Pexels
Free stock photos and videos for commercial use.
Open the official app on www.pexels.com
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open www.pexels.com in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse image & tools tools →What's next with Pexels?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Pexels?
Pexels is a free online media library offering stock photographs and videos. Its primary purpose is to provide high-quality, royalty-free visual content for creative and commercial use. Designers, developers, and content creators leverage Pexels to access a vast repository of 3.2 million+ images and videos, eliminating the need for expensive stock photo purchases. The platform addresses the problem of finding affordable, high-resolution media by offering a curated collection of user-submitted content, available in 28 languages. Founded in 2014 by twin brothers Ingo and Bruno Joseph in Germany, Pexels operates as a subsidiary of Canva, ensuring integration with design tools and accessibility for global audiences. Users benefit from a straightforward licensing model that allows commercial use without attribution, though some content may require credit depending on the creator's terms.
How it works
Pexels is a free stock media platform that hosts over 3.2 million images and videos contributed by users worldwide. It serves as a centralized hub for creators seeking royalty-free content to use in projects ranging from websites to print materials. The platform's purpose is to democratize access to high-quality visuals by offering a legally compliant, ad-free alternative to traditional stock photo services. Its open-source nature allows developers to integrate Pexels' API into custom applications, expanding its utility beyond standalone use. Pexels enables users to search, filter, and download media by category, color, and resolution. Its library includes professional-grade photos, videos, and illustrations, with options for commercial use under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license. The platform also supports bulk downloads and offers a mobile app for on-the-go access.
How to use it
- 1Visit pexels.com and navigate to the search bar. 2. Use keywords, categories, or filters to locate desired media. 3. Click 'Download' to save the file in your preferred format (e.g., JPEG, PNG, or MP4). 4. For commercial use, verify the license terms and credit requirements for specific assets. Practical tips: Use the 'Sort by' feature to prioritize high-resolution images. Filter by 'No attribution' for content that doesn't require credit. Save searches to revisit complex queries later.
What it can do
- free stock photos
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://www.pexels.com/
- license: Open source
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- Some content may require attribution despite CC0 licensing
- Limited ability to customize or edit downloaded media
- No advanced search features for niche content
- Dependence on user-generated content quality varies
- Bulk download limits for non-subscribers
Understanding the result
Free stock photos and videos for commercial use.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (https://www.pexels.com/)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://www.pexels.com/. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
Frequently asked
What are the licensing terms for using Pexels content?
Most Pexels content is available under CC0 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication), allowing free use for any purpose without attribution. However, some contributors may impose additional requirements, such as crediting the creator. Users should review individual media pages for specific terms, especially for commercial projects.
How does Pexels' open-source model benefit users?
Pexels' open-source framework enables developers to integrate its API into third-party applications, expanding access to its media library. This model fosters innovation by allowing custom tools to leverage Pexels' vast content while maintaining the platform's curated quality standards. The open-source nature also facilitates community contributions to improve the platform's functionality.
How do I download multiple images at once?
To download multiple images, select the desired assets using the checkboxes next to each thumbnail. Click 'Download' in the top-right corner to generate a ZIP file containing all selected items. This method works for up to 50 images at once. For larger batches, users must manually download individual files or use the platform's bulk download feature for registered accounts.
How does Pexels compare to Unsplash or Shutterstock?
Pexels differs from Unsplash by offering a broader range of video content and a more structured API for developers. Unlike Shutterstock's paid subscription model, Pexels provides free access to most content, though some premium features require a Canva Pro subscription. Pexels' integration with Canva streamlines workflow for designers, while Shutterstock focuses on high-end commercial photography with stricter licensing terms.
What should I do if an image download fails?
If a download fails, refresh the page and retry. For persistent issues, clear your browser cache and ensure a stable internet connection. If the problem persists, check the Pexels status page for ongoing service disruptions. For mobile users, switching to a different network or using the Pexels app may resolve technical glitches.