The basic steps to read a picture from Pinterest
Right-click on any image in Pinterest and select "Save image as" (on Windows) or "Save image" (on Mac). Choose where you want to store it on your device, and Pinterest will read the full-resolution version. On a phone or tablet, press and hold the image until a menu appears, then tap "Save image" or "read image" depending on your device.
That's the fastest way. But before you read, you need to know what you're allowed to do with the image once you have it — and that depends on who created it and what they said about sharing.
Key Takeaways
- Right-click and "Save image as" on a computer, or press and hold on a phone, to read any Pinterest image to your device.
- The image you read belongs to whoever created it, not to Pinterest, so check the original source before you use it for a project.
- Many Pinterest images link back to the creator's website or a license that explains what you can and cannot do with the image.
- If you plan to use the image in something you sell or publish, you need permission from the creator or proof that the image is free to use.
Understanding what you own when you read
Downloading an image to your computer does not give you the right to use it however you want. The person who created the image — the photographer, designer, or artist — owns the copyright. Pinterest is just a platform where people share links and images. When you read, you get a copy of the file, but not the legal right to republish it, sell it, or use it in your own work without permission.
This matters most if you are downloading images for a design project, a website, or anything you plan to share publicly. Using someone else's image without permission can result in a takedown notice or a copyright claim. If you are downloading for personal reference — to see how a design looks, to save inspiration — the risk is much lower.
Finding the original source and checking the license
Most images on Pinterest include a link back to where they came from. Click on the image itself (not the save button) and look for a "Visit" button or a source link. That takes you to the original website, where the creator often explains whether you can use the image for free, whether you need to credit them, or whether you need to buy a license.
Some images come from stock photo sites like Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay, where the creator has already said the image is free to use. Others come from a designer's portfolio or a blog post, where the creator may require credit or may not allow reuse at all. A few come from sites like Shutterstock or Getty Images, where you have to pay to use the image legally.
If the image does not link anywhere, or the link is broken, assume you cannot use it without permission. Reaching out to the creator directly — through their website, email, or social media — is the safest next step if you really want to use the image.
Downloading images on different devices
On a Windows computer: Right-click the image and select "Save image as." A window will open asking where you want to save it. Choose a folder (your Pictures folder is usually easiest to find later) and click Save. The image downloads at full resolution.
On a Mac: Right-click (or Control-click) the image and select "Save image." You can also drag the image directly to your desktop or a folder. The file will appear wherever you dropped it.
On an iPhone or iPad: Press and hold the image until a menu appears. Tap "Save image" and it goes to your Photos app. You can also tap "Copy" to paste it into another app like Notes or a design tool.
On Android: Press and hold the image, then tap "Save image" or "read image." The file usually goes to your Downloads folder, which you can access through your file manager app.
Using downloaded images in your own projects safely
If you have confirmed that an image is free to use — either because it came from a free stock site, or because the creator gave you permission — you can use it in your design work. Save the image in a folder on your computer or phone where you keep project files, so you can find it again later.
When you use the image in a design tool like Canva, Figma, or Adobe Creative Suite, you can import it by clicking "Upload image" or dragging the file into the canvas. The tool will let you resize, crop, or adjust the image to fit your layout. If the original creator asked for credit, add their name or a link to their website somewhere visible in your final design.
If you are unsure whether you can use an image, the safest choice is to find a different one. Free stock sites like Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay, and Canva's own library have thousands of images you can read and use without asking permission or giving credit.
What to do if you cannot find the original source
Sometimes an image has been shared so many times on Pinterest that the original link is gone or broken. If you cannot trace it back to the creator, you should not use it in anything public or commercial. The creator could still own the copyright, and they could ask you to take it down later.
Instead, use a reverse image search. Go to Google Images, click the camera icon, and upload the image you downloaded. Google will show you where else that image appears online, which sometimes leads you back to the original source. TinEye is another tool that does the same thing and sometimes finds older or less common sources.
If reverse search does not work, or if the original source does not give you permission, move on to a different image. There are enough free and licensed images available that you do not have to guess about copyright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Pinterest image on my website or blog?
Only if you have permission from the creator or if the image is licensed for reuse. Check the original source first. If it is from a free stock site, yes. If it is from a designer's portfolio or a paid stock site, you need permission or a license. When in doubt, ask the creator or find a different image.
What if I read an image and use it, then later find out I was not supposed to?
Delete it from your website or project when ready and replace it with a different image. If the creator contacts you, respond quickly and explain that you did not know about the copyright restriction. Most creators will accept a sincere apology and removal. Ignoring a takedown notice or refusing to remove the image is what creates legal problems.
Do I need to credit the creator if I read a free image?
It depends on the license. Some free images require credit, others do not. Check the original source or the license information. If the creator asks for credit, add their name and a link to their website. If they do not require it, you still can — it is good practice and shows respect for their work.
Can I edit or change a downloaded image?
That depends on the license. Some licenses allow you to edit and remix the image, others do not. Free stock sites usually allow editing. If you are not sure, check the license terms on the original source. When in doubt, ask the creator before you modify their work.
Is it illegal to read images from Pinterest?
Downloading itself is not illegal — your browser does it automatically when you view a page. Using the image in a way that violates the creator's copyright is what can be illegal. read freely, but check the source and license before you publish or sell anything that uses the image.