The method
- Open the file page rather than a search thumbnail. Record its address, stated creator and displayed terms. Distinguish the creator from the uploader when the available information allows it.
- Describe the planned medium, distribution and alterations. Compare the use with applicable conditions and retain unresolved questions. A licence name without its link or exact version needs clarification.
- Prepare the credit required by the terms you checked and record the consultation date. Clarify uncertain alterations or restrictions before publishing, or choose another image.
Fictional worked example
In a fictional project, a thumbnail leads to a full photograph page. The notebook keeps its creator and licence instead of crediting the search engine.
The record to keep
Keep the file page, licence and used credit with the image version. Record a crop in the project too.
Your record, step by step
For your own situation, record the following information. Check a field when it is documented; missing information still needs verification. The boxes are a reminder within this page.
This checklist does not validate your project. No entries are sent or saved.
Fictional case: a file is marked CC BY-ND 4.0 and the project plans to share an adaptation. The record reveals the condition to resolve before publication.
| Record field | Case observation | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Exact licence | CC BY-ND 4.0 | Retain the link to this version |
| Intended use | Sharing an adaptation | ND does not permit this sharing under the licence |
| Decision | Additional permission not obtained | Clarify rights or choose another file |
What this method can establish
The record is not legal permission and does not by itself settle depicted persons’ rights or use-specific restrictions.
Useful questions before you start
Is the search engine the creator?
Find the original file page and stated creator; discovery does not establish authorship.
Does a licence permit every use?
Examine its terms and other restrictions applicable to your particular use.
Prepare an image credit that can be traced back
Creative Commons recommends TASL: title, author, source and licence. It helps preserve an image’s origin through reuse.
- Open the original record
- Assemble the credit
- State your changes
| Situation | What changes | Useful check |
|---|---|---|
| Author and source | The host is not necessarily the creator. | Keep the author’s requested name and original link. |
| Licence and version | Creative Commons alone does not specify a licence. | Record CC BY 4.0 with its link if that is the file’s licence. |
| Changes | Distinguish the original from your version. | State cropping or adaptation and check permitted uses. |
A supplied title remains recommended; CC 4.0 licences do not require it, unlike relevant earlier versions. A correct credit does not replace compliance with licence conditions.
Documentation : Creative Commons — Recommended practices for attribution ↗ · · Read the reference record →
Supporting documentation
These references support the method. Each source shows its language and consultation date; an available directory record explains its purpose.
- Wikimedia Commons — Reusing content outside Wikimedia EN ↗
Documentation consulted on · Resource record : Wikimedia Commons - Creative Commons — CC BY-ND 4.0 EN ↗
Documentation consulted on
An editorial method, a fictional example and references for further reading.