Pixabay and Freepik are two popular platforms for free stock images, vectors, and other creative resources. While they are separate platforms, they both offer high-quality, royalty-free content that can be used for personal and commercial projects. Below, I’ll explain how to download free images from Pixabay and Freepik, and clarify the relationship between the two platforms.
Downloading Free Images from Pixabay
Pixabay is a platform that offers over 2.8 million free images, videos, and music tracks. All content on Pixabay is released under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, meaning you can use it for free without attribution, even for commercial purposes.
Steps to Download Images from Pixabay:
- Visit the Website:
- Go to Pixabay.
- Search for Images:
- Use the search bar to find the type of image you need. You can filter results by category, orientation, size, and color.
- Select an Image:
- Click on the image you want to download.
- Choose a Resolution:
- On the image page, click the “Free Download” button.
- Select the desired resolution (e.g., small, medium, large, or original size).
- Download the Image:
- The image will be downloaded to your device in the selected resolution.
Downloading Free Images from Freepik
Freepik is another excellent platform for free resources, including vectors, photos, PSD files, and icons. While Freepik offers a mix of free and premium content, its free tier provides access to a vast library of high-quality resources. Free users are required to attribute the author when using free content.
Steps to Download Images from Freepik:
- Visit the Website:
- Go to Freepik.
- Search for Images:
- Use the search bar to find the type of image or vector you need. You can filter results by type (e.g., photos, vectors, PSD).
- Select an Image:
- Click on the image or vector you want to download.
- Download for Free:
- If the resource is free, click the “Download” button.
- You may need to create a free account or log in to complete the download.
- Attribute the Author (if required):
- For free content, Freepik requires you to provide attribution. Include a line like this in your project:
Image by <author's name> from Freepik
Pixabay Images on Freepik
Freepik and Pixabay are separate platforms, but Freepik sometimes includes Pixabay images in its search results. This is because Freepik aggregates content from various sources, including its own library and third-party platforms like Pixabay. However, the licensing and attribution requirements may differ depending on the source.
Key Differences:
- Pixabay: All content is free under the CC0 license. No attribution is required.
- Freepik: Free content requires attribution unless you have a premium account.
Tips for Using Free Stock Images
- Check Licensing Terms:
- Always review the licensing terms before using an image. While most content on Pixabay and Freepik is free, some resources may have restrictions.
- Attribute When Required:
- If you’re using free content from Freepik, make sure to credit the author as specified.
- Optimize Image Sizes:
- Download images in the appropriate resolution for your project to avoid unnecessary large file sizes.
- Explore Other Platforms:
- If you can’t find what you need on Pixabay or Freepik, consider other free stock image websites like:
Conclusion
Both Pixabay and Freepik are excellent resources for free stock images, vectors, and other creative assets. Pixabay offers completely free content under the CC0 license, while Freepik provides a mix of free and premium content, with attribution required for free downloads. By following the steps above, you can easily download and use images from both platforms for your personal or commercial projects. Always remember to respect licensing terms and give credit where it’s due!
