You can save images in messages, documents, or web pages to your MacBook. Usually, all you have to do is control-click it and then select a "Save" option.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use the context menu
Step 1. Display the photo you want to save
Open the message, document, or web page that contains the photo you want to save on your MacBook.
Not all web pages allow you to save or download the images they contain. For example, it is not possible to download images from the Instagram website
Step 2. Open the image if necessary
If the image is in thumbnail format (as it is in Google search results), you will need to click on it first to view it in full screen.
Some images (such as those in articles) are used as links to other pages. If you see a new page appear when you click on it, click the Back button on your browser to return to the previous page
Step 3. Place your mouse pointer over the image
Your mouse pointer should be over the image you want to save.
Step 4. Open the context menu
Press and hold the Control key, click the image, and release the key. You will see a context menu appear on or next to the image.
- You must keep the Control button pressed for the duration of the process, otherwise the menu will not appear.
- On some MacBooks, you can long-click the image to bring up the pop-up window.
- You can also right-click the image by pressing two fingers on the trackpad on your Mac or by pressing the right side of the trackpad on some MacBooks.
Step 5. Click Save Image to Downloads
This option is in the context menu and allows you to download the photo to the downloaded files folder on your Mac. This folder is literally called Downloads.
- If you are using a browser other than Safari, you can click Save Image As, then enter a name and specify a specific download location before starting the download.
- You can open the Downloads folder by opening Finder (the blue app icon in the shape of a face) and then clicking Downloads in the left part of the window.
- If you have set another folder as the downloaded files folder on your Mac (for example the desktop), you will find your image in that folder.
Method 2 of 2: Using Drag and Drop
Step 1. Go to the photo you want to save
Open the message, document, or web page that contains the photo you want to save on your MacBook.
Not all web pages allow saving or downloading of images. This is the case with Instagram, for example
Step 2. Open the image if necessary
If the image is in thumbnail format (for example on a Google search result), you will need to click on it first to open it full screen.
Some images, such as those sometimes found in articles, serve as links to other pages. If clicking on it opens a new page, click your browser's Back button to return to the original image
Step 3. Resize your browser window
Click the yellow circle at the top left of the window that contains the image to reduce the window size and display your Mac's desktop.
Step 4. Drag the photo to your desktop
Long-click on the image with your mouse pointer and then drag it from your browser window onto the desktop.
You should see a transparent version of the image appear when you drag it
Step 5. Remove your finger
When you see a + white in a green circle appear above the photo thumbnail, lift your finger from the mouse to move the image to your desktop.
Advice
- If you come across a photo that cannot be saved, you can still take a screenshot of that photo.
- Creating folders on your computer is the best way to organize your photos to make them easier to find.
- Rename your photos when you save them. This will make it easier for you to find them when you want to locate them on your Mac.
Warnings
- Never use other people's photos in your own content without their express written permission.
- Some photos cannot be downloaded from their web pages or sources.