What’s the difference between “Public Domain Images” and “FREE”?

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Question by witelite59: What’s the difference between “Public Domain Images” and “FREE”?
I’m thinking of starting a business of handmade greeting cards that caters to a very select clientele (50 to 75 people -at the most). I’m looking for Images (florals, people, etc.) that I wouldn’t have to pay to use. While searching on the internet, I’ve noticed phrases like “these are not public domain, but they are free”… What’s the difference?? Does anyone have a good website where I could find such images??? Thank you for your help.

Best answer:

Answer by carnaby_fudge
that phrase you refer to means that you, personally, can use those images but you cannot include them in anything you profit from. many museums have that rule. they license the public to use the images of their works of art but the museum still ‘owns’ the rights and they get to decide who can and cannot profit from them.
you want free images that you can use openly for your own profit. there are many ways you can do this. one is to purchse stock photography. these images are often available at a nominal fee. or you can find sites like morguefile that allow you to download for free.

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