FAQs

From MorgueFile

This is the morguefile.com Frequently asked questions sections. If you cannot find your answer here, send your question via the contacts page.

Free photo Archive

How do I upload photos to the Free Photos section?

• Please refer to the online manual.

I don't agree with the morgueFile license for my photos. Can I choose a different license, or set my own terms, for my photos in the Free Photos section?

• No. To prevent confusion among people who use the Free Photos section to download photos, only the morgueFile license applies. If you do not agree with its terms, do not upload your photos to that section. You may use your Portfolio to upload images that are not covered by the morgueFile license. For images in your Portfolio, you can select from a variety of licenses, or choose no license (all rights reserved), or even release your photo to the public domain. The Free Photos section, however, is only for photos released under the morgueFile license.

Can I upload altered photos?

• No. Files should be photos only and not modified. Some minor editing is acceptable for adjusting exposure and white balance. For photo composites or photo manipulations, upload to your Portfolio.

Can I really use these photos in my commercial project, for free?

• Possibly. If you are working on a commercial project, there are a number of things you should be thinking about, including copyrights as well as model releases, property releases, trademarks, and so on. The generous license provided with photos in the Free Photos section does not require you to pay for using the photos, but this only covers the copyright for the photo itself. If the subject visible in the photo is protected by copyright (such as might be the case for a photo of a copright-protected building), or if there is a recognizable person or property (including products, trademarks, and more), the morgueFile license is NOT enough by itself. You will also need to get releases for the recognizable subjects of the photo. The photographer may or may not have releases available, and the photographer is under no obligation to extend such releases to you, for free or otherwise.

Are photos in the Free Photos section 'public domain' photos?

• No. "Public domain" is a very specific term with legal implications. Content in the public domain has zero copyright restrictions on its use. Content in the Free Photos section is subject to the restrictions of the morgueFile license. Please do not refer to photos in the Free Photos section as "public domain" photos.