CCFinder

Although the Internet is full of data, not all the information is free. If you plan to use a found image on your own web site, you should make sure the author allows this or at least give him credit for the image. It is hard to tell which images may be re-used for free and most search engines do not offer too much help with this. This is where CCFinder comes in. Besides finding images, according to keywords, just like any other search engine, it will also display useful information about an image's license.

You will need to have .NET Framework 4.0 installed on your computer, otherwise you will not be able to install CCFinder. The installation process is fast, but you will need to register the product before using it. This requires typing in your name and email address, after which you will receive an activation code.

The interface resembles an online search engine. With the aid of radio buttons and check buttons, you can set up certain search parameters. CCFinder can look for images which may be used freely, without any limitations, and which can be used only with a reference to the author, or it can perform a general search, which will include images which can not be used without permission. Optionally, the search can include images which may be used commercially and images which may not be modified.

To search for an image, simply type your keywords in a dialog box and click the Go button next to it. When CCFinder is done searching, the interface will expand, revealing the results. The images are displayed as thumbnails and you can scroll through them like you would in a web browser. An image can be downloaded by selecting it and clicking the Download button on the lower edge of the interface. The output path can be set in the general settings panel, so there is no need to specify it each time you download something.

Before downloading an image, you can view it in the software's built-in image viewer. A magnifying glass icon can be found on each thumbnail and clicking it will display the image on the whole interface. Its license related information can be viewed like tool tips while hovering with the mouse cursor over the icons on the left edge of the window. The software lets you apply sepia, contrast or greyscale filters immediately, set the image as your desktop's wallpaper or visit the image's web site. All you need to do is click the buttons placed around the image preview. CCFinder can also create a 'document of proof', in PDF format, which contains the download time, the picture and more.