Free backgrounds: where we find the best ones
Reem Al Jishi
Where we find free, high-quality backgrounds and textures, and how to use them well.
A good background can lift a presentation, a poster or a video thumbnail in seconds.
Where to look
Free photo libraries, open museum collections and texture packs shared by designers are our first stops. Always check the licence before using an image commercially.
Make it your own
Add a colour overlay, blur or grain so the background supports your content instead of competing with it.
Keep a library
Save your favourites in folders by mood, such as calm, bold and textured, so the right one is always to hand.