Google has just introduced a new left column pane to its images search to better allow you to refine your searches.

These option were previously hidden in the advanced search page, but have now been pushed out to the main search page.

The move comes as competition is set to intensify in the online search engine space with the biggest rivals, Microsoft and Yahoo announcing a joint partnership to take on Google.

Microsoft’s Bing search engine firstly rolled out the left settings column pane with similar options to that of Google’s advanced filters.

Both search engines have essentially the same advanced filter options, but Google is the only one that lets you search for images based on 12 different colors, whereas Bing lets you either search for black-and-white photos, or colored only.

On Google, you can also search by different types of photos such as line drawings and clipart.

To activate the sidebar with the options, simply click on “Show options” on the top left in Google Images after you have completed your search.