'image-free' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'image' + 'free', literally meaning 'free of images'.

'image' comes from Old French 'image', ultimately from Latin 'imago' meaning 'likeness'; 'free' comes from Old English 'freo' (from Proto-Germanic 'frijaz') meaning 'not in bondage' or 'exempt'. The compound 'image-free' is a Modern English formation combining these elements.

Initially the component words meant 'likeness' (image) and 'not bound' (free); the compound has meant 'without images' since its formation and has kept that core sense.