How to Get the URL for Pictures
In the age of digital content, images play a significant role in conveying information, enhancing aesthetics, or telling stories. There are times when you might need the direct URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a picture, be it for embedding, sharing, or other purposes. Understanding how to obtain this URL is crucial for both regular internet users and web professionals. In this guide, we delve into the steps to get the URL for pictures across various platforms and scenarios.
- Web Browsers
Retrieving an image URL from a web browser is one of the most straightforward methods.
a. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge:
Navigate to the webpage containing the image.
Right-click on the image.
From the context menu, select “Copy image address” (in Chrome), “Copy image location” (in Firefox), or “Copy image link” (in Edge).
b. Safari:
Visit the website with the desired image.
Control-click or right-click on the picture.
Choose “Copy image address.”
After performing these steps, the image URL will be stored in your clipboard, ready to be pasted wherever required.
- Image Hosting Services
Platforms like Imgur, Flickr, and PostImage allow users to upload images and generate sharable URLs.
a. Imgur:
Upload your image or navigate to the already uploaded image.
Click on the image to view it.
On the right side, you’ll see various sharing options. Click the “Copy link” button under the ‘Direct Link’ option.
b. Flickr:
Navigate to the desired image.
Click the share icon (an arrow pointing right).
In the popup, go to the “BBCode” tab.
Copy the link within the IMG tags.
- Social Media Platforms
Sharing images is at the core of many social media platforms, and they often provide ways to obtain direct image URLs.
a. Facebook:
Navigate to the photo.
Right-click on the photo and choose “Open image in new tab.”
The new tab will have the direct URL in the address bar.
b. Twitter:
Find the tweet containing the image.
Click on the image to open it in full view.
Right-click and choose “Copy image address.”
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
If you’re working with CMSs like WordPress or Wix, images usually come with direct URLs.
a. WordPress:
In the dashboard, go to Media > Library.
Click on the image you want.
On the right side, you’ll see the ‘File URL’ section with the direct link.
b. Wix:
From your site dashboard, go to ‘Media & More’ > ‘My Image Uploads.’
Click on the desired image.
Under the image, click “Copy URL.”
- Manual Methods for Advanced Users
For those comfortable with a bit of code, there are manual ways to retrieve an image URL.
a. Viewing Page Source:
Navigate to the webpage with the image.
Right-click on a blank area and select “View Page Source.”
Use the browser’s “Find” feature (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) and search for the image’s name or the “.jpg” or “.png” extensions.
Once found, you can copy the URL.
b. Using Developer Tools:
Visit the webpage containing the image.
Right-click on the image and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element.”
This will open the developer tools, highlighting the image’s code.
Within the highlighted section, locate the URL, which will typically be within the “src” attribute.
Whether you’re sharing a meme, embedding a picture into a blog post, or using an image for a project, knowing how to get its URL is essential. Different platforms offer different methods, but the underlying principle remains consistent: locate the image’s direct address on the web. Always ensure you respect copyright laws and permissions when using or sharing images. If the image is copyrighted, always seek permission or opt for images under Creative Commons licenses or those in the public domain. Happy sharing!
