One of the best free stuff Graphic Designers can find on the Web for free are high resolution backgrounds and textures. Long gone are the days when you had to buy very expensive CDs in order to obtain good quality backgrounds for your design projects.
By that time, marble and granite textures were all the rage. But now it seems that paper is becoming the new king. Lots of Web Designers are embracing the delicate look of a piece of paper with a subtle shadow. And if it is torn or folded, much better.
This gallery shows some paper backgrounds I collected from different sites. If you would like to add some nice effects to some of these textures, you can read a tutorial I wrote about creating paper folds and creases to paper textures in Photoshop.
Please, read about the usage rights: All of these textures should be free for commercial use, but to be absolutely sure, check each web site usage terms and license before downloading. Below each image sample, there is a link to the usage license. In some cases, where the scope of the license was not clear enough, I placed a link to the author profile so you can contact him. You can also read this excellent Guide to Finding and Using Incredible Flickr Images to help you find more free images for your work.
Free high resolution Paper Textures and Backgrounds
Click on each image sample to go to the high resolution version download page.
Author: Playingwithbrushes | License: Some rights reserved
Author: Splendor and Demise | License: Some rights reserved
Author: Playingwithbrushes | License: Some rights reserved
Author: CGTextures | License: Some restrictions apply
Author: Playingwithbrushes | License: Some rights reserved
Author: Crinity | License: Some rights reserved
Author: Christie Lacy | License: Some rights reserved
Author: Spiteful-Pie-Stock | License: Some rights reserved
Author: Nevermoregraphics | License: Contact the author
Author: Mademoiselle Phoenix | License: Contact the author
Author: Mademoiselle Phoenix | License: Contact the author
Author: Enchantedgal Stock | License: Contact the author
Author: Enchantedgal Stock | License: Contact the author
Author: Aleeka Stock | License: Contact the author
Author: Temabinastock | License: Contact the author
Author: KillxThexScenexStock | License: Contact the author
Author: Deadcalm Stock | License: Contact the author
Author: Temabinastock | License: Contact the author
Author: Arpadstock | License: Contact the author
Author: Maladie Stock | License: Contact the author
Author: CGTextures | License: Some restrictions apply
Author: net effekt | License: Some rights reserved
Author: Playingwithbrushes | License: Some rights reserved
Author: Playingwithbrushes | License: Some rights reserved
Author: CGTextures | License: Some restrictions apply
Author: CGTextures | License: Some restrictions apply
Author: CGTextures | License: Some restrictions apply
Author: CGTextures | License: Some restrictions apply
Author: CGTextures | License: Some restrictions apply
Author: CGTextures | License: Some restrictions apply
Commercial FREE High Resolution Paper Backgrounds
Click on the image below to view a gallery, and download 60 high resolution paper backgrounds collection.
Author: Development01 | License: Free Personal and Commercial usage allowed, except reselling or redistributing.