Downloading Files - Frequently Asked Questions

Downloading Files

Once you find a file you want to download, simply click on the thumbnail to go to that file's detailed information page. From this page, you'll be able to view the pricing and select the sizing and licenses you'll require.

Pay As You Go Downloads

To download files using our Pay As You Go pricing, simply add the files you want to your shopping cart and pay with your credit card or PayPal account.

Once your transaction is confirmed, you'll arrive at the file download page. For each file you've paid for, click "Download" to save the file to your computer.

Downloading with iStock Credits

To download files using iStock Credits, you need to have credits in your account. If you don't have enough credits, you'll have to buy more credits before proceeding.

Go to the file's detailed information page to select the correct size and license type before clicking "Download This File".

You'll be prompted to accept the license agreement, which you must do before proceeding to the file download page. Once here, click "Download" for your file and retrieve it from where you've saved it.

Please Note: You can re-download a file at any time at no additional cost by returning to the file's detailed information page.


Re-Downloading Files

You can re-download any file you've ever purchased at any time at no additional cost, as long as the file is still available for sale.

Simply return to the file's detailed information page. The cost for the file you've purchased will show as 0. Click "Download This File" to re-download the file to your computer.

There is no time limit for re-downloading content from iStockphoto.


Can't Find Downloaded Files

After clicking 'Download', your browser should prompt you to save your file automatically. If your browser does not prompt you to save your file, you haven't actually downloaded anything.

After you download your file, it may be saved to your desktop, a specific downloads folder, or the last place you saved a file, depending on your browser and your preferences.

  • Internet Explorer: typically lets you choose where to save a file. If you do not select a folder, it will default to the last place you saved a file.
  • Firefox: saves files to your desktop unless you've specified otherwise in the preferences.
  • Safari: will generally send images to your downloads folder or your desktop. This can also be set in the preferences.
  • Chrome: saves files to your downloads folder unless otherwise specified.

You can re-download a file at any time at no additional cost by clicking "Download Again" from the download page or by returning to the file's detailed information page.


Problems With Download

Lost Downloads

If you experience download problems, please contact Support with the file number and we'll email the file to you or refund your purchase to the payment method originally used.

Please note: you can re-download a file at any time at no additional cost by clicking "Download Again" or by returning to the file's detailed information page.

File Not Usable (Corrupt, Blurry, Etc.)

If you download a file that is not is not usable (corrupt, blurry etc), simply contact Support with the file number and your concerns. We'll refund your purchase to the payment method originally used and re-evaluate the image.


Not a member?Join
Cart (0)