Pros:

Creating an account on Morguefile is free
All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

Images can be organized better
Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.

Pros:

Professional quality of images
All images are free

Cons:

A limited selection of photos
Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.

Pros

Public domain images are available in different resolutions
Offers valuable research materials

Cons

Some images are subject to copyright
Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.

Pros:

Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
Search tools are far from perfect

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How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:

The title of the image
Author’s name
Information about the institution at which an image is kept
The source from which you acquired an image

In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.

Conclusion

Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

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Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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