How to Download Images from Pinterest: A Complete Guide for 2026

How to Download Images from Pinterest

Pinterest makes it straightforward to save images from the platform to your device. Whether you are collecting inspiration for a project, saving a recipe, or building a mood board offline, the platform provides built-in tools for downloading pins.

However, before downloading, it is important to understand that most images on Pinterest are created by individual artists, photographers, and businesses who retain copyright over their work. Downloading for personal reference is generally acceptable, but using someone else's images commercially without permission is not.

Download Pinterest Images on Desktop

Method 1: Using the Built-In Download Button

1. Open Pinterest in your web browser and navigate to the pin you want to download
2. Click on the pin to open it in full view
3. Click the three-dot menu icon (usually in the top-right area of the pin)
4. Select "Download image" from the dropdown menu
5. The image will save to your default downloads folder

Method 2: Right-Click Save

1. Open the pin in full view
2. Right-click on the image
3. Select "Save image as..." from the context menu
4. Choose your desired save location and file name
5. Click "Save"

Note: Some pins may have right-click saving disabled. In those cases, use the built-in download option.

Download Pinterest Images on Mobile

On the Pinterest App (iOS and Android)

1. Open the Pinterest app and find the pin you want to download
2. Tap the pin to open it
3. Tap the three-dot menu icon
4. Select "Download image"
5. The image saves to your device's photo gallery

Through Your Mobile Browser

1. Open Pinterest in your mobile browser (Safari, Chrome)
2. Navigate to the pin and open it
3. Long-press on the image
4. Select "Save Image" or "Download Image" from the menu
5. Find the image in your camera roll or downloads folder

Downloading Multiple Images

Pinterest does not offer a native bulk download feature. If you need to download multiple images, your options include:

• Downloading each image individually using the methods above
• Using browser extensions designed for batch downloading (available for Chrome and Firefox)
• Using the Pinterest API for authorized, large-scale access (requires developer credentials)

Copyright and Legal Considerations

Usage	Acceptable?
Personal inspiration and reference	Generally yes
Sharing on your own social media with credit	Use caution — check the source
Using in commercial projects	No, unless you have explicit permission or the image has a permissive license
Printing for personal use	Generally yes
Using in presentations	Acceptable with attribution for educational/internal use
Selling or redistributing	No, unless licensed

Best Practices for Respecting Copyright

• Always check the pin's source link to find the original creator
• When sharing downloaded images, credit the creator and link to the original
• For commercial use, contact the creator directly to request permission or purchase a license
• Consider using stock photo platforms for commercial needs instead
• Look for pins that explicitly state they are free to use or carry Creative Commons licenses

Alternatives to Downloading

Save to Pinterest Boards

Instead of downloading, you can save pins to your Pinterest boards for easy access. This keeps the image linked to its original source and creator.

Screenshot

For quick reference, a screenshot captures the image along with context like the pin description and source. This is convenient for personal use but results in lower image quality.

Bookmark the Source

Many pins link to external websites. Bookmarking the source page lets you access the full-resolution image and supporting content later.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Download button not appearing: Make sure you are logged into your Pinterest account. Some features are only available to logged-in users.
• Low-resolution download: Pinterest may serve compressed versions. Click through to the source website for the original high-resolution file.
• Image not saving on mobile: Check your app permissions to ensure Pinterest has access to your photo gallery or storage.

Related Terms

• Cross-Platform Content — using visual content across multiple platforms
• Ephemeral Content — content formats that disappear, unlike saved Pinterest pins
• Digital Marketing — the broader field where Pinterest visual strategy plays a role
• Engagement Rate — measuring how your Pinterest content performs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to download images from Pinterest?

Downloading images for personal use is generally acceptable. However, the copyright belongs to the original creator. Using downloaded images commercially, selling them, or claiming them as your own is a copyright violation.

Can I use Pinterest images for my blog?

You should not use Pinterest images on your blog without the creator's permission. Instead, find the original source and request a license, use royalty-free stock images, or create your own visuals.

Why are some Pinterest images blurry when downloaded?

Pinterest compresses images for faster loading. The downloaded version may be lower quality than the original. To get the full-resolution image, click through to the pin's source website and download from there.

Can I download videos from Pinterest?

Yes, Pinterest allows you to download video pins using the same three-dot menu method. Select "Download video" from the options.

How do I find the original source of a Pinterest image?

Click on the pin and look for the source link, which usually appears below the image. You can also use reverse image search tools like Google Images to locate the original source.

Plan Your Visual Content Strategy

AdaptlyPost helps you plan, schedule, and manage visual content across Pinterest and all your other social platforms. Build a cohesive visual strategy with AdaptlyPost.