You can use the Archives online database to search for and order digital copies or prints of scanned images. You must have an email address to order online. If you do not have an email address, please print and fill out the Image Reproduction Request form, and mail it to the Archives.
If you have any difficulties using the online order process, please use the Image Reproduction Request form.
When you click on the “Search the Archives” button above, a database page will open in a new window. You can perform a simple search by entering one or more keywords and selecting the “Online/scanned records only” box, then clicking the “Search” button.
In your search results, by clicking on any thumbnail photograph…
…you can bring up a viewer. Use the arrows to move back and forth through the images. If you want to see the photograph at a bigger size, click on the box-with-arrow symbol in the lower left corner. To close the viewer, click on the X in the lower right corner.
For more details on how find archival materials, please see Using the Database.
To add an image to your shopping cart, click on the “Select Image for Purchase” button in the lower left corner.
A message will confirm that your image has been added to your cart.
You can view your shopping cart by clicking on the “View Cart” link at the top of the screen.
You can remove items from your cart by clicking the “Remove from Cart” link under every image. You can remove everything from your cart by clicking the “Clear Cart” link at the top of the page.
To finish your order, click the “Check out” link at the top of the screen.
A new window will open.
Fill in the fields to indicate what type and size of image you would like to order. Then click the “Calculate” button.
The screen will refresh and automatically fill in the price of your order (before taxes).
Click one of the radio buttons beside “Rush Order” to indicate whether you would like a rush order or not. The screen will refresh again.
To continue with your order, click the “Proceed to Checkout” button at the bottom right of the screen.
A new page will appear. Fill out all of the fields, such as how you will use the image and your contact information. Then click the “Submit Order” button in the lower right corner. This will finalize your order and send it to the Archives.
When the Archives has received your order, a confirmation page will appear. This should only take a few seconds. You will also receive a confirmation email within ten minutes from archivesphotoorders@toronto.ca. If you don’t see a confirmation email, please check your email’s junk mail folder.
The confirmation page and email include additional information about your order, such as the order number, the full cost, and the copyright of the image(s) you have ordered. Please print or save a copy for your records.
You will receive a separate email with an invoice and a link to the online payment system. The subject line of the email will start with “Archives Purchase Order.” If you don’t see an invoice email, please check your email’s junk mail folder.
Your order will be processed once we have received your payment. Your photographs will be ready for pickup after ten business days.
Rush orders are usually processed within two to five business days after receipt of payment. However, for large orders, please consult our staff about turnaround times.