Creative Commons: So much easier to access

Creative Commons recently released a new Chrome extension (also available for Mozilla and Opera) that makes it easier than ever to discover Creative Commons-licensed images on the fly, using the updated CC Search released last year.

So, as I write this post, I do not have to leave WordPress or any tab on which I am currently working. Your students will find it especially handy when they are producing nearly any web-based creative project, whether they are writing or producing digital stories.

After installing the CC Search Chrome Browser Extension, wherever you are working, simply locate it on your browser bar, click on it and this search window will pop up. The top menu offers a bookmark

The box links to more information about the various CC licenses useful for teaching [I’d love to see a more simplified chart here!], as well as a reminder that you can license your own creative content using the very handy License Chooser, which offers either an image or embeddable code.

Users can currently search for CC-licensed images from twenty portals. Results display with the icons that represent the specific license attributed to the image. In fact, the extension makes it possible to immediately grab need attribution.

When you work with students, it may be especially helpful to point out the advanced search, which is represented by the funnel icon. Bookmarking, quick filters and dark mode–easier on the eyes and your battery–features are available on the top menu bar. Bookmarks may be saved, grouped and exported for later or more flexible use.

The advanced search offers filters for type of use, specific licenses, and the current list of portals providing images. Checkboxes make it possible to select and search multiple options.

Among my favorite CC Search Chrome Browser Extension features is one-click attribution, offering the ability to copy, download or embed credits.

I’d immediately share the CC Search Chrome Browser Extension tool with all my classroom teacher friends!

You may be interested in New Creative Commons Search: Now in Beta and my Copyright Friendly Toolkit.

Filed under: technology