There are many different ways to download free images from the internet—Copying or saving an image onto your device, screenshot, etc. Those methods are very easy to do, and I believe everyone has done it.
However, those images might have some problems: the watermark is on them, the image is too small, the quality is not so great, etc. On top of that, if you use those images in public, you might get sued if you use them illegally.
To avoid those problems, the better option is to find a website that lets you download free images. In fact, there are numerous websites that offer images for free. PearlyArts.com is one of the websites that provide free images. I believe websites such as ours usually offer good-quality images.
The image download process is easy: You just have to click the link. One thing that you should be careful is that generally, each website has its policies on how the images they offer should be handled. I strongly recommend reading it so that you won’t get into any trouble later on.
Download free images vs. The other methods (saving, copying, and screenshot)
Download free images
Usually, where there is a free image file you can download on a website, there is either a text link, button, or image for you to click. When you click those links, the file is downloaded to your device. However, where the file is stored depends on the browser setting on your device. Just be sure to use a trusted site to avoid viruses.
The other methods (saving, copying, and screenshot)
On the other hand, “Save image as”, “copy image”, and screenshot are commands that your computer lets you do. Basically, with the “Save image as” command and a screenshot, you can save any image on your computer. “Copy Image” lets you paste the image into other programs.
Things to be careful of with free images
Usually, websites that offer free images have their own policy about how the images should be handled. Most of the time you can find the links to the policies page in the footer (bottom of the page). I strongly recommend that you read the page before you use the image, especially if you intend to use it publicly.
Things you should be careful is:
- If you can use the image commercially
- If you have to pay a royalty fee
- If attribution is required
- Use a trusted source to avoid viruses
If you obtain images by copying, saving, or screenshotting the image, Don’t use it publically unless you are an affiliate and promoting a product. You probably won’t get into any trouble using it for homework in high school, but It is better to avoid any possible problems.
Where are the images stored?
Downloading an image is normally pretty easy. You just need to click the link. However, can you find the file you just downloaded to your device? Most likely, any downloaded file is set to be stored in the download folder on your device as a default. But you can also choose the location where you want your downloaded file stored. I personally prefer to set the setting “Ask where to save each file before downloading” so that I can choose where the file will be stored every time I download a file.
In this post, I will show you the browser settings for Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. I chose Chrome and Safari because those two browsers are the most popular ones in the world in 2024 according to Oberlo. I thought I should add Microsoft Edge as well since Edge comes with Windows computers and Edge opens as default when you click a link on an email or other documents.
Chrome
From the top menu bar, select Chrome>Preference>Downloads. Then choose your option.
Safari
From the top menu bar, select Safari>Preference>General, then choose an option from the drop-down menu for file download location
Microsoft Edge
Click three dots like this →(•••) located on the right top corner of the screen. Choose the setting in the drop-down menu. A menu bar appears on the left side of the window. If you don’t see it, click the three bars located top left corner. Then, you will see a drop-down menu. Choose Downloads and select your preferred option.
iPhone and iPad
Downloading a file to iPhone and iPad is a little tricky.
First, you have to find a Files app. The simplest way is to swipe a finger downwards from the middle of the iPhone or iPad screen. Then, type “files” in the search. You will see a file app in the search result. Click it. You will see the screen says “Browse“. Then you can click On My iPhone under Locations and click Downloads.
- Find a Files app. The simplest way is to swipe a finger downwards from the middle of the iPhone or iPad screen.
- Type “files” in the search. You will see a file app in the search result. Tap it.
- You will see the screen says “Browse“.
- Tap On My iPhone under Locations
- Tap Downloads.
Note: This guide references iOS 17. The appearance of the screen and the steps might be different from the other iOS version. But it should be similar.
Android device
1. Open the app drawer by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or tapping the app drawer icon on the home screen.
2. In the app drawer, Look for the file’s icon or find the Files app by typing “Files” in the search.
3. Inside the Files app, tap “Downloads”.
Note: This guide references Android 13. The appearance of the screen and the steps might be different from the other Android version. But it should be similar.
Conclusion
There are some options to download free images. You can copy, save or screenshot any images on the internet. But you have to be careful how you use it. The safe option is to find websites where you can legally download free images. Remember, we, Pearly Arts are one of them. Even, with those websites, you should read their policies so that you won’t get into any trouble later on.
The downloaded files usually go to the download folder on the device by default. However, you can also change the setting where the files are stored.
I hope now you know how to get free, safe, and good-quality images online. More importantly, you know where your downloaded images are stored.
By the way, if you are still looking for free images, visit our gallery!
