What it does
Unsplash is a searchable library of photos and illustrations for websites, articles and marketing designs. Its free collection permits commercial use without mandatory credit. Unsplash+ adds subscriber-only images, unlimited downloads and image editing under a separate licence.
Free images and Unsplash+
The free collection can be searched, viewed and downloaded without buying a subscription. Registration is optional for the general service. Free-image rights exclude unmodified resale and building a competing image library; rights to recognizable people, brands and artwork are separate.
Unsplash+ includes cropping, resizing and background removal. The displayed annual offer is US$84 a year, equivalent to US$7 a month before applicable taxes. This is promotional pricing and renewal prices may change. Use Get Unsplash+ to subscribe; the individual subscription covers one user.
Where the licences differ
Both licences allow commercial projects without required attribution. Unsplash+ additionally prohibits use in digital templates, machine learning and biometric tracking. Sensitive-topic uses need an appropriate disclaimer. An Unsplash+ download remains licensed after the subscription ends.
Strengths
- Free images allow commercial use without mandatory attribution
- Unsplash+ includes image cropping and background removal
Watch out for
- Unsplash+ individual accounts cannot be shared by a team
- Unsplash+ images cannot be placed in digital templates
Best for
- Editors sourcing photography for articles
- Solo designers who need stock images and simple edits
Sources
- Unsplash licence (Oct 27, 2026)
- Unsplash+ plans and features (Oct 27, 2026)
- Unsplash terms and accounts (Oct 27, 2026)
- Unsplash+ licence (Oct 27, 2026)