Where should I get images from?
As Cochrane's mission is to produce trusted evidence, we recommend that you do not use images or multimedia that have been created solely by generative AI, and that you only to use generative AI tools only to correct and make minor edits, such as:
- changing image dimensions or orientations
- combining existing images or figures
- enhancing existing images or figures (e.g., by editing the contrast or saturation)
- reducing background noise or visuals in videos.
We have several places you can access high quality images:
- Cochrane photo folder: we have a repository of stock photos stored on Sharepoint. To get the link, please email mparkinson@cochrane.org with your Group name and the email addresses that need access.
- Cochrane central channels: If you see a picture on Cochrane or Cochrane Library social media or website, you are free to use it; you do not need to ask for permission.
- Free general health and lifestyle images: Unsplash, Pixabay, and StockSnap.
- Other sites: you can select images from other sites but please be mindful of resolution and if it is required to provide an attribution when using the image. Some image banks require images to be credited. Some good sources include:
- iStock: We have a limited budget to purchase stock photos as support to Cochrane Groups each month. You may pick stock images from the ‘Essentials’ collection on iStock. Send the image URL and your Cochrane group name to mparkinson@cochrane.org and we will download the photo at no cost your group.
How do I select an image?
Consider:
- Do I have permission to use this image?
- Does it have a high-resolution?
- Am I depicting a wide range of people across my products or within my product?
- Does it depict the evidence accurately (population, intervention and setting)?
- Is it realistic and relatable?
Do I need to cite where I got the photo from or give credit?
It depends where you get them from!
Photos provided by the Cochrane central team are from iStock. Our agreement with iStock says that we are not required to provide attribution to the photographers or to iStock.
If you get a photo from another site, you may need to cite the source; please check their specific requirements.
Where can I use these images provided by Cochrane?
Any images provided by the Cochrane central team can be used on your Cochrane websites, newsletters, reports, printed material, presentations, and social media posts. Basically, anywhere that it’s clear it’s related to Cochrane work.
I’ve got a question not covered here
Please email support@cochrane.org.