You have the ability to customize your download settings on Flickr. This enhances the security of your content by allowing you to specify who is authorized to save your content.
How to enable or disable downloading of your Flickr Content
- Log into your account on a web browser.
- Head to your Privacy & Permissions tab within your account settings.
- Under the heading Global Settings, you’ll see a setting “Who can download your images (including originals)?” | select Edit.
- Select the relevant setting (only you, friends & family, people you follow, any Flickr member, anyone) | select Save.
Note: Download permissions are affected by the type of account that owns the content.
- Free accounts cannot offer downloads of original or large-size photos (larger than 1024px), regardless of the permission setting. Videos uploaded by free accounts are also not available for download.
- Pro accounts can allow full-size and original downloads for their own content, as long as permissions are enabled.
Exceptions:
- Creative Commons–licensed photos (unless set to private).
- Public Domain works.
- Flickr Commons content.
Licensing
The licensing you apply to your uploaded content gives you control over how others may or may not use it. You can learn more about the different licensing options here.
Creative Commons license
If a Creative Commons license is applied to your photo, the original image can be downloaded by anyone. Learn how to change your default license.
Interested in restricting downloads?
While the aim of attributing a stricter license to your items is to discourage others from downloading it, unfortunately, there will always be individuals out there who may disregard this & attempt to download your content anyways.
The only way to entirely prevent this is to remove your content from public view & make it private.
Below are some other ways to better control who is able to download your content:
- Limit access to your ‘original image’.*
- Limit the size of the image you want others to have access to.
FAQs
How do I access the original image?
If you want to see the original, highest resolution version of an image:
- Open any photo you like.
- Select the Download icon .
- Select View all sizes.
- Select Original.
Owner's choice - A photo's owner can disable access to the original in their settings.
Why is "View all sizes" still showing after disabling downloading the original size?
Although members who view your photos can choose "View all sizes" after you disable downloading the original size, only the large size and smaller sizes will be available for download.
If you would like to prevent the large size from being available, you will need to upload a smaller version of the file.
As a Free member, how can I download my videos?
Both Free & Pro members can download their own videos by requesting their Flickr data in their account settings.