Images design pattern: Canada.ca design

Images are visual content that complements or enhances text, including photographs, graphics, drawings, or diagrams.

When to use this pattern

Avoid unnecessary decoration on Canada.ca – only use imagery when it provides more information than can be provided through text alone
Refer to the Canada.ca Content Style Guide for details on when to use images
Do not use images as stand-alone clickable elements providing navigation or functionality
Images must be clickable when accompanied by text links, but are secondary to the links

Size and place images appropriately for the context they are in
- images must appear connected to the content, and complement it
Do not place images in line with text blocks, for example within a paragraph; instead, place them in between text blocks
Where images include people, they should reflect Canada’s diverse population
Images must appear square or rectangular; round or oval images may not be used
Where captions and attributions are required, place them immediately under the image they refer to
Images must only be clickable when accompanied by a text link to the same destination
- in such cases, the default position for text links is immediately above the image
Align links, captions or attributions with the left edge of the image they refer to
Do not use images or videos copied from other websites
Do not use images to display text
- text on feature images may be difficult to read on a small screen
- images may instead focus on photography and illustration
- incidental snippets of text, such as text appearing on photographed objects, wordmarks in logos, #hashtags, etc., are acceptable

Institutions are responsible for the proper use of images purchased through a licensing agreement
- if the image is licensed only to one institution, it can only be used by that institution on Canada.ca
- read the licensing agreement carefully for any other restrictions on the use of purchased images
Verify that you have the appropriate rights to publish images on Canada.ca. Specifically:
- get a signed release from a person (or legal guardian) before you publish any image of him or her
- have documentation showing you have the appropriate rights to publish licensed (or rights-managed) images
Images that are no longer licensed for use by an institution must be removed from Canada.ca
Purchase the highest-resolution available for an image, to be able to use the image in any size