Virtual CDs - Frequently asked questions
- What is a Virtual CD?
- Why are your CDs virtual?
- Which Alamy contributors provide Virtual CDs?
- Can I get a physical CD if I want one?
- Can you explain how I can see what is on the CD?
- I don't want all of the images on the CD - can I buy some of them?
- Can I buy multiple Royalty-Free images not in the CD collection as if they were a Virtual CD?
- How many images are on each CD and what do they cost?
- How do I buy them? And how do I access them after I have purchased?
- What's the deal on sharing the Virtual CD?
- Are there are any restrictions on how the images can be used?
- I am an Alamy contributor. How can I get my images on a Virtual CD?
What is a Virtual CD?
Virtual CDs are hassle-free, Royalty-Free CDs. Just like physical CDs, they contain themed collections of Royalty-Free images for a set price. Unlike physical CDs, you can download any or all of the images straight away from the Internet, or store and access them time and time again via the Alamy website.
Why are your CDs virtual?
The Virtual CD has many advantages over its physical counterpart:
- You can download the images on your Virtual CD as soon as you have purchased them rather than waiting for them to arrive in the post or via courier.
- You won't ever have to pay additional postage or delivery fees for Virtual CD to be 'delivered'.
- A Virtual CD cannot be lost as the images are always available for download.
- You'll get access to new material from contributors who wouldn't normally sell their products on physical discs because of the packaging and mastering costs.
In summary, Virtual CDs give you instant and easy access to big brand and specialist Royalty-Free material at great prices.
Which Alamy contributors provide Virtual CDs?
We have hundreds of Virtual CDs. Current contributors include BananaStock, Dex Image, GOODSHOOT, image100, ImageGap, imagestopshop, ImageState Royalty Free, Medioimages, Nature Picture Library, PhotoWood and Up the Resolution.
Can I get a physical CD if I want one?
No, we do not stock physical copies of the Virtual CDs.
Can you explain how I can see what is on the CD?
You can click on the Virtual CD image and see all the images on it. You can also put Virtual CDs into lightboxes and send them to colleagues (the full Virtual CD, not individual images from it).
I don't want all of the images on the CD - can I buy some of them?
As the price for a virtual CD is extremely competitive, you have to buy the whole CD. The images on the CD may also be available as single images in which case you can purchase them individually on the Alamy site at their single image price.
Can I buy multiple royalty-free images not in the CD collection as if they were a Virtual CD?
No, but we do excellent offers on single Royalty-Free images bought in quantity.
How many images are on each CD and what do they cost?
For the current range of Virtual CDs, prices start at $170 for 55 images and range up to $499 for 100 images. As Alamy is a portal carrying lots of different brands and RF pricing is set by the contributor, pricing of Virtual CDs also depends on the provider. The number of images per Virtual CD also varies.
How do I buy them? And how do I access them after I have purchased?
Virtual CDs can be bought in the same way as a single image and, like single image, will remain in My Alamy, so you simply need to log in to download images from your Virtual CD. After buying, here is how you can access images on your Virtual CD:
- Log in to 'My Alamy' - top right of any page on the Alamy site.
- Click on 'View all previously purchased Virtual CDs'.
- If you want to download the image/s again, your virtual CD purchase will always be available here and you can download them as often as you like within the terms of the license.
What's the deal on sharing the Virtual CD?
Colleagues within your company can use the images on the Virtual CD within the terms of Alamy's Royalty-Free image license. You cannot share the images on the Virtual CD with external companies or customers. If they want to use the images, they will have to buy their own copy of the Virtual CD.
Are there are any restrictions on how the images can be used?
These are detailed in the license terms and mainly cover pornographic or defamatory usages of images. Please ensure you read and understand the license terms fully and/or contact Alamy if you are unsure of restrictions.
I am an Alamy contributor. How can I get my images on a Virtual CD?
If you are interested in knowing more, please contact Alan Capel, Head of Content, at alan@alamy.com.
Where shall we take you next?
See Virtual CDs in the following categories: