How to Protect Your Images Online
One of the most commonly asked questions on web design forums is: “ How do I stop people stealing my images?” Sadly, the simple answer is, you can’t. Yes, there are scripts which deactivate the right-click function of a visitor’s mouse, but these are of limited value because anyone who really wants an image will be able to take it some other way, for example: by saving the page to their HD. In addition, there are a range of legitimate reasons why someone may want to click their right mouse button while visiting your site. They may want to Google a term you use, open up a new tab or window, or may be they use the Firefox and want to access one of the extensions which show up in the right click menu. Many people would find it annoying if you disable a legitimate aspect of their computer equipment, and this annoyance could well cause them to decide not to visit your site again.
So what can you do? Well, the simplest method I have found of protecting valuable images is not to upload them in the first place. Really, if something is so important, it’s probably best if you don’t place it online. However, that is drastic, an internet with no images would be a much drabber place indeed. Instead, why not watermark your work or photos. This is easy to do, and is likely to deter thieves who won’t want an image with your copyright notice emblazoned across it. In theory they could remove your watermark, but it would be time consuming, and the chances are they will go off in search of easier prey.
If you know your way around a graphics package such as Photoshop, you should find it easy to add a watermark. Simply open up your image, add a new layer and create your watermark. You could go for a legal sounding copyright notice, or add your name, the date and the url of your blog.
Take a moment to think about positioning: adding a watermark to the bottom of your image means you don’t spoil the overall appearance, but this method does make it easier for someone to crop the image to remove your watermark. If you add your watermark in a more central position it’s much harder for someone to tamper with it, but you run the risk of spoiling the overall appearance.
If you aren’t au fait with Photoshop don’t worry you can still watermark your images using one of the sites which offer a free watermarking service such as Picmarkr and Watermark Factory.
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