The Best Free Image Libraries to Use for Your Squarespace Site
Let’s face it: nothing screams “DIY disaster” louder than a Squarespace site with blurry, pixelated, or downright cheesy stock photos. Your site deserves better. Your visitors deserve better. And luckily, the internet is full of free image libraries that deliver high-quality visuals without asking for your credit card or a small piece of your soul.
Here’s the lowdown on the best free image libraries you can use to make your Squarespace site look like a professional masterpiece — no second mortgage required.
Unsplash: The OG of Free Stock Photos
If free stock photo libraries were a high school, Unsplash would be the cool kid everyone secretly wants to be friends with. Their collection is vast, trendy, and downright gorgeous. From dreamy landscapes to chic office setups, Unsplash is your one-stop shop for visuals that say, “I know what I’m doing.”
Why It’s Great for Squarespace:
Photos are high-resolution and look fantastic in any Squarespace template.
There’s an Unsplash integration in Squarespace itself, meaning you can grab images directly from the editor. Talk about a power move.
Pexels: Like Unsplash’s Equally Cool Cousin
Pexels is another heavyweight in the world of free stock photos. Their images are professional, diverse, and perfect for any vibe you’re trying to channel. Need artsy flat-lays? They’ve got them. Stunning sunsets? Check. Pictures of people actually looking like real humans? You bet.
Why It’s Great for Squarespace:
Their videos are free too, perfect for adding some subtle movement to your homepage.
Their library is refreshingly diverse, helping your site appeal to a broader audience.
Pixabay: The Jack-of-All-Trades
Pixabay has everything: photos, videos, illustrations, vectors, and even music. (Yes, music!) If your Squarespace site needs a custom flair, like an illustration for your about page or a background video for your header, Pixabay has you covered.
Why It’s Great for Squarespace:
Their wide range of content means you can mix things up without hopping between different sites.
The license is super permissive, so you can use their content commercially without worrying about copyright trolls.
Burst by Shopify: Made for Entrepreneurs
Burst was designed with business owners in mind, and it shows. Their collection features professional, business-friendly imagery that’s perfect for Squarespace users building online stores, portfolio sites, or service-based websites.
Why It’s Great for Squarespace:
The photos feel modern and stylish, with no cringey corporate vibes.
Categories like “DIY Crafting” or “Fitness” make it easy to find exactly what you need for your niche.
Kaboompics: The Hidden Gem
Kaboompics is like that underrated indie band your friend can’t stop talking about. Their photos are aesthetic gold, featuring beautiful compositions and soft, natural lighting. If you want your Squarespace site to radiate “I just spent a fortune on a professional photographer,” Kaboompics is your secret weapon.
Why It’s Great for Squarespace:
Each image comes with a complementary color palette, helping you design cohesive sections without breaking a sweat.
The vibe is chic and contemporary, ideal for lifestyle blogs or creative businesses.
FoodiesFeed: For the Culinary Crowd
If your Squarespace site is all about food (think restaurants, cafes, or recipe blogs), FoodiesFeed is your go-to. Their photos are drool-worthy, beautifully styled, and guaranteed to make your audience hungry.
Why It’s Great for Squarespace:
The images scream “high-end dining” without you spending a dime.
Perfect for creating appetizing galleries, banners, or Instagram-style grids.
Reshot: For Something Truly Unique
Tired of seeing the same stock photos everywhere? Reshot is here to save the day. Their library is full of quirky, authentic images you won’t find plastered across a million other websites.
Why It’s Great for Squarespace:
It’s perfect for standing out in a crowded market.
Their “non-stocky” vibe makes your site feel approachable and real.
Pro Tips for Using Free Image Libraries
Don’t Overload Your Site: Gorgeous images are great, but they can also slow down your loading speed if they’re not optimized. Always compress your images using tools like TinyPNG before uploading them to Squarespace.
Be Consistent: Choose photos that complement each other in terms of color palette and style. This helps your site feel cohesive and polished.
Add Alt Text: It’s not just for accessibility (although that’s crucial); it also helps with SEO. Describe what’s in the image using relevant keywords.
Think Beyond Photos: Squarespace supports videos, animations, and even GIFs. Experiment with adding subtle motion to headers or background sections.
Final Thoughts
With these free image libraries, there’s no excuse for settling for subpar visuals on your Squarespace site. Whether you’re going for sleek and modern, fun and quirky, or warm and inviting, there’s a library out there with your name on it.
So go forth, explore these resources, and turn your Squarespace site into a visual masterpiece. Your visitors won’t know you didn’t hire a professional photographer — and that’s a secret we’ll happily keep.
