How to Find Where an Image Comes From

Simple Search Trick Based on Image Rather Than Text

Images in essays and presentations are great for visual stimulation and for providing examples of your topic. However, have you ever downloaded an image from the web, but didn’t know what site it was from? In this 3-Minute Problem Solver, SimpleK12’s Teacher Learning Community presenter, Jerry Swiatek, shows how to do a simple search based on the image rather than text.

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In the brief video above, Jerry shows how easy it is to use Google Images to find the origin of any picture. This search works for .jpeg, .png, and .gif images. All you have to do is click on the camera icon that says, “Search by image.” Then upload your picture or copy and paste the picture’s URL. Google Image provides a list of sites that include the matching image. It also gives the picture size and shows visually similar pictures. That means if the picture you searched is not quite right for what you want to convey, you can browse through similar images to find the one that is just right.

As teachers, we know the importance of citing all sources. But many times we think of citing texts, rather than images. With Google images, correctly citing these images is made quick and easy.

Do you know of other great citing tools? What are some Google Tool tricks you know? Share them with us in the comments below.

About our How to Find Where an Image Comes From Presenter:
Jerry Swiatek is a Google Certified Innovator, as well as a Google Apps for Education Certified Trainer. He is currently a District Technology Specialist for the Citrus County School District in Citrus County, Florida, where he works with teachers and students helping them integrate technology into their classrooms. Click here to look at more videos from Jerry.