The **_FREEIMAGE** statement releases the designated file image created by the [_LOADIMAGE](_LOADIMAGE), [_NEWIMAGE](_NEWIMAGE) or [_COPYIMAGE](_COPYIMAGE) functions from memory when they are no longer needed.

## Syntax

> [_FREEIMAGE](_FREEIMAGE) [handle&]

## Description

* If handle& is omitted, the current destination image is freed from memory.
* Freeing the destination image or source image will result in the display page being selected instead.
* **Invalid image handle values of -1 or 0 cannot be freed or an [ERROR Codes](ERROR-Codes) will occur.** Check the handle value first.
* **[SCREEN](SCREEN) modes in use cannot be freed or an [ERROR Codes](ERROR-Codes) will occur.** Change SCREEN modes before freeing. 
* Once a specific image handle is no longer used or referenced by your program, it can be freed with [_FREEIMAGE](_FREEIMAGE).
* **Images are not deallocated when the [SUB](SUB) or [FUNCTION](FUNCTION) they are created in ends. Free them with [_FREEIMAGE](_FREEIMAGE).**
* **It is important to free unused or unneeded images with [_FREEIMAGE](_FREEIMAGE) to prevent memory overflow errors.**
* **Do not try to free image handles currently being used as the active [SCREEN](SCREEN). Change screen modes first.**

## Example(s)

Loading a program splash screen and freeing image when no longer necessary:

```vb

s& = _LOADIMAGE("SPLASH.BMP",32)  'load 32 bit(24 BPP) image
IF s& < -1 THEN SCREEN s&   'use image as a 32 bit SCREEN 
_DELAY 6                          'display splash screen for 6 seconds
SCREEN 0       'MUST change screen mode before freeing a SCREEN image!
IF s& < -1 THEN _FREEIMAGE s&  'handle value MUST be less than -1 or error!
CLS 

```

> *Note:* A valid image file name must be used by [_LOADIMAGE](_LOADIMAGE) or the invalid handle memory value will not need to be freed.

## See Also

* [_NEWIMAGE](_NEWIMAGE)
* [_LOADIMAGE](_LOADIMAGE)
* [_SCREENIMAGE](_SCREENIMAGE)
* [_COPYIMAGE](_COPYIMAGE)