Finding the right file type for your project, and making sure you have the right permissions to use it, can be a confusing process as there is so much content out there on the internet. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect videos, vectors and illustrations:
1. Videos
2. Vectors
3. Illustrations
1. Videos
Video clips can be viewed all over the internet, but it’s important to know the difference between a copyrighted video that’s in the public domain, and a video that’s available to download and use in your own projects.
Much like images, videos are subject to copyright laws and licensing, and you’ll need the right permissions to use a video clip that you find online. If you don’t have the right licence or permissions, you could end up in legal trouble and be hit with a large bill.
A search engine like Google or Bing can be a great place to start your video search. Once you click on a link in the search results and are taken to an external site, remember to check the credentials of the video to try and determine if the video is copyrighted or not. If you can’t tell, it’s best to avoid using the video and look elsewhere for something you’re confident you can use.
YouTube is a great place to find inspiration, but remember, just because something is in the public domain doesn’t mean it’s available to download and use for your own projects. The chances are, you won’t have the right permissions to use the videos on the site for commercial purposes.
If you can tell a video is copyrighted, you can try to gain permission to use the video from the copyright owner…
1. Find out who the copyright owner is – in most cases, the copyright owner will be listed on the video or in the annotations.
2. Find the copyright owner’s details – you should be able to find these either by going to the owner’s website, or by using a search engine.
3. Contact the owner to request permission – it’s usually best to email the copyright owner, or fill out their online contact form requesting permission to use their video, explaining what you’d like to use it for. If they’re happy for you to use it, you’ll need to ask them to send you signed documentation or to post the authorisation publicly on their site.
It’s important to remember that sites like YouTube have automated systems in place to detect copyright strikes and ID matches, and an email confirmation may not be enough to prove you have usage rights.
The safest and most reliable way to source your video clips is by visiting a stock library you know and trust. So whether you’re putting together an editorial piece, TV programme or just want to create some unique footage, you can search for the perfect video, knowing that when you buy it, it’s safe to use.
Most stock libraries have filters to help you narrow down your search and find exactly what you’re looking for. Stock library 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß has its own video gallery featuring over 400,000 video clips, so what better place to look for the ideal video?
2. Vectors
Depending on the overall look you want to create for your project, a vector or illustration can be a good alternative to a photograph.
The great thing about vector files is that they’re infinitely resizable and can be easily scaled up and down to suit whatever project you’re working on. They’re perfect for use in most aspects of graphic design, and the format is great for printing on a variety of materials.
The best place to source vectors is a stock library, because this will guarantee you’re downloading the right file type, and also ensures you have the rights to use the vector.
You can search specifically for vectors on the 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß site by selecting the ‘Vectors & Illustrations’ category and removing the ‘Illustrations’ filter by clicking the ‘x’ to the right of it, as shown below:
Narrow down your search by popping a search term in the search bar to reveal all the vectors linked to your term.
3. Illustrations
Illustrations offer a more artistic look and often have a bit more character than vectors, but there are more limitations in terms of how big they can be made. The size that the illustration has been created at will impact the maximum file size, meaning that some illustrations won’t be suitable for large-scale projects, for example a billboard.
As with photos, you can use a search engine to find inspiration for the illustration you’re looking for, but it may not be clear who owns the image, if it is copyrighted, or if it’s available for reuse. It’s therefore safer to use a stock image library to make sure you’re legally covered to use an image.
On 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß, you canvia the ‘Vectors & Illustrations’ category shown above, this time removing the ‘Vectors’ filter before adding your search term. You can then explore our huge collection of beautiful illustrations!
Want to know more? Check out these handy links:
Choose the right file for youÂ
How to use Google Images effectivelyÂ
11 Helpful tips for anyone buying stock photos onlineÂ