download an image from the world wide web

Before you start.

You will need:

• a basic understanding of how Web sites work,
• an Internet connection, and
• a Web browser that supports graphics, such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Open your Web browser.

Most people will be able to open Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator in the following way:

• If you are using a PC, select Start > Programs > Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator.
• On a Macintosh in the CTLT, choose the Internet tab > Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator.

Here's a tip

Can't find Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator on your computer? On a PC, choose Start > Find (or Search) > Files or Folders... and search for the file named "Internet Explorer" or "Netscape Communicator" on your C: drive. If you are using a Macintosh, choose Find File, Sherlock, or Sherlock 2 under the Apple menu and search for "Internet Explorer" or "Netscape Communictor".

On either a PC or a Macintosh, if the software is installed on your computer, an icon for the program will appear in the window when the search finishes. Double click the icon to start the program.

Go to the Web page that contains the image.

Type the URL or follow a link to the page that has the image you would like to download.

Select the picture you want to download.

• If you are using a Windows-based computer, position the mouse pointer over the image, click the right-hand mouse button, and choose Save image as ... from the menu that appears.
• If you are using a Macintosh, hold down the control key while clicking on the picture, release the control key, and choose Save this image as from the menu that appears. This can also be done by positioning the mouse pointer over the picture, then clicking the mouse button and holding it down for a few seconds.

Save the image.

Choose a location where you want to save the image file. One easy option is to save the image onto your computer's desktop, where you can easily find it later.

• If you are using a Windows-based computer, choose 'Desktop' from the top of the 'Save in' pull-down menu in the 'Save as...' dialog box. Make note of the file name that appears in the 'File name' text box, and click the 'Save' button.
• If you are using a Macintosh, click the 'Desktop' button, make note of the file name that appears in the 'Save image as:' text box, and click the 'Save' button.
• On both Windows and Macintosh computers, you can save an image by dragging it to the Desktop. To drag the image, click on it, and while keeping the mouse pressed down, move the image to the Desktop and release it. If you want the image saved to a specific folder, open it, resize both the browser and folder window so they both fit on the screen, and drag the image to the desired location.

Caution

Material on the Web is covered by United States copyright laws in ways similar to material found in books, newspapers, and magazines. For more information on copyright and the Web, see the UW Libraries Information Gateway page of copyright resources.