CCFinder

CCFinder is an application that you can use to search for pictures over the Internet using keywords.

What is special about this tool is the fact that it provides information about the category the pictures are part of as far as the copyright law is concerned.

The searching process is quite simple: you need to insert at least one keyword or a phrase in the searching field and select one of the three searching criteria displayed underneath. Once you click on the "Go" button, the tool will start searching for pictures matching your criteria and will display them on the main screen. You will be able to view the pictures in full size by double-clicking on them. In detailed view mode, you will also be able to apply different effects to pictures, such as "Black and white" or "Sepia".

As soon as you open a picture, you will notice that the tool uses a set of symbols to let you know what you can do with each picture, what limitations each picture has as far as usability is concerned, so that you do not break the law when you decide to use it for the purposes you may have. Therefore, there are basically three main categories of pictures: pictures that may be used without limitations and which are in the public domain, pictures that may be used only if a reference to the author is provided and pictures which require the written consent of the author. Other variations are also possible, for example some pictures are published under the Creative Commons license and cannot be used unless the user agrees with the terms and conditions of this license.

All in all, CCFinder is a reliable application for picture searching. It can easily be handled by all types of users and it can prove really useful for those who constantly use pictures for such purposes as the creation of advertisements, leaflets or brochures.