The Internet is a vast collection of websites, the majority of which are trying to sell something. What is less obvious to most people is that the information, photos, art, and lettering -- quite literally everything on any website -- originated from the skills of an artist or writer. This means that all content is owned by someone else. It is inappropriate and potentially illegal to save art to your computer from most websites. The exception is websites offering free clip art.
Legitimate free clip art websites typically have a disclaimer on their homepage that describes the rules for using their art. Often, the rules include limitations on using the clip art for your own clip art website. Most websites request that new Web pages not link back to art, a practice that gives the clip art site nonproductive web traffic. Often a clip art website requires you to create a link directly to the clip art homepage and include an attribution acknowledging the true owner of the artwork.
The objective of most Web pages is to display or inform through the hosting of content. To encourage a visitor to stay and read or otherwise enjoy the website, the Web designer makes the appearance of the Web page as interesting or enjoyable as possible. The designer mixes good function with attractive graphics. Free clip art offers Web designers a library of potential art that they are encouraged and welcomed to use.
Select free clip art designs that you like. Download the image, animation or other type of file to your computer and store the material in a folder you are using for the creation of your website. Often, it is a good idea to rename these art pieces with names that are easy for you to recognize. Build your Web page, drawing the art directly from your stored file. Insert the image on the page and activate the image as a link. At the bottom of the Web page on which art is used, clearly identify the owner of the art as the website from which you downloaded the material. Activate the attribution as a link back to the clip art website. This meets the requirements for using most art.