Web Research Assistant

# Stock Image Search Guide ## Overview The `search_images` tool provides access to high-quality, royalty-free stock images from Pixabay. Perfect for finding photos, illustrations, and vector graphics for projects, presentations, or design work. ## Setup ### 1. Get a Free Pixabay API Key 1. Visit [pixabay.com/api/docs](https://pixabay.com/api/docs/) 2. Sign up for a free account (if you don't have one) 3. Navigate to the API documentation page 4. Copy your API key ### 2. Configure the API Key **Option A: Environment Variable (Recommended)** ```bash export PIXABAY_API_KEY="your-api-key-here" ``` **Option B: MCP Server Configuration** For Claude Desktop, add to `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`: ```json { "mcpServers": { "web-research-assistant": { "command": "uv", "args": [ "--directory", "/path/to/searxng-mcp", "run", "searxng-mcp" ], "env": { "PIXABAY_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here" } } } } ``` For OpenCode, add to your `opencode.json`: ```json { "mcpServers": { "web-research-assistant": { "command": "uv", "args": [ "--directory", "/path/to/searxng-mcp", "run", "searxng-mcp" ], "env": { "PIXABAY_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here" } } } } ``` ### 3. Restart the MCP Server After configuring the API key, restart your MCP client (Claude Desktop or OpenCode). ## Usage Examples ### Basic Search ```python search_images("mountain landscape") ``` ### Photo Search ```python search_images( query="sunset beach", image_type="photo", orientation="horizontal" ) ``` ### Illustration Search ```python search_images( query="business icons", image_type="illustration", max_results=5 ) ``` ### Vector Graphics ```python search_images( query="technology logo", image_type="vector", orientation="horizontal" ) ``` ### Vertical Images ```python search_images( query="smartphone mockup", orientation="vertical", max_results=15 ) ``` ## Parameters | Parameter | Type | Default | Description | |-----------|------|---------|-------------| | `query` | string | _required_ | Search term (e.g., "sunset beach", "office workspace") | | `reasoning` | string | "Stock image search" | Why you're searching (for analytics) | | `image_type` | string | "all" | Type: "all", "photo", "illustration", "vector" | | `orientation` | string | "all" | Orientation: "all", "horizontal", "vertical" | | `max_results` | int | 10 | Number of results (1-20) | ## Image Types ### Photo Real photographs from photographers around the world. Best for: - Realistic scenes and objects - People and portraits - Nature and landscapes - Product photography ### Illustration Digital illustrations and artwork. Best for: - Stylized graphics - Concept art - Editorial illustrations - Creative designs ### Vector Scalable vector graphics (SVG). Best for: - Logos and icons - Infographics - Print materials - Web design elements ## Response Format Each image result includes: - **Tags**: Descriptive keywords - **Resolution**: Width x Height in pixels - **Stats**: Views, downloads, and likes - **Creator**: Username of the photographer/artist - **URLs**: - `Preview`: Small thumbnail (150px) - `Large`: High-resolution version (1280px) - `Full HD`: Full resolution (when available) ### Example Output ``` Stock Images for: sunset beach Type: Photo | Orientation: Horizontal | Found: 3 images ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1. sunset, beach, sea, ocean, summer, water, nature, landscape Resolution: 5184x3456 | 👁️ 76,871 | ⬇️ 60,754 | ❤️ 263 By: photographer_name Preview: https://cdn.pixabay.com/.../sunset-5383043_150.jpg Large: https://pixabay.com/get/.../sunset_1280.jpg Full HD: https://pixabay.com/get/.../sunset_fullhd.jpg ``` ## No API Key Configured If you try to use `search_images` without configuring an API key, you'll see: ``` ⚠️ Pixabay API key not configured To use image search, you need to configure your Pixabay API key. Steps: 1. Get a free API key from: https://pixabay.com/api/docs/ 2. Set the environment variable: PIXABAY_API_KEY=your_key_here 3. Restart the MCP server You can set it in your shell: export PIXABAY_API_KEY='your_key_here' Or add it to your MCP server configuration. ``` ## Best Practices ### 1. Be Specific ✅ Good: "modern office workspace" ❌ Too broad: "office" ### 2. Use Multiple Keywords ✅ Good: "sunset ocean waves beach" ❌ Too limited: "sunset" ### 3. Choose the Right Type - Need a photo? → `image_type="photo"` - Need an icon? → `image_type="vector"` - Need artwork? → `image_type="illustration"` ### 4. Consider Orientation - Website headers → `orientation="horizontal"` - Mobile screens → `orientation="vertical"` - Flexible layout → `orientation="all"` ### 5. Adjust Result Count - Quick browse → `max_results=5` - Comprehensive search → `max_results=20` ## Common Use Cases ### Blog Post Header ```python search_images( query="technology abstract blue", image_type="photo", orientation="horizontal", max_results=5 ) ``` ### Presentation Slide ```python search_images( query="teamwork collaboration", image_type="photo", orientation="horizontal", max_results=10 ) ``` ### App Icon ```python search_images( query="mobile app icon", image_type="vector", max_results=15 ) ``` ### Social Media Post ```python search_images( query="motivational quote background", orientation="vertical", max_results=8 ) ``` ## Rate Limits Pixabay's free tier includes: - 5,000 requests per hour - 100 requests per minute The tool automatically handles rate limit errors with a helpful message. ## License Information All images from Pixabay are released under the Pixabay License: - Free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes - No attribution required (but appreciated) - Modifications allowed - Cannot be resold or redistributed as-is Always check the [Pixabay License](https://pixabay.com/service/license/) for the most current terms. ## Troubleshooting ### "API key not configured" → Set the `PIXABAY_API_KEY` environment variable and restart the server ### "Rate limit exceeded" → Wait a moment and try again. You may have exceeded the hourly/minute limit. ### "No images found" → Try broader search terms or different image type/orientation filters ### HTTP 400 Error → Check your search parameters. The query might be invalid or too complex. --- **Tool:** `search_images` **API:** Pixabay API v1 **Added:** November 15, 2025 **Status:** Production Ready ✅