MOD Video Editing on a Budget: Top 5 Free Options

How to Change Shape of a Video?

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

While most videos nowadays are rectangular, and are recorded in either landscape or portrait orientation, there are some social media platforms that require the clips to be square shaped. If you want to upload your footages on such websites, it is essential to learn how to change video shape.

Another benefit of changing the shape of the recorded films is that they can be adjusted in limited amount of space, especially if they are to be posted on a website. Furthermore, some fancy designs such as star-shaped or circle-shaped videos attract more attention when used in digital marketing campaigns.

With that said, here you will learn how to change the shape of a video using one of the most advanced and versatile post-production tools, Wondershare Filmora.

Want to learn more about aspect ratio of your video? Click here!

Or, you just want to transfer your video into vertical.

Part 1: How to Change Video Shape from Rectangle to Square

Depending on the recording device and the target audiences a video is intended to be distributed to, the aspect ratio of the produced footage could be 16:9, 4:3, or 21:9 that makes the film rectangular-shaped. Given that, the aspect ratio can be modified to change the film shape from rectangle to square.

The instructions given below explain how to change video shape from rectangle to square in Wondershare Filmora:

Step 1: Import Video to Timeline

Launch Wondershare Filmora on your PC (a Windows 10 computer is used here), click the Add Files icon from the center of the Media window present at the upper-left section, and use the Open box that appears to select and import the source video to Filmora. Next, drag the video from the Media window to the Timeline, and select your preferred option when/if the Project Setting confirmation box appears.

Step 2: Change Aspect Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon from the upper-left area of the Timeline itself. On the Crop and Zoom window that opens next, select 1:1 from the Ratio drop-down list, and click OK to save the new setting.

Step 3: Export the Video

Click EXPORT from the top-center area of the interface, go to the Local tab on the Export box, select your preferred format from the Format list in the left pane, optionally click SETTINGS from the right window to make other adjustments if necessary, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner of the box.

For more details, please refer to this article: How to Resize a Video to Right Aspect Ratio and Size.

Part 2: Change Video Shape by Cropping

If your preferred aspect ratio isn’t available in the ‘Ratio’ drop-down list of the ‘Crop and Zoom’ window, Wondershare Filmora allows you to manually change the video to a custom shape.

You can learn how to change the shape of a video to an unlisted aspect ratio by following the instructions given below:

Step 1: Import the Video and Get to the Crop and Zoom Window

Follow the method explained in Step 1 of Part 1 to import a video to Wondershare Filmora, and then add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Select Custom Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon as explained earlier to open its window. Next, select Custom from the Ratio drop-down list to be able to crop the videos unproportionally.

Step 3: Crop the Video Manually

Drag the cropping handles from any one edge of the video. Repeat this process for all the four sides to select the area of interest. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Export the Video

Follow the process explained in Step 3 of Part 1 to export the modified video.

Part 3: Change Video Shape to Circle or Other Shapes in Filmora

Another, rather better way of changing videos to custom shapes is with the help of image or shape masking.

In Filmora you can apply image masks either from the existing presets, i.e. circle, star, diamond, etc., or you can add custom photos if need be. Professionals generally use custom pictures to create fancy logos and titles.

On the other hand, shape masking allows you to mask a background video with a foreground footage in a custom shape.

Although the basic concept of both types of masking is same, the options available under each can be used to produce effective outputs.

That said, following are the instructions to apply both types of masking to your videos:

Image Masking

The steps given below explain how to change video shape with image masking in Filmora:

Step 1: Add Clip to Timeline

Use the method explained in the previous sections to import a clip and add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Add Image Mask

Click Effects from the standard toolbar at the top, select Utility from the left pane, drag Image Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Notice how the fx icon appears on the video layer showing that the effect has been successfully added.

Step 3: Customize Image Mask

On the Timeline, double-click the video layer you applied Image Mask to, and notice all the available shapes available under the Preset Mask section on the Video Effects > Image Mask window that appears at the upper-left area. You can double-click any of the available shape presets to apply it to the video layer. In addition, drag the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size, and edge smoothness respectively. You can also check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect on the video. Finally, click OK to save the changes, and follow the method explained in earlier parts to export the video.

Shape Masking

The following steps explain how to change the shape of a video with shape masks in Filmora:

Step 1: Get to the Utility Window

Add at two footages on their individual layers in the Timeline (make sure to place the second layer above the first one), and follow the method explained above to get to the Effects > Utility window.

Step 2: Add Shape Mask

Drag Shape Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Confirm that the fx icon appears on the video layer to ensure that the effect has been applied.

Step 3: Customize Shape Mask

Double-click the video layer in the Timeline you applied shape mask to. On the Video Effects > Shape Mask window, use the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size and edge smoothness respectively. Optionally check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect, and click OK to save the settings. Next, follow the method explained earlier to export the video.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Image Mask and Shape Mask in Filmora?

A) In Filmora, Image Mask allows you to use an image (or any available preset) for masking so that the background footage is cropped to the shape of the picture. This is generally used to create logos and dynamic titles for movies or documentaries. On the other hand, Shape Mask enables you to mask the background clip with the foreground footage in the form of a shape that could be positioned and customized using the available sliders.

2. How many image masks are available in Filmora?

A) At the time of this writing, Wondershare Filmora has around 40 image mask presets. In addition, it also allows you to add custom images from your PC for more dynamic approach.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With that said, here you will learn how to change the shape of a video using one of the most advanced and versatile post-production tools, Wondershare Filmora.

Want to learn more about aspect ratio of your video? Click here!

Or, you just want to transfer your video into vertical.

Part 1: How to Change Video Shape from Rectangle to Square

The instructions given below explain how to change video shape from rectangle to square in Wondershare Filmora:

Step 1: Import Video to Timeline

Step 2: Change Aspect Ratio

Step 3: Export the Video

For more details, please refer to this article: How to Resize a Video to Right Aspect Ratio and Size.

Part 2: Change Video Shape by Cropping

If your preferred aspect ratio isn’t available in the ‘Ratio’ drop-down list of the ‘Crop and Zoom’ window, Wondershare Filmora allows you to manually change the video to a custom shape.

You can learn how to change the shape of a video to an unlisted aspect ratio by following the instructions given below:

Step 1: Import the Video and Get to the Crop and Zoom Window

Follow the method explained in Step 1 of Part 1 to import a video to Wondershare Filmora, and then add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Select Custom Ratio

Step 3: Crop the Video Manually

Drag the cropping handles from any one edge of the video. Repeat this process for all the four sides to select the area of interest. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Export the Video

Follow the process explained in Step 3 of Part 1 to export the modified video.

Part 3: Change Video Shape to Circle or Other Shapes in Filmora

Another, rather better way of changing videos to custom shapes is with the help of image or shape masking.

On the other hand, shape masking allows you to mask a background video with a foreground footage in a custom shape.

Although the basic concept of both types of masking is same, the options available under each can be used to produce effective outputs.

That said, following are the instructions to apply both types of masking to your videos:

Image Masking

The steps given below explain how to change video shape with image masking in Filmora:

Step 1: Add Clip to Timeline

Use the method explained in the previous sections to import a clip and add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Add Image Mask

Step 3: Customize Image Mask

Shape Masking

The following steps explain how to change the shape of a video with shape masks in Filmora:

Step 1: Get to the Utility Window

Step 2: Add Shape Mask

Step 3: Customize Shape Mask

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Image Mask and Shape Mask in Filmora?

2. How many image masks are available in Filmora?

A) At the time of this writing, Wondershare Filmora has around 40 image mask presets. In addition, it also allows you to add custom images from your PC for more dynamic approach.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With that said, here you will learn how to change the shape of a video using one of the most advanced and versatile post-production tools, Wondershare Filmora.

Want to learn more about aspect ratio of your video? Click here!

Or, you just want to transfer your video into vertical.

Part 1: How to Change Video Shape from Rectangle to Square

The instructions given below explain how to change video shape from rectangle to square in Wondershare Filmora:

Step 1: Import Video to Timeline

Step 2: Change Aspect Ratio

Step 3: Export the Video

For more details, please refer to this article: How to Resize a Video to Right Aspect Ratio and Size.

Part 2: Change Video Shape by Cropping

If your preferred aspect ratio isn’t available in the ‘Ratio’ drop-down list of the ‘Crop and Zoom’ window, Wondershare Filmora allows you to manually change the video to a custom shape.

You can learn how to change the shape of a video to an unlisted aspect ratio by following the instructions given below:

Step 1: Import the Video and Get to the Crop and Zoom Window

Follow the method explained in Step 1 of Part 1 to import a video to Wondershare Filmora, and then add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Select Custom Ratio

Step 3: Crop the Video Manually

Drag the cropping handles from any one edge of the video. Repeat this process for all the four sides to select the area of interest. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Export the Video

Follow the process explained in Step 3 of Part 1 to export the modified video.

Part 3: Change Video Shape to Circle or Other Shapes in Filmora

Another, rather better way of changing videos to custom shapes is with the help of image or shape masking.

On the other hand, shape masking allows you to mask a background video with a foreground footage in a custom shape.

Although the basic concept of both types of masking is same, the options available under each can be used to produce effective outputs.

That said, following are the instructions to apply both types of masking to your videos:

Image Masking

The steps given below explain how to change video shape with image masking in Filmora:

Step 1: Add Clip to Timeline

Use the method explained in the previous sections to import a clip and add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Add Image Mask

Step 3: Customize Image Mask

Shape Masking

The following steps explain how to change the shape of a video with shape masks in Filmora:

Step 1: Get to the Utility Window

Step 2: Add Shape Mask

Step 3: Customize Shape Mask

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Image Mask and Shape Mask in Filmora?

2. How many image masks are available in Filmora?

A) At the time of this writing, Wondershare Filmora has around 40 image mask presets. In addition, it also allows you to add custom images from your PC for more dynamic approach.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With that said, here you will learn how to change the shape of a video using one of the most advanced and versatile post-production tools, Wondershare Filmora.

Want to learn more about aspect ratio of your video? Click here!

Or, you just want to transfer your video into vertical.

Part 1: How to Change Video Shape from Rectangle to Square

The instructions given below explain how to change video shape from rectangle to square in Wondershare Filmora:

Step 1: Import Video to Timeline

Step 2: Change Aspect Ratio

Step 3: Export the Video

For more details, please refer to this article: How to Resize a Video to Right Aspect Ratio and Size.

Part 2: Change Video Shape by Cropping

If your preferred aspect ratio isn’t available in the ‘Ratio’ drop-down list of the ‘Crop and Zoom’ window, Wondershare Filmora allows you to manually change the video to a custom shape.

You can learn how to change the shape of a video to an unlisted aspect ratio by following the instructions given below:

Step 1: Import the Video and Get to the Crop and Zoom Window

Follow the method explained in Step 1 of Part 1 to import a video to Wondershare Filmora, and then add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Select Custom Ratio

Step 3: Crop the Video Manually

Drag the cropping handles from any one edge of the video. Repeat this process for all the four sides to select the area of interest. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Export the Video

Follow the process explained in Step 3 of Part 1 to export the modified video.

Part 3: Change Video Shape to Circle or Other Shapes in Filmora

Another, rather better way of changing videos to custom shapes is with the help of image or shape masking.

On the other hand, shape masking allows you to mask a background video with a foreground footage in a custom shape.

Although the basic concept of both types of masking is same, the options available under each can be used to produce effective outputs.

That said, following are the instructions to apply both types of masking to your videos:

Image Masking

The steps given below explain how to change video shape with image masking in Filmora:

Step 1: Add Clip to Timeline

Use the method explained in the previous sections to import a clip and add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Add Image Mask

Step 3: Customize Image Mask

Shape Masking

The following steps explain how to change the shape of a video with shape masks in Filmora:

Step 1: Get to the Utility Window

Step 2: Add Shape Mask

Step 3: Customize Shape Mask

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Image Mask and Shape Mask in Filmora?

2. How many image masks are available in Filmora?

A) At the time of this writing, Wondershare Filmora has around 40 image mask presets. In addition, it also allows you to add custom images from your PC for more dynamic approach.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Best Public Domain Picture Sites: 2023 Edition

10 Best Public Domain Image Websites

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.

What Are Public Domain Images?

By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:

Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.

1. Pexels

Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.

Pros:

Neatly organized website
Free and easy sign-up
Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

Some categories should contain more images
Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.

Pros:

Powerful search tools and various filters
Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.

Pros:

All images are available in high resolution
Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.

Pros:

Unlimited access to historical photos
Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.

Pros:

Excellent source of high-resolution photos
Quick and easy search

Cons:

Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.

Images are organized into categories
Access to rare images

Cons

Some images are not free
Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.

Pros:

Creating an account on Morguefile is free
All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

Images can be organized better
Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.

Pros:

Professional quality of images
All images are free

Cons:

A limited selection of photos
Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.

Pros

Public domain images are available in different resolutions
Offers valuable research materials

Cons

Some images are subject to copyright
Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.

Pros:

Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
Search tools are far from perfect

You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>

How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:

The title of the image
Author’s name
Information about the institution at which an image is kept
The source from which you acquired an image

In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.

Conclusion

Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

What Are Public Domain Images?

Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

1. Pexels

Pros:

Neatly organized website
Free and easy sign-up
Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

Some categories should contain more images
Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Pros:

Powerful search tools and various filters
Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

Pros:

All images are available in high resolution
Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

Pros:

Unlimited access to historical photos
Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

Pros:

Excellent source of high-resolution photos
Quick and easy search

Cons:

Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

Images are organized into categories
Access to rare images

Cons

Some images are not free
Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Pros:

Creating an account on Morguefile is free
All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

Images can be organized better
Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

Pros:

Professional quality of images
All images are free

Cons:

A limited selection of photos
Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

Pros

Public domain images are available in different resolutions
Offers valuable research materials

Cons

Some images are subject to copyright
Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Pros:

Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
Search tools are far from perfect

You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>

How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

The title of the image
Author’s name
Information about the institution at which an image is kept
The source from which you acquired an image

Conclusion

Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

What Are Public Domain Images?

Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

1. Pexels

Pros:

Neatly organized website
Free and easy sign-up
Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

Some categories should contain more images
Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Pros:

Powerful search tools and various filters
Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

Pros:

All images are available in high resolution
Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

Pros:

Unlimited access to historical photos
Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

Pros:

Excellent source of high-resolution photos
Quick and easy search

Cons:

Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

Images are organized into categories
Access to rare images

Cons

Some images are not free
Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Pros:

Creating an account on Morguefile is free
All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

Images can be organized better
Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

Pros:

Professional quality of images
All images are free

Cons:

A limited selection of photos
Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

Pros

Public domain images are available in different resolutions
Offers valuable research materials

Cons

Some images are subject to copyright
Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Pros:

Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
Search tools are far from perfect

You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>

How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

The title of the image
Author’s name
Information about the institution at which an image is kept
The source from which you acquired an image

Conclusion

Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

What Are Public Domain Images?

Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

1. Pexels

Pros:

Neatly organized website
Free and easy sign-up
Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

Some categories should contain more images
Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Pros:

Powerful search tools and various filters
Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

Pros:

All images are available in high resolution
Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

Pros:

Unlimited access to historical photos
Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

Pros:

Excellent source of high-resolution photos
Quick and easy search

Cons:

Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

Images are organized into categories
Access to rare images

Cons

Some images are not free
Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Pros:

Creating an account on Morguefile is free
All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

Images can be organized better
Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

Pros:

Professional quality of images
All images are free

Cons:

A limited selection of photos
Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

Pros

Public domain images are available in different resolutions
Offers valuable research materials

Cons

Some images are subject to copyright
Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Pros:

Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
Search tools are far from perfect

You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>

How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

The title of the image
Author’s name
Information about the institution at which an image is kept
The source from which you acquired an image

Conclusion

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Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Video to Picture: The Ultimate List of 10 Conversion Tools

Video to Image: How to Convert Videos to Photos

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If a video is recorded at the standard frame rate , each second of that video will contain 24 individual images or frames. Nearly all modern video editing software products grant you access to each frame a video clip contains, which can be quite useful if you want to create a quick preview of the footage you are editing.

Even though converting a video to a photo is not something you can do, creating JPEG on PNG image files from the video you recorded with a smartphone or a professional video camera takes only a few moments of your time. Read on if you would like to learn how to extract still images from video clips in desktop-based and online video converters.

Part 1: Convert Video to Still Images on Windows on Mac with Offline Software
Part 2: Convert Video to JPG/PNG Images Online

Part 1: Converting Videos to JPEG and PNG Images with Desktop Video Converters for macOS and Windows

Exporting a single frame of a video clip is an easy task even amateur photo and video editors can perform effortlessly. Mac and PC users have a broad range of options at their disposal if they want to make still images from their videos. Let’s have a look at some of the best video converters you can use to capture still frames and create JPEG or PNG files.

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora is a video editing software that also offers the option to capture frames of all video clips you use in your projects after you launch the Filmora video editor, import a video file that contains the frames you would like to save as still images.

To extract still images with the original high quality, you can import and place these videos to Project Media and then double-click it to preview. In the preview window, click the Camera icon located in the lower right corner to take a snapshot. It is worth noting that you can only create PNG files with this video editing software, and you may need to change the photo format if PNG isn’t your choice.

Alternatively, you can use the CTRL+ALT+S keyboard shortcut to take a snapshot of the frame in a video clip. The image you created will be added to the Media tab automatically, and you can proceed to right-click on it and select the Reveal in Explorer option to gain access to the original file.

To extract still image from the video frame by frame, you can add the media asset to the timeline and use the playhead to find the frame you would like to extract from the video. When done, leave the playhead at the location on the timeline where the frame is located, and then click on the Snapshot icon.

Below is the video tutorial about how to convert Video to Images Filmora.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

2. Adobe Photoshop

This is arguably the best photo editing software ever created that grants you access to all the tools you need to manipulate pictures as you see fit. Adobe Photoshop also enables its users to edit videos, although in a limited capacity. In order to turn a video into a series of separate frames, you just have to import a video file into Adobe Photoshop by clicking on the file menu and selecting the Import option.

The video clip is going to be displayed on the timeline that is located at the bottom of the screen and you just have to specify the segment of that file you would like to break down into frames. You can do this by dragging the handles located above the video clip that allows you to set the start and end of the work area.

When done, head over to the File menu, and select the Render Video option from the Export submenu. After the Render Video window pops up on the screen, you have to change the Adobe Media Encoder option to Photoshop Image Sequence and then click on the Render button. You should keep in mind that the photo editor is going to create separate image files for all the frames that were within the work area you defined, which is why it is important to reduce the work area to the minimum in order to avoid generating hundreds of JPEG images.

3. VLC Media Player

Extracting still frames with VLC media players is a technical process that will require some understanding of the video editing process. Even so, you can still use this open-source software to generate PNG or JPEG files from your videos.

Select the Preferences option from the Tools menu and then click on the Video tab. Make sure that the All option is selected under Show Settings and scroll down until you find the Filters option and expand this menu. Locate the Scene Filter, click on it and then proceed to specify the format in which your images are going to be saved and adjust the Recording Ratio.

Click on the Save button to confirm the changes, then go back to the Filter submenu, and this time you should click on it rather than expand it. Locate the Scene Video filter, make sure that the checkbox next to it is selected, and click OK to complete the process.

Next time you play a video in VLC the media player will automatically capture still frames at the recording ratio you specified.

4. Free Video to JPEG Converter

If you are looking for a quick and free way to create still images from videos, this Windows-based tool is one of the least complicated options PC users have at their disposal. After you open Free Video to JPEG Converter you just have to click on the Add Files button and import a video from which you would like to extract still frames.

You can then specify the frequency at which frames are going to be extracted and see the total number of frames that are going to be created from your video. Afterward, you just have to specify the location at which the still frames are going to be saved and click on the Convert button.

5. Virtual Dub

Before you can start extracting still frames from videos with Virtual Dub, you must first install the FFMpeg plugin pack because this video converter cannot open common video file formats like MP4 or MOV. Installing this plugin can get a little technical, but it is far from being complicated. Afterward, you just have to launch Virtual Dub and import the video you would like to use to create JPEG files by clicking on the File menu and selecting the Open option.

Select the Frame Rate option from the Video menu and make sure that the checkbox next to the Decimate by setting is selected. Insert the frequency at which still frames are going to be captured into the box next to the Decimate by setting and click on the OK button. Head over to the File menu and select the Image Sequence option from the Export submenu. Before you start extracting still frames from a video you just have to select the file format of the output files, and then wait for Virtual Dub to complete the process.

Part 2: Converting Videos to JPEG or PNG Images Online

In case you don’t have access to a video or photo editing software and the process of extracting still frames from videos with VLC Media Player or Virtual Dub is too technical for you, there are a number of online solutions you can try. Here are some of the best web-based platforms you can use to convert videos to JPEG or PNG images.

1. Online-Convert

This file conversion platform enables you to convert audio files, documents, and eBooks, but its video to photo conversion options are not the best. You have to select the Image Converter tool and then choose the output format of the images you want to extract from the video. You can then upload a video file from Dropbox, Google Drive, or your computer’s hard drive.

Before the conversion, you can adjust the Quality Settings and choose if the compression is going to be high, medium, or low, but you must be logged in to save these changes. Click on the Start Conversion button when ready, and wait for the platform to process your video. Each frame of the video you uploaded is going to be converted into a photo and you can choose how many images you want to download or delete.

2. AConvert

Converting virtually any type of file with AConvert is easy, which means that you won’t have much trouble extracting JPEG files from your video. After you arrive at AConvert’s home page, you just have to click on the Image option and then choose if you want to import a file from your computer or cloud storage. The maximum size of the video file you can upload to AConvert is limited to just 200MB.

Once the video file you selected is uploaded to the platform you can choose the output file format and decide if you want to resize the images during the conversion or keep their original size. Click on the Convert Now button and then download the image files once the still frames are extracted from the video.

3. Online Converter

Online Converter offers a variety of image conversion options and it even enables you to convert raw format photos into JPEGs. Its Video to JPEG tool supports nearly all common video file formats, which enables you to extract still frames from videos without having to worry about their compatibility with this tool. You can either upload a video via URL or from a local hard drive, but its size cannot be larger than 200 MB.

The platform lets you choose if you want to cut a video clip, change its frame size or adjust its quality. Once you fine-tune all the settings click on the Convert button to start creating JPEG files from a video and then download the images to your computer.

4. IMG2GO

Editing or converting images with IMG2GO doesn’t require you to have any previous experience, since all the tools this platform offers are easy to use. Convert to JPEG tool can break down an entire video clip into photos in just a few moments. All you have to do is upload a file to the platform, adjust the settings and click on the Start button that is located at the bottom of the page.

The number of JPEG files IMG2GO will generate depends on the duration of the clip, which is the reason why it is better to extract still frames from shorter videos. Once the conversion process is completed you can choose if you want to save the images on the cloud or to a local hard drive.

5. Kapwing

Kapwing offers a collection of video editing tools you can use to merge multiple video clips together, add audio to video files or create subtitles. The Convert Video tool lets create MP3, GIF, JPEG, or MP4 files from a video file.

After you upload a video to Kapwing you just have to click on the JPEG option and use the slider below the Preview Window to specify the frame you want to convert into a photo. Click on the Create button and then proceed to share the image you created on social media or download it to your computer. Keep in mind that all still frames are going to be watermarked if you are not signed in to your Kapwing account.

Conclusion

Extracting a still frame is a routine task that requires a minimum amount of time or effort regardless of the tool you are using to perform this task. Even so, how fast this process is going to be, depends on the video converter you choose. Which video converter do you use to convert videos to JPEG or PNG images? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison