Guide to Adding Images to Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons is a vast repository of freely usable multimedia files available under various open licenses. Adding images to this repository can be a rewarding and useful endeavor, but it requires you to follow certain guidelines to ensure that your contributions meet the standards of the commons. This guide will walk you through the process and provide you with key considerations to ensure your images are permissible and appropriate for the commons.

Understanding Permissibility

Before you can add an image to Wikimedia Commons, you need to ensure it is permissible to use. The vast majority of images found on the internet are not free to use on Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons due to their non-commercial or restricted copyright terms.

Free Licenses: Images under licenses such as Creative Commons BY and BY-SA (Attribution and Attribution-ShareAlike) are typically suitable. These licenses allow others to use, modify, and distribute the work as long as proper attribution is given.

Public Domain: Some images are in the public domain, meaning they are not copyrighted and can be used freely. However, it is crucial to understand what "public domain" means, as it does not simply mean "available to the public." You must verify that the image is truly in the public domain.

Noncommercial Restrictions: Images with noncommercial (NC) or non-derivative (ND) qualifiers are not suitable for Wikimedia Commons, as they restrict their use in specific ways.

Available Images: If an appropriate image already exists in Wikimedia Commons, consider using it or finding more information about licensing. This will help prevent duplication and ensure consistency.

Using Personal Photographs

If you took the photograph yourself, you are the copyright holder. In this case, you have the choice to release the image under an appropriate license. Keep in mind, though, that once the image is released, it can be freely used for any purpose, including commercial uses, as long as the required attribution is given. However, it is essential to make this decision carefully, as you cannot unilaterally revoke permissions given to others.

Asking for Permission

For images not under your copyright, you may need to seek permission from the copyright holder. If the copyright holder agrees, they can release the image under an appropriate license. If the copyright holder declines or does not respond, you will need to find or take a different image that meets the required licensing standards.

Special Cases and Fair Use

While Wikimedia Commons primarily focuses on free and public domain content, in rare cases, "fair use" images may be accepted under the grounds of fair use policies. However, fair use is a complex concept to understand and typically applies to copyrighted works used in specific, limited circumstances. This policy is generally not suitable for beginners, as it involves intricate legal and moral considerations.

Community Assistance

If you are unsure whether an image is suitable for Wikimedia Commons or how to add it, the best approach is to ask for help from the community. The Teahouse is a welcoming space where contributors can get advice and support from more experienced users. This can be particularly helpful if you need clarification on licensing or if you are trying to determine if an image is appropriate for the commons.

By following these guidelines and seeking community support, you can ensure that your contributions to Wikimedia Commons are valuable and compliant with the site's policies.