How to Use Pexels for Finding Free Stock Photos and Videos

In the digital age, visuals are everything. That’s why finding free high-quality photos and videos is so important. You need them for blogs, social media, and basically anything that needs a good visual. There are a lot of websites out there, but Pexels is a real gem. It’s super easy to use and has tons of amazing images and videos. The best part? They’re free for personal and commercial use!

Why Should You Use Pexels?

Pexels is a lifesaver for so many reasons:

• It has everything: Imagine a huge library full of photos and videos. That’s Pexels. It’s got categories, styles, you name it, they probably have it.
• High-quality images: They’re not just any images. These are sharp, colorful, professional-looking visuals that will make your projects look amazing.
• Free for everything: You can use these images and videos for your blog, your website, your social media, and even for your business. No need to pay for licenses or worry about copyright.
• It’s so easy to find what you need: The search bar is your best friend here. You can search by keywords, categories, colors, you name it. The filters are super helpful, too.
• It’s easy to use, even if you’re a beginner: You don’t need to be a tech whiz to find what you need on Pexels. The website is super user-friendly.

How to Use Pexels: A Simple Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect visuals for your next project:

1. Go to the Pexels Website:

The first step is obvious: visit the website. It’s easy to remember: https://www.pexels.com/

2. Use the Search Bar:

The search bar is your best friend. Type in your keywords, like "nature," "business," or "technology." To get even better results, be specific. Instead of just "nature," try something like "mountain sunset" or "forest path."

3. Explore the Categories:

Not sure what to search for? No worries! Pexels has a bunch of categories like "Abstract," "Animals," "Business," "Food," and "Technology." These categories are a great starting point if you're feeling lost.

4. Use Those Filters:

Once you’ve searched, the filters are your next weapon. They help you narrow down your results even more. Here are a few filters to keep in mind:

• Orientation: Do you need a portrait, landscape, or square image? Use the orientation filter to find exactly what you need.
• Color: Need an image with a specific color scheme? The color filter can help you find what you need.
• Features: Want to find the most popular images, the newest images, or images that are free for commercial use? The features filter can help you with all of that.

5. Check Out the Collections:

Pexels has curated collections of images. These collections are grouped by theme, mood, or event. They’re a great way to find new and exciting visuals that you might not have thought to search for.

6. Advanced Search for Super-Specific Results:

Want to be extra specific? You can use advanced search operators. They’re like secret codes for finding exactly what you need. Here are a few to try:

• Quotes: Put your keywords in quotes (" ") and Pexels will search for that exact phrase. For example, "mountain sunset" will only find images with those exact words.
• Minus Sign: Use a minus sign (-) to exclude specific words. For example, "nature - landscape" will find nature images that are not landscapes.
• AND Operator: Use the word "AND" to find images with both words. For example, "nature AND sunset" will find images with both words.

7. Download Your Visuals:

Found an image or video you love? Click on it to see the full-size image. You’ll see a download button to get the image in different sizes and formats. Pexels will tell you about the license terms and how to give credit to the photographer. It’s important to follow these rules, so you’re not in any trouble.

8. Create a Free Account:

You don’t need an account to download images, but it’s a good idea to create one. Here’s why:

• Create Collections: You can save your favorite images in collections. This is great for saving images you want to use later, or for quickly finding specific visuals for your projects.
• Share Your Own Photos: Are you a photographer? You can upload your own photos to Pexels and share them with everyone. This is a great way to get your work seen and maybe even earn some money with the Pexels affiliate program.

Tips for Using Pexels Like a Pro

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of Pexels:

• Plan Ahead: Before you start browsing Pexels, have a clear idea of what you need. This will help you find the perfect visuals faster.
• Be Specific: The more descriptive your keywords are, the better the results you’ll get.
• Explore Everything: Don't just stick to one or two categories. Explore different collections and you might find something truly amazing.
• Use Those Filters!: They can help you quickly find the perfect image or video for your needs.
• Download Big: Always download the highest resolution possible so your images look sharp and clear in your project.
• Double-Check the License: Always check the license before you use an image or video. This will make sure you’re using the image legally.
• Give Credit: It’s always a good idea to give credit to the photographer, even though the images are free. Pexels will give you the attribution information.

Beyond Photos: Pexels Videos

Pexels is more than just photos. They also have tons of free videos! You can find videos about nature, travel, business, technology, and more. They’re adding new videos all the time, so there’s always something new to discover.

To find Pexels videos, go to the "Videos" tab on the website. You can search for videos using the same search bar and filters that you use for images. You can download the videos in different formats and resolutions, making them perfect for websites, social media, and even video editing.

Find Similar Images:

Ever found an image you love, but need something slightly different? Pexels has a feature for that! When you’re looking at an image, there will be a button that says "Similar." Click it and Pexels will show you images with similar styles, themes, or visual elements. This is incredibly helpful when you're looking for a specific style or mood.

Conclusion

Pexels is a fantastic resource for finding free photos and videos. It's a one-stop shop for all your visual needs, from blogs to business presentations. You can use it to make your projects stand out, and it’s completely free. So, what are you waiting for? Go give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.