What it does
Pexels provides free stock photos and videos that you can download without an account. Its licence permits edits and commercial projects, including websites, ads and print material, without compulsory attribution. An optional account adds collections, download history and creator follows.
Build a collection for a project
Hover over a photo or video and select the plus sign. Choose Create Collection, give it a name, then add further assets through the same plus control. On your profile, the Collections tab holds saved sets; Edit Collection changes their title, description and public or private visibility.
Uses the licence excludes
Do not sell an unaltered photo or video, redistribute files on another stock or wallpaper platform, or use an image as a trademark. Pexels also prohibits implied endorsement by people or brands in the imagery and offensive portrayals of identifiable people.
For example, an edited Pexels photo can illustrate a newsletter or product banner. The licence does not let the accompanying text suggest that the pictured person recommends your product.
Strengths
- Downloads do not require registration
- One licence covers photos and videos
Watch out for
- Unaltered resale and stock-platform redistribution are prohibited
- Images cannot serve as trademarks or imply endorsement
Best for
- Small businesses preparing website and social media visuals
- Video editors needing free supporting footage
Sources
- Pexels photo and video licence (Oct 27, 2026)
- Benefits of joining Pexels (Oct 27, 2026)
- Creating and managing Pexels collections (Oct 27, 2026)