How to Find the License of an Image: Step by Step Copyright Check

I learned the hard way that using an image without checking its license can land you in legal hot water. This method saves you from that nightmare.

From Google Images to stock photo sites, each platform hides license info differently. I’ve tested tools and browser extensions that reveal the details in seconds, not hours.

You’ll discover how to verify copyright status, spot Creative Commons licenses, and even check metadata. No more guessing if that perfect image is safe to use.

Works for blogs, presentations, or any project where image rights matter. Here’s how to do it right every time.

What Youll Need

Instructions

Here is how I reliably determine image licensing without breaking a sweat.

Start by locating the original webpage where the image appears. I always look for licensing information near the image itself, often found in small text or a caption beneath the photo. Many sites like Wikipedia or stock photo platforms display this prominently.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for a Licensing or Terms of Use link. Click through to see if the site has a blanket policy that applies to all its images. Most reputable sites clearly state their default license type, such as Creative Commons or All Rights Reserved.

If the image is part of a blog post or article, check the author’s note or the end of the content. Some creators include licensing details there, especially if they’ve used third-party images with specific permissions.

Upload the image to a reverse search engine like Google Images or TinEye. These tools scan the web for other instances of the same image, which often leads to the original source. I’ve found that the original uploader frequently includes licensing details that reposts omit.

When results appear, look for the highest authority source—typically the creator’s website or a major platform like Flickr or Shutterstock. These sites usually have clear licensing information attached to each image. Pay attention to the URL as well; some platforms include license types in the web address.

Check multiple results to confirm consistency. If one site says the image is public domain but another claims copyright, dig deeper to find the most reliable source, usually the oldest or most official-looking.

Right-click the image and select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac) to view its metadata. Look for fields labeled Copyright, License, or Rights. Some photographers embed this information directly into the file.

If the metadata is stripped or empty, try using specialized tools like Exif Viewer for browsers or standalone applications like ExifTool. These can sometimes reveal hidden licensing details that basic property views miss.

Be aware that metadata can be removed or altered when images are edited or recompressed. If you don’t find licensing info here, don’t assume the image is free to use—always cross-reference with other methods.

For images you suspect might be under open licenses, check databases like Creative Commons Search or Wikimedia Commons. These platforms aggregate content with clear licensing terms, and you can often filter by license type.

Enter the image URL or upload the file to see if it appears in their database. If it does, the licensing terms will be displayed alongside the image. I’ve found this particularly useful for educational or cultural images that often use open licenses.

For commercial stock images, check major stock photo sites even if you didn’t download from them. Many photographers distribute their work across multiple platforms, and one might have clearer licensing terms than where you originally found the image.

If you’ve exhausted other methods and still can’t determine the license, reach out to the image creator directly. Most professionals are happy to clarify usage rights when asked politely. Look for contact information on their website or social media profiles.

When contacting them, be specific about how you intend to use the image. This helps the creator provide accurate information about whether your intended use is permitted. I always include a link to where I found the image to help them identify it quickly.

Document any permission you receive via email or written message. This creates a paper trail that can protect you if questions about usage rights arise later. If you don’t receive a response, it’s safest to assume you don’t have permission to use the image.

Tips and Common Mistakes

These practical insights will help you navigate the process more efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

Step 1 Efficiency: When checking the source website directly, I always start by searching the page for “license” or “copyright” using Ctrl+F. This saves time scrolling through long articles. Many professional sites like Wikipedia or Flickr include licensing in the image caption or near the download button, so focus your attention there first.

Reverse Search Strategy: For Step 2, I’ve learned to prioritize results from the original uploader’s website or major platforms. If you see the same image on multiple stock sites, the oldest upload date often indicates the original source where licensing details are most reliable. Don’t overlook checking the image URL itself—some platforms encode license types in the web address.

Metadata Reality Check: In Step 3, remember that metadata can be stripped during editing or social media sharing. I use ExifTool as a last resort after trying the basic Properties option, but I never rely solely on metadata. Always cross-reference with at least one other method from the process, as I’ve found conflicting information in metadata fields too many times to count.

Documentation Habit: For Step 5, I can’t stress enough how important it is to document permissions. I keep a simple spreadsheet with image URLs, license types, and permission emails. This not only protects you legally but also creates a reference for future projects, especially when working with multiple images.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the license of an image ensures you use it legally and ethically. Always check the source and verify the terms—whether it’s Creative Commons, public domain, or copyrighted. If in doubt, reach out to the creator or use trusted platforms like Unsplash or Pixabay for worry-free options. Happy (and safe) image hunting! 🎯