Frequently asked questions
What can I use Sprixi for?
Sprixi helps you choose and use an image fast. We think Sprixi will come in handy for school assignments, work presentations and blogs.
How do I use Sprixi?
To get started try a demo search. Once you have subscribed, enter a word that best describes the image you're looking for, then click search. Browse the images shown and choose an image you want. You can scroll down to see more images. Use the image by downloading it or copy the link to it.
For most images you will need to give credit to the author. Sprixi can do this automatically for you if the image is large enough, otherwise you will need to copy the credit and paste it where you are using the image.
What makes Sprixi different? Why should I use Sprixi instead of a search engine?
Sprixi is "purpose built" to help you choose and use an image quickly and easily. Sprixi is not about tagging or commenting on images, and it is not about browsing a million photos. Sprixi is about finding an image that is useful to you, now.
How much does Sprixi cost?
Sprixi is $5 Australian dollars per month, for up to 2000 searches a month. You need a PayPal account to use Sprixi, but it's easy to create one when you subscribe. You pay in your own currency
What does "new topic created" mean?
This means you are the first person to search for that particular topic. Sprixi will create a blank topic then find images that match it and Sprixi must go and find images for it.
Initially, there will only be unsorted images, but as you use Sprixi it will learn what images are useful for that topic. The next person who does the search will benefit from what Sprixi learns from you.
How does Sprixi learn? What do you mean by "usefulness"?
Sprixi tries to sort images by usefulness - how useful you find an image for that topic.
Images are sorted automatically just by people using Sprixi. Images you click on, rate, use, download or upload are given a usefulness rating. You can also vote for the usefulness of images by clicking on the yes, maybe and no buttons. Votes from registered users and moderators are given a heavier weighting.
For new topics, all images are unsorted. Over time, more useful images should work their way to the top - we hope!
How do I improve Sprixi?
The easiest way to improve Sprixi is just to use it. Sprixi takes note of what images you use and this affects how the images are sorted. You can also help by voting for images using the yes, maybe and no buttons that appear when you hover over an image.
You also help by uploading your own images to appropriate topics.
How does Sprixi get its images?
Currently Sprixi searches Flickr. We intend to add more sources soon.
Why can’t I see a particular image on Sprixi?
It could be because it's not licenced with one of the licences we accept. Otherwise it could be a bug on our part. Please let us know.
What image licences does Sprixi accept?
Sprixi tries to only show public domain and "commercial-friendly" Creative Commons licences. Please note that it is up to you to verify the licence of the image is what we say it is. We can only pass on what we index.
Can I use an image?
Yes, but you must respect the licence of the image and verify the licence is legitimate. Usually you have to give credit to the author of the image in order to use it; Sprixi tries to make this easy for you.
You must have model or property releases for the subjects of photos, especially for commercial use. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more details.
How does Sprixi compare to paid stock photo sites?
Stock photo sites are all about options, options and more options. For instance, on some sites you can do a search for "man laughing with fruit salad" and get plenty of images of models fake laughing over (probably) fake fruit salad.
Sprixi takes a different approach. We aim to give you less choice and more relevance. If you want a picture of a fruit salad for you blog without fuss, that's what Sprixi can give you. The laughing and the models don't come into it.
Why should I pay for this service when the images themselves are free?
While the images themselves are free, the Sprixi engine and website are not so that we can continue to exist!
Why do I sometimes see irrelevant images?
Because Sprixi is still learning :)
An irrelevant or popular image from may show up in Sprixi due to the way it was tagged in other sites. Please vote off-topic images with a "no" and they will eventually disappear.
Where do images get downloaded to when I click the download button?
They are usually downloaded to the default download director set in your browser. Try looking under "My Documents" or "My Downloads".
Who is Sprixi?
Sprixi is owned by Thirsty Minds Pty Ltd. We are an Australian company with a thirst for useful websites.
Why the name Sprixi?
The inspiration for the name "Sprixi" came from the words "picture" and "wiki". We can't remember how it evolved from there but it had a lot to do with what domain names were available! We think Sprixi sounds fun and a little magical :)
