The fastest way to save a Facebook photo

Right-click the photo you want to save, then select Save image as (on Windows) or Save image (on Mac). Choose where you want it to go on your device, and Facebook will download it as a regular image file. This works for photos in posts, albums, and profile pictures.

If you are on a phone or tablet, press and hold the photo until a menu appears, then tap Save image or Download. The photo lands in your device's photo library or downloads folder, depending on your phone's settings.

This method works whether the photo is yours or someone else's — as long as you can see it on Facebook, you can save it. Facebook does not prevent downloads, and the person who posted it will not be notified that you saved it.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click any visible photo on Facebook and select Save image as to download it to your computer in seconds.
  • On phones and tablets, press and hold the photo, then tap Save image to add it to your device's photo library.
  • You can save photos from posts, albums, profile pictures, and messenger conversations using the same method.
  • The person who posted the photo will not know you saved it, and Facebook does not block downloads of visible images.
  • Downloaded photos are regular image files you can edit, share, or organize like any other picture on your device.

Saving photos on Windows computers

Open the photo on Facebook and position your mouse over it. Right-click anywhere on the image itself — not on the name or caption below it. A small menu will pop up with several options.

Look for Save image as in that menu and click it. A window will open asking you where to save the file. By default, it usually goes to your Downloads folder, but you can navigate to Pictures, Desktop, or any other folder you prefer. Give the file a name if you want to change it from the default, then click Save.

The photo is now on your computer as a regular JPG or PNG file. You can find it in whatever folder you chose, open it in any photo viewer or editor, and move it around like any other file.

Saving photos on Mac computers

Click once on the photo to make sure it is selected, then right-click it (or hold Control and click). A menu will appear with several options including Save image.

Click Save image and a dialog box opens. Choose where you want the photo to go — your Downloads folder, Pictures folder, Desktop, or anywhere else. You can rename the file if you want, though Facebook's default name usually works fine. Click Save when you are ready.

The photo downloads to your chosen location and appears in Finder just like any other file on your Mac. You can open it with Preview, Photos, or any other image program you use.

Saving photos on iPhones and iPads

Open the Facebook app and find the photo you want to save. Press and hold your finger on the image for about one second — do not tap it, just hold steady. A menu will pop up with several options.

Tap Save image or Download, depending on which version of Facebook you have. The photo is added to your Photos app automatically. You can find it in your Camera Roll or a dedicated album, depending on your device settings.

If you are using Safari to view Facebook on an iPad, the process is the same: press and hold the photo, then tap Save image. It goes to the same place as photos you take with your camera.

Saving photos on Android phones and tablets

Open the Facebook app and locate the photo. Press and hold your finger on the image until a menu appears. The exact wording varies by phone, but look for Save image, Download, or Save to gallery.

Tap that option and the photo downloads to your device's photo gallery or a dedicated Downloads folder. You can open your Photos app or Gallery app to find it. Some Android phones let you choose the destination folder before downloading; others save everything to one default location.

If the menu does not appear when you press and hold, try a longer press — some phones need a full two-second hold before the menu shows up.

Saving entire albums from Facebook

If you want to save multiple photos at once, you have to download them one at a time using the methods above — Facebook does not have a built-in bulk download feature. However, you can speed up the process by opening each photo and saving it in quick succession.

Open the album, right-click the first photo and save it, then move to the next one. On phones, swipe to the next photo in the album, press and hold, and save it. Repeat until you have all the photos you need. This takes longer than a single download, but it is faster than opening each photo individually.

If you need to save dozens of photos regularly, consider asking the person who posted them to send you the originals directly, or check whether they have shared the album with you in a way that lets you access the full-resolution versions.

What happens to the photo after you save it

Once you download a photo from Facebook, it becomes a regular file on your device. You can edit it, print it, email it, post it elsewhere, or delete it — Facebook has no control over it anymore. The original poster cannot remove your copy or prevent you from using it.

The photo quality depends on what Facebook shows you. If you are viewing a compressed version on your phone, the download will be that compressed version. If you are viewing the full-resolution version on a computer, you get the better quality. Facebook does not offer a way to download the absolute highest-quality original file unless the person who posted it shares it with you directly.

Saved photos take up storage space on your device just like any other image. If your phone or computer is running low on space, deleting old downloads can free up room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person who posted the photo know I saved it?

No. Facebook does not notify users when someone saves their photo. The poster will not see any record of it, and there is no way for them to know unless you tell them or they see you using the photo elsewhere.

Can I save someone else's profile picture or cover photo?

Yes. Right-click or press and hold any profile picture or cover photo visible on Facebook, then save it the same way you would save a regular post photo. The same privacy rules apply — the person will not be notified.

What if the save option does not appear in the menu?

Make sure you are pressing and holding directly on the image itself, not on the text or name below it. On computers, right-click the photo, not the border around it. If the menu still does not appear, try refreshing the page or closing and reopening the Facebook app.

Can I save photos from Facebook Messenger?

Yes. Open the message with the photo, then right-click it (on computer) or press and hold it (on phone) and select Save image. It works exactly the same way as saving photos from the main Facebook feed.

Do downloaded photos stay on my device if I delete my Facebook account?

Yes. Once a photo is saved to your computer or phone, it is completely separate from Facebook. Deleting your account, deactivating it, or losing access to Facebook does not affect the files already on your device.