The simplest way to save a Pinterest image
Right-click the image you want to save, then select Save image as from the menu that appears. Choose where on your computer you want to store it, give it a name if you want to change the default one, and click Save. That is the entire process — no account required, no special software, no steps beyond that.
This works on both desktop computers and tablets. On a phone, press and hold the image until a menu appears, then tap Save image or read image depending on your phone's operating system.
The image saves to your Downloads folder by default, or wherever you chose to put it. You can then move it to any folder on your computer, email it, print it, or use it in a document the same way you would use any other image file you own.
Key Takeaways
- Right-click any Pinterest image and select Save image as to read it to your computer in seconds.
- On a phone or tablet, press and hold the image until a menu appears, then tap Save image.
- Downloaded images go to your Downloads folder unless you choose a different location.
- You do not need a Pinterest account to read images, and there is no limit to how many you can save.
- Check whether the image is under copyright or a creative license before using it in your own work.
Where the downloaded image goes on your computer
When you save an image, your computer puts it in a default location — usually a folder called Downloads. On Windows, this is typically C:\Users\[Your Name]\Downloads. On a Mac, it is in the Downloads folder in your home directory, which you can reach by clicking the Finder icon and then Downloads in the sidebar.
You can change where an image saves before you read it. When the Save image as dialog box opens, navigate to a different folder on your computer and click Save there instead. This is useful if you are collecting images for a specific project and want them all in one place.
Once the image is on your computer, you can move it, rename it, or copy it to other folders just like any other file. Right-click the image file and select Move or Copy to reorganize it later.
Downloading multiple images at once
If you need several images from the same Pinterest board or search results, read them one at a time using the right-click method. There is no built-in feature to read an entire board or collection at once through Pinterest itself.
However, you can speed up the process by opening each image in a new tab. Right-click an image and select Open image in new tab, then repeat for the other images you want. Once all the tabs are open, go to each one and save the image. This is faster than navigating back and forth through Pinterest.
If you regularly read many images for design work, consider using a browser extension designed for batch downloading. Search your browser's extension store for "image downloader" to see what options are available for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Read the reviews and permissions carefully before installing anything.
Understanding what you can legally do with a downloaded image
Downloading an image from Pinterest does not automatically give you the right to use it however you want. Most images on Pinterest are protected by copyright, which means the photographer or artist owns them. Using a copyrighted image in your own work — especially for business or to make money — without permission is illegal.
Before you use a downloaded image, check whether it has a license that tells you what you are allowed to do with it. Some images are marked as Creative Commons, which means the creator has given permission for certain uses. Read the specific license to see whether you can use it for commercial work, whether you need to credit the creator, and whether you can modify it.
If an image does not have a clear license and you want to use it, the safest approach is to contact the creator and ask permission. Many Pinterest images link back to the original source — click through and look for contact information or a permissions page.
Troubleshooting when the right-click method does not work
Some websites, including certain Pinterest pages, block the right-click save option. If you right-click and do not see Save image as, try these alternatives. First, take a screenshot of the image instead — on Windows, press the Print Screen key, then open Paint and paste it. On a Mac, press Command + Shift + 4 to select just the area you want, and the image saves to your desktop.
Another option is to open the image in a new tab by right-clicking and selecting Open image in new tab. Once the image is displayed alone in its own tab, the right-click save option usually works. If it still does not, take a screenshot of that tab instead.
If you are using a browser extension to read images, it may bypass these blocks. However, always respect copyright and licensing restrictions even if you can technically read something.
Organizing downloaded images into folders
After you read several images, create folders to keep them organized. On Windows, right-click in your Downloads folder and select New Folder. Name it something descriptive like "Kitchen Design Ideas" or "Color Palettes". On a Mac, click File in the menu bar and select New Folder.
Drag your downloaded images into the appropriate folders. If you are collecting images for multiple projects, create a main folder for each project and subfolders inside it for different categories — for example, a "Living Room Renovation" folder with subfolders for "Furniture", "Paint Colors", and "Lighting".
This system makes it much easier to find images later when you need them. It also keeps your Downloads folder from becoming cluttered with hundreds of loose files.
Using downloaded images in design and document software
Once an image is on your computer, you can insert it into almost any program. In Microsoft Word, click Insert in the menu bar, then Pictures, and navigate to the folder where you saved the image. In Google Docs, click Insert, then Image, then Upload from computer.
Design software like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or free alternatives like GIMP all have similar processes — look for an Import, Insert, or Open option in the File menu. Drag and drop also works in many programs: straightforward drag the image file from your folder into the program window.
Before you use a downloaded image in a document you plan to share or publish, double-check that you have the right to use it. If it is under copyright and you do not have permission, remove it and find an alternative or purchase a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Pinterest account to read images?
No. You can view and read images from Pinterest without logging in or creating an account. The right-click save method works whether you are signed in or not.
What file format do downloaded Pinterest images come in?
Most Pinterest images are JPG or PNG files. The format depends on how the original image was uploaded. Both formats work in nearly all design and document software, and both can be emailed or printed without any issues.
Can I read images from a private Pinterest board?
No. Private boards are only visible to people the board owner has invited. If you cannot see the board, you cannot read from it. Ask the board owner to share it with you or make it public if you need access to those images.
Is it legal to read images from Pinterest for my business?
It depends on the image's copyright and license. Most images on Pinterest are copyrighted, so downloading and using them for business without permission is not legal. Look for images marked as Creative Commons or royalty-free, or purchase a license from the creator. When in doubt, contact the creator and ask.
What should I do if a downloaded image is too small or blurry for my project?
Try finding a higher-resolution version by clicking through to the original source — many Pinterest images link back to the photographer's or designer's website. If you cannot find a better version, consider using a different image or purchasing a license to a professional stock photo instead.