The Top Four Ways to Perform a Reverse Image Search

If you thought you could only search for images using words, you’re going to love this blog post!

There are a number of tools available, including Google, which allow you to search using an image. This is really useful in a number of different situations:

• You’ve found the perfect image for your web site/blog post/brochure, but don’t know whether you’re allowed to use it. Doing a reverse search image will quickly show you the original source so you can get permission (if required), obtain the image in the correct resolution, and credit the actual source.
• Before you use an image, you want to check to see whether it is being used by any of your competitors. A reverse image search will not only show you how popular an image is, but also who is currently using it.
• You’ve spent a lot of time and effort creating your own images (e.g. photos, illustrations, infographics) and you want to make sure that your work is not being used without your permission. A reverse image search will show you whether anyone is infringing on your copyright.

As the name suggests, you perform a reverse image search by providing an image. The search application then looks for all visually similar images on the web and shows you the closest matches it finds.

This post describes how to use Google’s reverse image search. This is fast, free, and takes advantage of Google’s extensive search database.

1. Drag and Drop

The quickest and easiest way to do a reverse image search is to simply drag and drop the image into Google.

1. Using any browser, go to http://images.google.com
2. Simply drag and drop the image you want to search for onto the page. The search box will automatically change to say “Search by image. Drop image here.”
   
3. The search will begin as soon as you drop your image.

2. Upload an Image

This one is useful if you’re searching for one of your own images to see whether anyone is using it without permission.

1. Go to http://images.google.com
2. Click the camera icon in the search box.
   
3. Select to Upload an image, and then choose the file to upload.
   

3. Paste an Image URL

Use this option if you want to find out more about an image you find on a web site.

1. Right-click the image and select to copy its URL (you might need to view Image Properties to get this information).
2. Go to http://images.google.com
3. Click the camera icon in the search box.
   
4. Paste the image URL into the search box, and then click Search.
   

4. Use the Chrome or Firefox Browser Extension

If you use either Firefox or Chrome as your browser, this is the fastest option of all.

1. Download the free Google reverse search browser extension:
   - for Firefox
   - for Chrome
2. Once the extension is installed, simply right-click any image you want to perform a reverse search for and select “Search Google with this image.”
   

That’s all there is to it. It’s quick and easy, and can help to keep you out of trouble by making sure you always have the appropriate permissions to use an image. It can also help you to protect the copyright of your own images.