Have you ever found a photo online and wanted to know where it came from, identify what’s in the image, or find higher-quality versions? Google Reverse Image Search, powered by Google Lens, makes it easy to search using an image instead of text.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn two simple ways to search with an image using Google Lens. Whether you’re searching from an image on a website or a photo saved on your computer, Google can help you find visually similar images, matching webpages, and additional information about what you’re seeing.
When Would You Use Google Reverse Image Search?
- You found an interesting product but don’t know where to buy it.
- You want to identify a plant, landmark, or object in a photo.
- You’re checking whether an image has been reused or altered.
- You want to find a higher-resolution version of an image.
- You need the original source of a photo for research or attribution.
What You’ll Learn
- Search Google using an image instead of text.
- Use Google Lens directly from Google Chrome.
- Upload or drag and drop an image into Google Images.
- Find visually similar images and webpages containing the same image.
- Identify objects, landmarks, products, and more using visual search.
Follow Along
No downloads are required for this tutorial.
Simply open Google Chrome (or another supported browser) and have an image ready—either one on a webpage or one saved on your computer. You can follow the steps below to perform your own reverse image search.
Common Uses
Google Reverse Image Search can help you:
- Find the original source of an image.
- Locate higher-resolution versions of a photo.
- Identify products, plants, animals, landmarks, or artwork.
- Verify whether an image has appeared elsewhere online.
- Find visually similar images for inspiration or research.
- Investigate suspicious or misleading images.
Requirements & Compatibility
Requirements
- Internet connection.
- A modern web browser.
- An image on a website or saved on your computer.
Compatibility
Google Lens works in Chrome and is also available through most modern browsers via Google Images. You can search using uploaded images, drag-and-drop, image URLs, or by right-clicking an image in Chrome.
Video Tutorial
Step-by-Step Instructions
Method 1: Search an Image from a Website
- Open the webpage containing the image.
- Right-click the image.
- Select Search with Google Lens.
- Review visually similar images, matching webpages, and related information in the results.
Method 2: Search an Image Saved on Your Computer
- Open Google Images.
- Click the Search by image (Google Lens) icon.
- Upload your image or drag and drop it into the search area.
- Review the search results, similar images, and webpages containing the image.
Additional Tips
Helpful Tip
After uploading an image, you can add keywords to your search to narrow the results. For example, upload a chair and search for “mid-century modern” to find more specific matches.
Version Differences
Older versions of Chrome displayed “Search Google for Image.” Current versions use Google Lens, which offers additional visual search capabilities while serving the same overall purpose.
Related Google Tutorials
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search using a screenshot?
Yes. Simply save the screenshot to your computer and upload or drag it into Google Images using the Search by Image feature.
Can Google tell me exactly where an image came from?
Not always. Google attempts to find matching webpages, visually similar images, and information about what’s shown in the image, but it can’t guarantee it will identify the original source.
Does reverse image search work for products?
Yes. Google Lens is particularly useful for identifying products, comparing similar items, and finding places where they’re sold.
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