8f: How to Ethically and Legally Use Free or Unpaid Images in Your Book

Many authors see an image online, download it with joy, and place it on a cover or inside layout as approved. But in publishing, finding an image is not the same as having the right to use it.

If you are using online images for a book cover, interior, workbook, journal, ebook, or promotional material, you must think both ethically and legally.

The first rule: free does not always mean unrestricted

A “free” image may be free to download, but not free for every kind of use. Some sites allow commercial use, some require attribution, and some restrict how the image may be used in products for sale. That is why authors must always read the licence terms and the fine print before using any image. (Unsplash)

What to check before using any image

Before you use an image, confirm:

• whether commercial use is allowed

• whether attribution is required

• whether book covers are permitted

• whether modification is allowed

• whether trademarks, recognisable people, artwork, or private property create extra legal issues

• whether the image can be the main value of the final product

Keep a record of the source, licence page, creator name, and date downloaded. Pixabay itself advises users to keep download records, which is wise for every author. (Pixabay)

Fine print matters: Unsplash, Freepik, Pixabay

Unsplash offers a broad licence that allows downloading, copying, modifying, and commercial use without attribution, but it does not allow building a competing image service, and its terms warn that trademarks, logos, recognisable people, and works of art appearing in images may still require caution. (Unsplash)

Freepik requires much more attention to the small print. Free resources generally require attribution, while paid plans remove that requirement. Freepik’s own docs also explain that book covers are allowed, but attribution may need to appear in the credits or bibliography for free-use cases. (freepik.com)

Pixabay says its content is royalty-free and generally does not require attribution, but authors should still read the current content licence carefully before use. (Pixabay)

Places authors commonly get free images

Here is a practical list of well-known platforms authors often use for free images:

• Unsplash (Unsplash)

• Pexels (Pexels)

• Pixabay (Pixabay)

• Burst by Shopify (Pexels)

• Freepik free collection, with licence conditions and attribution rules (freepik.com)

That list is useful, but it should not be treated as “download first, ask later.” Always check each platform’s current licence page before publication. (Unsplash)

Advantages of paid or subscribed image platforms

Paid platforms often give authors:

• clearer commercial rights

• no attribution requirement in many cases

• more unique and professional-looking assets

• fewer licensing headaches

• better confidence for book covers and products for sale

Adobe Stock says its licensed assets come with broad usage rights across media, subject to its terms. Freepik’s paid plans also offer premium assets and no-attribution use. (Adobe)

In other words, free images may save money, but paid images often buy peace of mind.

AI image generation platforms authors should know

If an author wants original visuals instead of stock photos, these are some current AI image platforms and tools:

• ChatGPT image generation through OpenAI tools, also surfaced in Adobe Firefly partner models (Adobe)

• Adobe Firefly (Adobe)

• Canva Magic Studio (Canva)

• Leonardo.Ai (app.leonardo.ai)

• Midjourney (Midjourney)

• Ideogram (Ideogram)

These tools can be excellent for concept art, children’s book scenes, promotional graphics, and design mockups. But authors must still read the usage terms, especially for commercial publishing, resale, and brand use.

Conclusion

A truthful author does not ask only, “Is this image free?” but also, “Do I have the right to use it properly?”

That question protects your book, honours the creator, and reflects integrity.

A beautiful cover may attract readers. An ethical publishing process keeps your witness intact.