Creating a pin starts with choosing an image and writing a description
A pin on Pinterest is a saved image with a link and description attached. When you create a pin, you upload an image from your device or paste a web address, add text that describes what the pin is about, and choose which board to save it to. The pin then appears on your board and can show up in other people's feeds if they follow you or search for related topics.
You can create a pin from scratch even if you do not have a website or blog. Pinterest gives you tools to design a pin using their templates, upload a photo you already have, or link to content elsewhere on the web. Most people create pins to save ideas they find useful, to organize content by topic, or to share things they have made or written.
Key Takeaways
- Open Pinterest, click the plus icon in the top toolbar, and select "Create a pin" to start from scratch.
- You can upload an image from your computer, use Pinterest's design templates, or paste a link to an image on another website.
- Write a description that tells people what the pin shows and why they might want to save it — this text helps others find your pin through search.
- Choose an existing board or create a new one before you save your pin, because every pin must belong to a board.
- Once you save a pin, it appears on your profile and board when ready, and you can edit the description or move it to a different board later.
How to create a pin using the Pinterest website
On a computer, open Pinterest and look for the plus icon (+) in the top toolbar. Click it and select "Create a pin" from the menu that appears. This opens the pin creation screen where you will see options to add an image.
Click "Upload an image" if you want to use a photo from your computer. A file browser will open — select the image you want and click "Open". The image will appear in the preview on the left side of the screen. If you want to use an image that is already on the web, click "Save from URL" instead, paste the web address of the image, and click "Save".
Once your image is loaded, you will see a text field labeled "Add your description". Type a clear, straightforward description of what the pin shows. Include details that help people understand the content — for example, "Chocolate chip cookie recipe with brown butter" is more useful than "Recipe". This description is what people see when they hover over your pin, and it also helps Pinterest's search show your pin to the right people.
Choosing a board and saving your pin
Below the description field, you will see a dropdown menu that says "Choose a board". Click it to see all your existing boards. Select the board where you want to save this pin. If you do not have a board yet, or if you want to create a new one for this pin, click "Create a new board", type a name for it, and click "Create".
Once you have chosen a board, click the "Save" button at the bottom right of the screen. Pinterest will save your pin to that board, and you will see a confirmation message. Your pin is now live on your profile and on your board's page.
Creating a pin using Pinterest's design templates
If you do not have an image ready, you can design a pin using Pinterest's built-in templates. Click the plus icon and select "Create a pin" as before. This time, instead of uploading an image, click "Use design tool" or "Create with templates".
Pinterest will show you a selection of templates organized by category — choose one that matches what you want to create. The template opens in a straightforward design editor where you can change the text, colors, and images. Click on any text box to edit the words, or click on an image to replace it with one from your computer or from Pinterest's library.
When your design looks the way you want, click "Save" at the bottom. You will be taken back to the pin creation screen, where you can add a description and choose a board just as you would with an uploaded image.
Creating a pin from a website you are visiting
If you find content on another website that you want to pin, you do not have to read the image first. Install the Pinterest Save button — a small browser extension that adds a Pinterest icon to your toolbar. When you visit a website and see an image you like, click the Pinterest icon in your browser's toolbar.
A window will pop up showing the image and asking you to add a description and choose a board. Type your description, select where to save it, and click "Save". The pin is created and linked to the original website, so anyone who clicks your pin will be taken to that page.
If you do not want to install the extension, you can also right-click on an image on any website and select "Save image as" to read it to your computer, then create a pin from that file using the steps above.
Editing or moving a pin after you save it
You can change a pin's description or move it to a different board at any time. Go to the pin on your profile or board, click the three dots in the top right corner of the pin, and select "Edit pin". The description field will become editable — change the text and click "Save".
To move a pin to a different board, click the three dots again and select "Move". Choose the board you want to move it to and click "Move". The pin will disappear from its current board and appear on the new one.
Creating a pin on the Pinterest mobile app
On an iPhone or Android phone, open the Pinterest app and tap the plus icon at the bottom of the screen. Select "Create a pin". You will see options to take a photo with your phone's camera, choose a photo from your phone's library, or paste a link to an image on the web.
Tap your choice, select or take your image, and then type a description in the text field that appears. Scroll down and tap "Choose a board", select where you want to save the pin, and tap "Save". The process is the same as on a computer, just adapted for a phone screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a pin without uploading an image?
No — every pin requires an image. You can use Pinterest's design templates to create an image from scratch, upload a photo from your computer, or link to an image on another website. If you do not have an image, the design tool is the fastest way to make one.
What happens if I do not choose a board before saving?
Pinterest will not let you save a pin without selecting a board first. If you do not have a board yet, you can create one during the pin creation process by clicking "Create a new board" in the board dropdown menu.
Can other people see the pins I create?
Yes, unless your board is private. When you create a new board, you can choose whether it is public (anyone can see it) or private (only you can see it). You can change a board's privacy setting at any time by going to the board and clicking the three dots in the top right corner.
What if I want to pin something from a website but the image does not show up?
Some websites block Pinterest from accessing their images. If the Save button does not work on a particular site, try downloading the image to your computer instead and creating a pin from that file. You can also try copying the web address of the image and using the "Save from URL" option during pin creation.
Can I schedule a pin to post at a specific time?
Pinterest does not have a built-in scheduling feature for individual pins. However, if you have a business account, you can use third-party scheduling tools that connect to Pinterest. For personal accounts, pins are published when ready when you save them.