When browsing search engines (such as Google Images) or exploring content repositories, you will often encounter the term “Not filtered by license” as a default setting under usage rights or license filters.
Understanding what this phrase means is critical for avoiding copyright infringement, legal disputes, and unintentional misuse of digital assets.
What “Not Filtered by License” Actually Means
In short, “not filtered by license” means that the search engine is showing you everything it can find matching your keywords, regardless of whether you have legal permission to reuse it.
- No Restrictions on the Search: The platform applies zero automated criteria regarding copyright, Creative Commons terms, or commercial reuse permissions.
- The Full Spectrum of Content: The results will mix public domain works, openly licensed materials, strictly copyrighted commercial images, and completely unlicensed content.
- The Default State: On platforms like Google Images, “not filtered by license” is almost always the default starting state. If you type a query and hit enter without changing the tools menu, you are viewing unfiltered results.
The Common Misconception: “If I found it on Google, I can use it”
The biggest trap users fall into is assuming that an image or resource appearing under “not filtered by license” is public property or free to grab. Google and other search engines are indexing tools, not legal clearinghouses.
By default, almost all creative content (photos, graphics, text, and code) is protected by copyright the moment it is created, whether a copyright symbol ($©$) is explicitly attached or not. Leaving your search “not filtered by license” means you are looking at the open internet in all its legal complexity.
Why and When You Should Use This Filter
While it sounds risky, keeping a search unfiltered does have its place:
- Maximum Search Reach: If you are searching for visual inspiration, historical research, or a specific graphic to study rather than publish, filtering limits your view unnecessarily.
- Finding the Original Source: Sometimes, rare or specific images only appear when filters are turned off. You can use the unfiltered search to track down the creator’s official website, where you can then contact them directly to negotiate a proper license or purchase rights.
However, if your goal is to find content you can immediately drop into a blog post, marketing campaign, commercial product, or public presentation, you should switch the filter off its default state. Opt instead for categories like Creative Commons licenses or Commercial and other licenses, depending on your needs.
Best Practices for Handling Unfiltered Content
If you find a piece of content while your search is set to “not filtered by license,” take these steps before using it anywhere:
- Click Through to the Source: Never right-click and save straight from the search engine grid. Follow the link back to the host website.
- Look for Terms of Use: Check the website’s footer, FAQ, or image credits for a licensing statement. Look for terms like Creative Commons (CC BY), public domain declarations, or explicit purchase requirements.
- When in Doubt, Assume Copyright: If no license is stated, or if the ownership is unclear, treat the material as fully copyrighted. Reach out to the author for written permission or find an alternative asset that is explicitly cleared for reuse.
For a quick visual breakdown of how usage rights filters work and why you shouldn’t rely solely on default search results, check out this How to Check Usage Rights Before Using an Image short.
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