Adding high-quality images to your blog posts can improve reader engagement, illustrate key points, and break up text. But finding the right visuals—while respecting copyright laws—can be tricky. This guide will walk you through various time-tested strategies for locating and legally using images, as well as practical tips inspired by discussions on r/Blogging and r/Blogging.
1. Use Free Stock Image Websites
One popular piece of advice on r/Blogging is to rely on CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) or royalty-free stock photo sites. These platforms allow you to modify and use images—often without attribution. However, always double-check each site’s licensing terms, as they can occasionally change.
Top Recommendations
- Unsplash – Huge collection of professional photos.
- Pexels – Easy-to-search library of high-resolution images.
- Pixabay – Offers photos, illustrations, and vectors.
Practical Example
If you’re writing a tutorial on networking—like showing how to plug in an Ethernet cable—try searching “Ethernet cable,” “laptop ports,” or “network cable.” You might find an image of someone inserting a cable into a laptop. Then you can use a tool like Microsoft Paint, GIMP, or Canva to add arrows or labels (e.g., “Physical Layer” or “Bits (0 and 1)”). This helps illustrate OSI Model concepts, for instance, without needing to create a photo from scratch.
Extra Tip from Reddit
Many users on r/Blogging highlight the convenience of searching for niche keywords rather than broad terms. For instance, “Router port close-up” may yield more specific results than “router.” Spending an extra minute refining your search can save you time in editing later.
2. Create Simple Illustrations with Online Tools
If you prefer a custom or cartoon-style illustration, or you just can’t find a suitable stock image, DIY illustrations are an excellent solution.
Recommended Tools
- Canva
- Why Use It: Offers a free tier with a drag-and-drop interface, plus plenty of templates, shapes, and icons.
- Real-World Example: Design a quick network diagram. Insert a laptop icon, connect an Ethernet cable icon, and label it “Physical Layer.” Then, add some decorative text like “0s and 1s” to depict binary data flow.
- Draw.io (diagrams.net)
- Why Use It: Perfect for flowcharts, process diagrams, and more technical illustrations.
- Real-World Example: If you’re explaining Layer 2 and Layer 3 of the OSI Model, you can create separate blocks labeled “Data Link” and “Network,” then draw arrows showing how packets move.
- Inkscape
- Why Use It: A free, open-source vector graphics editor that offers advanced capabilities—great if you need precision or custom shapes.
- Real-World Example: Draw a stylized router or switch. Label each port or interface. You can reuse these vector elements in multiple blog posts without losing quality.
- Screenshots of your own creations in Canva or Draw.io are typically fine, as you own the work you’ve created (unless you’re using premium elements—double-check the license).
- If you’re showcasing the tool’s interface, ensure that you’re not violating any EULA (End-User License Agreement). Most times, educational or how-to screenshots are acceptable if properly attributed.
3. Annotate Simple Photos or Clipart
Another approach popular among r/Blogging users is annotation. You can download a basic photo (e.g., a blank laptop on a desk) and then overlay text, arrows, or shapes to highlight specific details.
How-To Steps
- Pick a royalty-free image from sites like Unsplash or Pixabay.
- Open it in an image editor (e.g., GIMP, Paint.NET, Photoshop).
- Draw an arrow pointing to the Ethernet port with a label like “Physical Layer Connection.”
- Add short text (e.g., “Electrical pulses represent data”).
Pro Tip
Keep your annotations large and high-contrast (e.g., bright red arrows on a white background) so they remain visible on mobile screens.
4. Generate AI-Based Images
Modern AI tools allow you to create unique images from simple text prompts, but it’s important to check licensing or attribution requirements before using them commercially. While some tools offer free tiers or trial credits, most have usage policies that dictate how the generated images can be used—especially for blog or business purposes.
4.1 Midjourney / DALL·E / Stable Diffusion
- Use Case: Great for generic image generation, stylized, or surreal images.
- Key Points:
- Midjourney: Requires a paid plan for full commercial usage.
- DALL·E: Has specific policies on attribution and usage; free credits may be available.
- Stable Diffusion: Can be self-hosted; check each model’s license for commercial guidelines.
4.2 Niche AI Image Generator Tools
While Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion are about image generation in a broad perspective, there are niche tools like Artsmart.ai that are built on the above models platforms . Like artsmart niches down on producing high-quality artistic, realistic, images, there are also other tools that targets the niches of cartoons, minimalist visuals, making it handy for bloggers who need on-demand images that fit a specific theme or brand identity.
How to Generate Images with Most Of AI Image Generator Tools
- Sign Up or Log In: Check if there’s a free plan or a subscription that meets your needs.
- Type Your Prompt: For example, if you’re illustrating a tutorial on networking, you could try:“A simple cartoon illustration of a laptop with an Ethernet cable plugged in, showing bits (0s and 1s) traveling through the cable. Bright colors, minimalistic style.”
- Adjust Settings:
- Style: “Cartoon” or “Minimalist,” or other settings depending on your preference.
- Resolution: Most of them have the resolution settings. Select a size that’s suitable for your blog (may be 1024×1024).
- Generate & Review: Wait for the platform to render a few variations. Pick the one you like best.
- Check Licensing: Make sure you understand whether the images require attribution and if commercial usage is covered.
- Download & Edit: If needed, you can refine or annotate the final image in Canva or GIMP.
AI Generation Tips
- Be Specific: The more details you provide in your prompt (e.g., “flat design,” “hand-drawn,” “futuristic,” “in warm pastel colors”), the better the result.
- Keep It Clear: Short, straightforward sentences help AI models understand your request.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try multiple prompts or variations to find the perfect look.
5. Combine Your Own Photos With Simple Edits
For maximum originality, snap your own pictures. This approach is highly recommended in the Reddit threads for unique branding.
Practical Steps
- Grab your smartphone and photograph your laptop’s Ethernet port or your router’s backside.
- Transfer the image to your computer.
- Use a free editor (e.g., GIMP, Canva, or even Microsoft Paint) to add arrows and labels like “Data Link Layer.”
- Crop and resize as needed to fit your blog’s style.
Upside: No copyright worries—you own the original photo.
Downside: Requires more time and sometimes you may need to edit lighting or composition.
Using Screenshots: What’s Legal?
If you want to include screenshots (e.g., a screenshot of your network settings in Windows or a diagram in Canva), consider:
- Is it your own content? If yes, you’re typically fine.
- Is it a screenshot of someone else’s work or website? You may need permission or to follow the site’s Terms of Use.
- Are there brand trademarks or copyrighted images in the screenshot? If so, you may need explicit permission or to blur them out.
Rule of Thumb: If you’re demonstrating how to use a tool (e.g., a “How to use Canva” guide), it’s usually considered fair use—provided you’re not redistributing copyrighted elements. Still, always review the tool’s license agreement.
Community Insights from r/Blogging
Scanning through the threads on r/Blogging: “Where do you get images for blog?” and r/Blogging: “What are the best sites to get images for your blog?” reveals a few consistent themes:
- Plan Ahead: Many bloggers set aside time for batch downloading or creating images, so they don’t scramble at the last minute.
- Be Consistent: Using the same style of images or illustrations across your blog helps build a brand identity.
- Don’t Neglect SEO: Images can also rank in Google Image Search if you optimize alt tags, filenames, and captions.
Some users also mention websites like Flickr Creative Commons for additional image sources, but you must attribute properly depending on the exact CC license.
Resources
- Canva’s Blog – Tutorials and design tips for beginners.
- OpenAI’s Official DALL·E Page – Usage policy, examples, and FAQs on generating AI images.
- Artsmart.ai – Generate custom images on-demand with user-friendly prompts.
- YouTube Tutorial: Inkscape 101 – Step-by-step walkthrough for creating and editing vector graphics.
- Reddit: r/Blogging – Ongoing discussions and user experiences about sourcing images, blogging strategies, and more.