Stock Icon Libraries Stock icons are files and stock photo libraries that are maintained by companies, most accessible online, in which individuals and companies can access and use pictures and other icons for their needs. Stock icons can be purchased in kits or packages that contain many icons; they can be found in libraries such as stock photo libraries and stock music libraries, and you can also find many free stock icons.

	A perfect example of how stock icons can be used is in the film and television industry.  When a film company needs a background landscape picture of the Chinese countryside, they may access stock photo libraries for film for such a shot.  Then, that photo will be digitally used as a background of a scene.  So the movie will have appeared to be shot in China, but the actors actually never left the studio.  This same concept can be applied to web pages in which you need specific photos or icons, but do not have any such items in your possession.  You can visit or purchase stock icons and use them on your web pages.  The same can be done using music and more, as you will also be using stock icons that are not copyrighted, which can be costly and create legal problems. Stock Photo Libraries There are many companies online that offer stock photo libraries and contain thousands of photos that are separated by categories.  Some sites that offer these libraries are Shutterstock.com, iStockphoto.com, alamy.com, fotosearch.com, unima.co.uk, centerstock.com, canvass.co.nz, and much more.  All these photographs are fully licensed and can be used for many things.  Publishers, ad agencies, graphic artists, and many others all use stock photos in their work.   It is possible to purchase stock photos online and download them in an instant.  These stock photo libraries are all easily searchable and may also be called photo archives, picture libraries, and photo or image banks.  Free or royalty free stock photos means that you only have to pay for the image once, and then you can use it for many things.  A rights-managed photo or icon means that you can only use the stock icon for a specific skin, which is determined by the license.  Licenses are broken down into several categories including information on usage, specific use, duration, print run, territory, size, industry, and exclusivity.  It is very important that you do not violate the terms of the license.  One of the first stock photo libraries originated in 1920 and is currently still in operation called robertstock.  The use of the Internet has allowed amateurs and hobby photographers the ability to offer their photos to stock photo companies.  Some additional stock photo companies that can be found online include Google, Absolute Stock Photo, Acclaim Images, First Light, World of Stock, Getty Images, and Corbis. Stock Music Libraries Stock music libraries work very much in the same way as stock photo libraries, except they deal with music and not photos.  Almost all stock music is royalty free and can be used for many different things, though you will have to purchase the track.  Typically, you will purchase a cd of the music, but today you can buy individual tracks.  Some of the first stock music libraries were used for film, television, and media.  You need to be careful when using stock music libraries, as not all are royalty free.  Some royalty free stock music libraries can only be used in certain regions, so make sure you understand all the terms associated with the company you are using.  A few sites to check out are matchlessmusic.net, scorekeepersmusic.com, premiertracks.com, killertracks.com, and more. Stock Icons For Other Media Stock icons can be used for many other types of media such as icons and photos for iPhones, and Blackberries® that include ringtones and other types of icons.  You can purchase wallpapers, avatars, themed packets, and other backgrounds for windows mobile products, Google android products, iPhone products, Blackberry® products, and Palm OS products.  A great website that offers stock icons for all these products is chameleonco.com.  They also offer some royalty free products besides those for specific media. Creators Of Stock Icons Companies, individuals, and other artists can create stock icons.  Many companies will create their own stock icons, such as Microsoft created its own wallpapers specifically for Windows Vista, and Blackberry® has its own set of icons that can only be used on Blackberry® products.  National Geographic© has its own stock photo library that consists of photos taken from photographers employed by National Geographic©.  However, today there are stock icon companies that buy from amateurs to include more media in their libraries.  You can access all types of stock icons, though those from specific companies may require a subscription to access. What To Look For With Stock Icons As with anything for purchase, you should be able to see what it is you are buying.  With stock icons, all graphics and sound should be excellent and fault free.  However, the important things to look for deal with licensing options and what you can and cannot do with your icons.  The best companies will be clear about all things involved on the license, as well as how many icons come per package, or if you can purchase the icons individually.  They should have excellent customer service to answer all your questions as well as associated legal issues you may need more information on.   Finding Stock Icons Online  Stock icons and stock icon libraries can easily be accessed online, as all the big companies as well as the small ones use the Internet.  Some of the largest companies include Google’s Image gallery, which can be used for free.  You can find free and paid packages online.  The best way to find what you are looking for is to use search engines for the specific types of stock icons you require.  It may take a little time, but you will be sure to find what you are looking for.

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