In today’s digital world, using images is essential for creating engaging content. However, it’s important to respect image copyright laws, which protect the original creator’s rights. This blog post will outline best practices for sourcing and using images, focusing on guidelines from UF/IFAS Communications (ICS). Whether using University of Florida (UF) images or external sources, following licensing restrictions and proper attribution is crucial. Let’s explore how to use images legally and ethically in your projects.

Image copyright protects the original creator and they have exclusive rights to use and distribute their images.

ICS recommends using images taken by UF faculty and staff before any other source. Using photographs from sources outside of the University can be done as long as ALL licensing restrictions required for each image are followed.

Sourcing Images

1. Check Licenses: Read and understand the license agreement that comes with all images.
2. Attribution: Follow credit requirements provided by the creator.
3. Keep Records: Document sources and licenses.
4. DO NOT RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE.

UF Sample Sources

• IFAS Photo Database: photos.ifas.ufl.edu
• Entomology Photos: go.ufl.edu/ent-nem-image-gallery
• UF Stock Photos: go.ufl.edu/uf-photos

Non-UF Sample Sources

• National 4-H Flikr: tinyurl.com/4-H-Flickr
• NASA Images: nasa.gov/images
• USDA ARS: ars.usda.gov/oc/images/image-gallery

Canva Images

Use Canva images with caution. Follow the guidelines below:

• Know your license type (free or Pro) and only use images allowed for that license.
• D0 export Canva layouts to PDFs or JPGs for sharing.
• Do not copy/paste standalone images to third-party applications
• Do not copy/paste standalone images on websites, social media, and blogs.
• Do not save a standalone images and use outside of Canva.

Microsoft Office Stock Images

Use MS Stock images with caution. Follow the guidelines below:

• DO include MS Stock images in presentations, documents, or other MS Office files.
• DO export these to PDF for sharing.
• DO NOT copy/paste to third-party applications.
• DO NOT post on websites or social media pages.
• DO NOT save as an image file and use it outside of MS Office.
• DO NOT use the photos browser or online pictures options.

Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock is accessible to those with the full Adobe Creative Cloud license and offers a diverse range of assets, including photos, design elements, 3D models, and motion graphics templates for use in professional, academic, and coursework-related projects at UF. Do not use Adobe Stock images for personal projects. For the complete Adobe Stock image licensing terms, see  stock.adobe.com/enterprise-conditions#educationLicenses.

More information

For more information regarding photo usage, please contact Tracy Bryant at tracydz@ufl.edu.

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