• Quick Tips

    The default search uses Conceptual matching.

    Shotlists containing all the search words will be returned as the most relevant, shotlists containing just one of the words will be the least relevant.

    Tip 1: Using 'AND'
    Black AND cat will return results containing lots of black cats - it will search for both terms.

    Tip 2: Inverted commas
    "Black cat" typed in inverted commas will only search for black cats.

    Tip 3: Using 'OR'
    Black OR cat will return results containing lots of black items and lots of cats - it will search for either term.

    Tip 4: Using 'NOT'
    Cat NOT black will search for the word "cat" but not the word "black" – you will get cats in your search return but they will not necessarily be black cats.

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  • Is the search function case sensitive?

    No, the search function is not case sensitive. Searching for "NELSON MANDELA" or "nelson mandela" would produce the same results.

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  • What is the difference between Basic and Advanced Search?

    Basic Search limits you to searching for all instances of your keywords, phrases and search terms other than any words you may have entered into the "Exclude Words" box.

    In Advanced Search you can define the archives you would like to search across. You can also apply any date criteria, and choose to view only content that you can buy online.

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  • I am not getting many results when I search

    If you are not getting enough search results, first check whether you have any pre-defined search criteria in Advanced Search.

    If not, you could try widening your search. For example, you can use the star key/asterisk (*) as a wild card. For example, entering flood* will search for flood, floods, flooding, flooded, etc.

    Try searching for a wider category. For example, if you were looking for battleship "HMS Invincible", you could widen your search to "Falklands War".

    You could also try reducing the number of keywords you have searched on. 

    You could also use the term "or" to help you search. If you enter cat or feline into the search box, you will get all cats and all felines returned.

    Check for spelling errors or variant spellings, especially with people's names. Consider plural spellings of words.

    Use UK rather than American English when searching, for example, "labour" rather than "labor".

    Try searching across all dates or all archives.

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  • I get thousands of results when I search

    You can narrow your search by using filters or by being more specific in the words and terms you use. You can do this on the Advanced Search page or from your Search return page by using the Search Filters, where you can refine by collection, partners, locations, genres, decades or dates.

    Using inverted commas will return precise phrases – for example, entering "black cat" into the search box will return only footage with the exact phrase black cat associated with it.

    You can also use the word "and" between words to filter your search. For example, if you have searched for "cat and domestic" you will get less returns than just searching for "cat" because the results will only be displayed where both the word "cat" and the word "domestic" is associated with that item.

    You can also use the "Exclude Words" box to return more accurate searches – for example, if you enter "blue" into the "Exclude Words" box in your search for "cars" you would not see blue cars in your search return.

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  • What if I can’t find what I want?

    You can conduct your own research via the website search page. Each item is logged in a shotlist, that consists of a description of the shots, a résumé of the story, location details and source details. These shotlists can be easily retrieved and the search engine operates a free text search. Alternatively, check out our search tips.

    You could also have a look at our themed Compilations.

    If you are still having difficulty, please contact your local Sales Office for advice.

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  • Searching in different languages

    At present, the database is available in International English and does not recognise American English spellings. For example, searching for "color", "defense" or "organization" will not, respectively, give results for "colour", "defence" or "organisation".

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