Unsplash Image Search Node

Overview #

The Unsplash Image node enables your workflows to dynamically fetch high-quality images from Unsplash’s extensive library. This feature is ideal for content generation, blog posts, social media automation, and any workflow requiring dynamic image sourcing.

Prerequisites #

Before using the Unsplash Image node, you must:

1. Create an Unsplash Developer account at https://unsplash.com/developers
2. Register your application to get an API key
3. Configure your Unsplash API key in the plugin Settings under “Other Services”
4. Accept Unsplash’s terms of service and attribution requirements

Features #

• Dynamic Search: Use dynamic search terms from previous nodes
• Size Options: Choose from multiple image resolutions
  • Raw (highest quality)
  • Full
  • Regular
  • Small
• Orientation Filters: Filter images by:
  • Any orientation
  • Landscape
  • Portrait
  • Square
• Random Selection: Option to get random images from search results
• Preview: Visual preview of selected image before workflow execution
• Dynamic Input: Support for input tags from previous nodes

Setting Up an Unsplash Image Node #

1. Add Node: Drag the Unsplash Image node from the sidebar to your workflow
2. Configure Search:
   • Enter search term or use input tags from previous nodes
   • Select desired image size
   • Choose orientation preference
   • Enable/disable random selection
3. Preview Image: Click “Fetch Image” to preview the result
4. Connect Node: Use the output in subsequent nodes

Image Sizes and Usage #

1. Raw Size:
   • Highest resolution available
   • Largest file size
   • Best for high-quality printing
2. Full Size:
   • High resolution
   • Optimized for web
   • Suitable for hero images
3. Regular Size:
   • Medium resolution
   • Balanced quality and size
   • Ideal for most web uses
4. Small Size:
   • Lower resolution
   • Fastest loading
   • Perfect for thumbnails

Best Practices #

• Use specific search terms for better results
• Test searches with preview functionality
• Consider image orientation for your use case
• Enable random selection for variety
• Use appropriate image sizes for your needs
• Cache images when possible
• Respect Unsplash’s attribution requirements

Node Output #

The node outputs a single URL string that can be used by subsequent nodes:

• Output can be used in HTML <img> tags
• Can be passed to WordPress media nodes
• Compatible with email nodes for content
• Usable in content generation nodes

Troubleshooting #

Common issues and solutions:

1. No Results Found:
   • Check search term spelling
   • Use more general search terms
   • Verify API key is configured
   • Try different orientations
2. Image Quality Issues:
   • Try a larger size option
   • Check if better resolution is available
   • Verify image dimensions needed
3. Rate Limiting:
   • Implement caching strategies
   • Space out API calls
   • Monitor API usage
   • Consider upgrading API plan

Limitations #

• API Rate Limits: 50 requests per hour
• Image availability depends on Unsplash library
• Some searches may return limited results
• Random selection limited to top 10 results
• Preview uses thumbnail quality

Security Considerations #

• API keys are encrypted in storage
• HTTPS used for all API requests
• No images are stored locally
• Secure error handling implemented

Legal Requirements #

When using Unsplash images, you must:

1. Comply with Unsplash’s license terms
2. Not sell unmodified images
3. Not compile image databases
4. Follow attribution guidelines when required

Example Uses #

1. Blog Post Automation:
   • Dynamic featured images
   • Content illustrations
   • Category thumbnails
2. Social Media:
   • Post visuals
   • Cover images
   • Profile pictures
3. Email Marketing:
   • Newsletter images
   • Campaign visuals
   • Header graphics
4. Website Content:
   • Background images
   • Banner updates
   • Product mockups