The simplest way to download a Pinterest image

Right-click on any image in Pinterest and select Save image as (on Windows) or Save image (on Mac). Choose where you want to save it on your computer, and Pinterest will download the file. The image lands in your Downloads folder or wherever you specified, ready to use.

That's the core method. It works on desktop browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. The image downloads as a JPG or PNG file depending on how Pinterest stored it originally. You don't need to log in, pay anything, or use a third-party tool.

On mobile phones, the process is slightly different because you're working within the Pinterest app or mobile browser, but the principle is the same: you're pulling the image file directly to your device's storage.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click any Pinterest image and choose Save image as to download it to your computer in seconds.
  • Mobile users can long-press an image in the Pinterest app and select Save image, which stores it in your phone's photo library.
  • Downloaded images are yours to use, but respect the original creator's rights if you plan to republish or sell the image.
  • If you want to organize multiple pins, create a private Pinterest board and save them there instead of downloading individually.

Downloading on Windows and Mac computers

On a Windows computer, navigate to the Pinterest image you want. Right-click directly on the photo itself—not on the pin title or description, but on the image. A menu appears with several options. Click Save image as. A dialog box opens asking where you want to store the file. By default, it goes to your Downloads folder, but you can navigate to any folder on your computer. Type a new filename if you want to rename it, then click Save.

On a Mac, the process is nearly identical. Right-click (or Control-click) the image and select Save image from the menu. The same dialog appears. Choose your location and filename, then click Save.

The file downloads immediately. You can then open it in any image viewer or editor on your computer. If you're using the image for a project, you might move it from Downloads to a project folder so you can find it later.

Downloading on iPhone and Android phones

In the Pinterest app on your phone, find the image you want. Long-press (hold your finger on) the image for a second or two. A menu pops up with options. Tap Save image or Download, depending on your phone's operating system. The image goes directly to your phone's photo library or camera roll.

On Android, the exact wording varies by phone model and which version of Android you're running, but the action is the same: long-press the image and select the save or download option. The image lands in your Photos app or Gallery app.

If you're using the mobile web version of Pinterest instead of the app, long-press the image the same way. The menu that appears will have a save option specific to your phone's browser.

What happens when you download a Pinterest image

When you download, you're getting the image file itself—a JPG or PNG—not a link or a reference. That file now lives on your device. You can edit it, print it, email it, or use it in a document. Pinterest doesn't track what you do with it after download.

The image quality depends on the size Pinterest is displaying. If you download a small thumbnail, you get a small file. If you download a full-size pin, you get a larger, higher-resolution file. Most pins on Pinterest are sized for web viewing, so they're usually 1000 pixels wide or so—good enough for most personal projects but not large enough for professional printing.

The original creator's information (their name, the source website, any watermark) may or may not be embedded in the file depending on how they uploaded it. Downloading doesn't automatically give you permission to republish or sell the image, so if you plan to use it beyond personal reference, check whether the creator has shared it under a Creative Commons license or given explicit permission.

Using Pinterest boards instead of downloading

If you're collecting multiple images for a project, downloading each one individually can get messy. An alternative is to create a private Pinterest board and save pins to it instead. You can organize them by theme, project, or any system that makes sense to you. Later, you can view them all in one place without cluttering your computer's file system.

To create a board, click the plus icon in Pinterest and select Create board. Give it a name and make sure you set it to Private so only you can see it. Then save pins to that board by clicking the save button on any pin. You can revisit the board anytime to look at your collection, share it with collaborators if you change it to secret or public, or download individual images later if you need them as files.

This approach works well if you're gathering inspiration for a design project, planning a room renovation, or collecting recipe ideas. You keep everything in one organized place without needing to manage folders on your computer.

Troubleshooting common download problems

If right-clicking doesn't show a save option, you may be using an older browser or an extension that's blocking the menu. Try updating your browser to the latest version. If that doesn't work, try a different browser like Chrome or Firefox.

On mobile, if long-pressing doesn't work, make sure you're pressing directly on the image itself, not on the white space around it or on the pin's title. If the menu still doesn't appear, try closing the Pinterest app completely and reopening it.

If the downloaded file won't open, the file may be corrupted during download. Try downloading the image again. If it still won't open, the image format might not be compatible with your device's default viewer—try opening it with a different app, like an online image viewer or a photo editor.

Understanding Pinterest's terms and image rights

Downloading an image from Pinterest doesn't change who owns it. The person who created or uploaded the image still owns the copyright unless they've explicitly released it under a Creative Commons license or stated it's free to use. Downloading for personal reference—saving inspiration for your own project—is generally considered fair use. Republishing the image on your own website, selling it, or claiming you created it is not.

If you want to use a Pinterest image publicly, the safest approach is to find the original source. Many pins link back to the creator's website or blog. Click through to the source, read their usage terms, and ask permission if needed. Some creators are happy to have their work shared; others require attribution or have specific restrictions.

Pinterest's terms of service allow you to download images for personal, non-commercial use. If you're downloading for a business project or to resell, you need explicit permission from the copyright holder, not just from Pinterest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a video from Pinterest the same way?

Right-clicking works for still images but not for videos. Pinterest videos require a different approach—you'll need a video downloader tool or browser extension designed for Pinterest. Some of these tools are free; others charge a fee. Check the tool's reviews before using it, as some may not respect creators' rights or could contain malware.

What if the pin doesn't have a download button?

Pinterest doesn't always show a visible download button on pins. That's why right-clicking is the standard method—it works on almost every image regardless of whether Pinterest displays a button. If right-click doesn't work, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies.

Does Pinterest notify the creator when I download their image?

No. Pinterest doesn't send notifications to creators when someone downloads a pin. They can see how many times a pin has been saved or clicked, but not individual downloads. Downloading is a private action on your device.

Can I download images in bulk from a Pinterest board?

Pinterest doesn't have a built-in bulk download feature. You'd need to download images one at a time using the right-click method, or use a third-party tool designed for batch downloading. Be cautious with third-party tools—verify they're reputable before giving them access to your Pinterest account.

What file format does Pinterest use for downloaded images?

Most Pinterest images download as JPG files, which is a standard format that works on any device. Some images may be PNG files, which support transparency. The format depends on how the original creator uploaded it. Both formats work with any image viewer, editor, or document.