The Ultimate List of Free Commercial Image Websites

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.

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16 Best Apps to Cartoon Yourself on iPhone, iPad and Android

Top Best 16 Apps to Cartoon Yourself with Ease [iPhone & Android]

Liza Brown

Apr 23, 2024• Proven solutions

Posting your photos or videos on various digital platforms to communicate with your audience helps you increase your followership. Instead of sharing simple photos with different filters, you can do some creative things with them, like introducing cartoon effects.

Nowadays, many mobile applications are available in the market that help you turn yourself into a cartoon. This guide presents top-rated apps for you to convert a photo to cartoon for free.

If you are looking for how to turn a picture into a cartoon, make sure you don’t miss this read. Let’s get into further specifics.

Part 2. Top 5 iOS Apps to Turn Yourself Into a Cartoon
Part 3. Want to Cartoon Yourself on a Computer? Try Filmora!
Conclusion

Part 1. 5 Best Android Applications to Cartoon Yourself

Try using the Android apps below to convert your pictures into cartoons effortlessly.

1.MomentCam

This app comes with a wide selection of emoticons and cartoons to make your experience memorable. Along with elegantly converting your pictures into cartoons, this app also gives rewards to the most creative users.

All you need is to upload the photo you want to cartoon and select the suitable background. Once done, leave the rest on MomentCam. It allows you to choose beard styles, glass, hairstyles, and much more.

Pros

It offers a wide range of cartoon effects to make your photos creative.
This app has an active community where you can share your pictures and win prizes.

Cons

Some users have reported loading issues.
Every photo you create with the free version comes with a watermark.

2. Cartoon Photo Editor

This application is specifically designed to convert your photos to cartoons. A single click can help you get this job done quickly. It comes with a selfie mode that makes photo editing an easy task for you. The high processing speed of the Cartoon Photo Editor assists you in cartooning yourself within seconds.

Pros

You can find a range of cartoon animation features incorporated into this Android application.
It enables you to create a cartoon photo with the selfie camera.

Cons

The display of too many advertisements may be awkward for users.

3.Painnt

It is listed among the few leading Android apps that help you turn yourself into a cartoon. Whether you want to adjust the brightness, saturation, transparency, or other parameters of your images, Painnt will become your go-to photo editor. Plus, this app features a creative community where you can find like-minded people and artwork of other users.

Pros

It holds more than 1000 filters and cartoon effects.
You can customize cartoon filters by adjusting various parameters, like brightness and more.
This app launches regular updates to offer more effects and filters.

Cons

Some users have reported bugs in the desktop version of this application.

4. Prisma Photo Editor

You must have heard this name, as it was the most popular photo-editing app on the market a few years back. Though Prisma is not as popular as it was in the past, it still features some amazing filters and cartoon effects. It is known for giving your photo a cartoonish look as if it is designed by seasoned photo artists.

The best thing about this application is that it introduces new filters and effects regularly to ensure you have enough ideas to create your cartoon photo. With this app, you can save your photos in both HD and SD quality.

Pros

It offers over 300 filters to turn your photos to cartoons.
This app releases new cartoon effects every other day.

Cons

It crashes sometimes on Android and iPhone devices.

5.Cartoon Yourself

With this photo-editing application, you can turn yourself into a cartoon very easily. Though it does not allow you to take pictures, it makes it super easy for you to create cartoon photos from your existing images.

Choose the desired picture by hitting the “Add a Photo” button and click on the “Apply Effect” button. Doing this will help you explore a rich collection of cartoon effects and stickers within the app. Once your cartoon photo is created, this app allows you to share it on various social media platforms.

It also comes with basic photo editing features, including but not limited to rotating, mirroring, or cropping pictures.

Pros

The user interface is super simple for every user, including beginners.
It helps you introduce unmatchable cartoon effects to your photos.

Cons

The free version carries limited effects and filters.

Part 2. Top 5 iOS Apps to Turn Yourself Into a Cartoon

Do you use iPhone devices? Looking for apps to create your cartoon photos? Try any of the applications listed below.

1.Clip2Comic; Caricature Maker

This application enables you to use existing photos to create their cartoon versions. At the same time, it also allows you to use the phone’s camera, take a picture, and convert it into a cartoon. With the live preview feature, you can see how pictures will look like once you record or capture them.

Clip2Comic offers eight art filters, sketch, toon, and comics. The photo editing tools help you enhance your photos or crop them as and when needed. On the other hand, deformation tools enable you to make caricatures.

Pros

You can export high quality images up to 1080p.
It allows you to choose from a wide variety of sketches, posters, and other cartoon effects.

Cons

In-app purchases and ads may be irritating for some users.

2.Moments Cartoon Caricature

The caricature tools of this mobile application helps you turn your ordinary pictures into hilarious photos. In addition, this app enables you to participate in different selfie contests. With this app, you can access both the front and back cameras of your mobile device to capture as many pictures as you want.

A rich collection of features to convert your photos into cartoons makes the Moments Cartoon Caricature app stand out in the market. It also allows you to make black and white caricatures. If you need an easy-to-use app to create stunning photos for social media platforms, don’t forget to give Moments Cartoon Caricature a try.

Pros

It offers a one-click feature to apply cartoon effects to your images.
You can participate in various selfie contests through this application.
It enables you to take photos and convert them into cartoons effortlessly.

Cons

Sometimes, you may find loading issues.

3.Cartoon Sketch Camera Pro

This photo editor features a huge collection of effects to cartoon your photos, including but not limited to Dots, Crosshatch, Swirl, Sketch, Emboss, Cartoon, and Halftone. Once you upload your pictures and cartoon them, you have the option to share your creations on all popular social media platforms. It is just a matter of a single click.

Pros

You can choose from a range of cartoon effects and filters.
It enables you to save your creations in the cartoon library.

Cons

Seeing a lot of ads in the free version may be annoying for you and other users.

4.ToonCamera

This photo editor is specifically designed for iPhone users to take pictures and turn them into cartoons within minutes. You can find a broad collection of pencil effects, ink, stipple, and cartoons in this mobile app. The best thing about this application is that it shows you a real-time preview so that you can understand how your cartoon photos will look like.

Moreover, ToonCamera can customize your photos freely to maximize the visual effects. Along with saving your cartoon photos on the camera roll, you can share them too on different social platforms.

Pros

When customizing your photos, you can choose from a diverse collection of high quality filters and effects.
The customer support is highly responsive and cooperative.

Cons

This app does not run on iPhone devices with a version earlier than 8.1.

5.Sketch Me

Using this application makes it easy to create social media hits. You can achieve high standards with different cartoon effects, like Hatching, Cartoon, and Pastel. You can fine-tune each effect and adjust opacity and edge strength. It will help you highlight specific parts of your pictures.

If you are looking forward to enhancing the colors of your cartoon photos, you can play with different parameters, like saturation, brightness, and contrast. With the Sketch Me app, you can share your creations on digital platforms and via email.

Pros

A range of cartoon effects, video effects, and filters are available in this app.
It helps you save the cartoon photos to the Photo Album.

Cons

Some users have claimed that they struggled when importing pictures from the camera roll.

Part 3. Want to Cartoon Yourself on a Computer? Try Filmora

Filmora is a wonderful photo and video editing tool launched by Wondershare. Along with a huge range of features, it offers a cartoon-style feature to convert your photos and videos into a cartoon. All you need is to drag and drop the effect and put it on the desired photo or video.

Using Filmora is a more powerful tool to create cartoon photos than using mobile apps. However, it all depends on the choice of the user. Let’s look at the steps you need to follow to make cartoon photos with Wondershare Filmora.

Step 1:Download Filmora from the official website and open it.

Step 2:Now, drag and drop the photo/video on the timeline.

Step 3:Enter the “Effects” tab and find “Comic Book.”

Step 4:Drag it on the photo/video clip and change the saturation and brightness to give your photo a cartoon style.

Summing It Up

Posting photos or videos on social platforms is a great way to stay connected with your audience. How about introducing some creativity? Well, you can do this by adding cartoon effects, styles, and filters to your pictures. A couple of mobile applications (Android and iOS) are available to perform this task, as listed in the discussion above.

If you want to turn yourself into a cartoon on a computer, don’t forget to try Wondershare Filmora. It is an amazing utility that allows you to make your photos and videos look creative instantly. For more details on how to turn a picture into a cartoon, ensure you read through the complete article.

Liza Brown

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

Follow @Liza Brown

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