How to Download NASA Images from the NASA Image and Video Library

Updated

Go to images.nasa.gov, search for the image you want, open its detail page, and use the download options to pick a size or resolution before saving the file. The same page also shows the image's metadata, including EXIF/camera data on many images. This works for still images; the library also hosts video and audio, but the steps below focus on images. The site requires JavaScript to run, so if you see a blank page or a message asking you to enable JavaScript, that is the first thing to fix.

Before you start

  • A modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) with JavaScript enabled.
  • A destination folder on your device with enough space for the resolution you choose. Higher-resolution files are larger.
  • No account is mentioned as required in the site's own description, so you can expect to search and download without signing in. If a prompt appears, follow it rather than assuming access.

Step 1: Open the library and search

  1. Go to images.nasa.gov.
  2. Enter a term in the search field — for example a mission name, spacecraft, or subject.
  3. Review the results grid. Each result is a thumbnail linking to a detail page.

If the page loads blank or shows only a JavaScript notice, enable JavaScript for the site or switch to another browser, then reload.

Step 2: Open the image's detail page

Click a result to open it. The detail page is where both the download controls and the metadata live, so this is the page you want — not the search results grid.

Step 3: Choose a size or resolution and download

On the detail page, look for the download options. The library's own description states that users can download content in multiple sizes and resolutions. Select the size that fits your use, then save the file.

  • Pick a smaller size for web or quick sharing.
  • Pick a larger size for print, detailed viewing, or editing.
  • Confirm the file format and dimensions after saving — open the file's properties or info panel to check.

Step 4: Find the metadata and EXIF/camera data

The same detail page shows the metadata associated with the image. According to the library's description, this includes EXIF/camera data on many images — note "many," not all, so some items may have limited or no camera data. Use the metadata to confirm the source, capture details, and identification before you reuse an image.

Quick reference

Task Where to do it
Search images images.nasa.gov search field
Pick size/resolution Download options on the image's detail page
Check format and dimensions Your device's file properties after saving
View metadata / EXIF Metadata panel on the image's detail page
Fix a blank page Enable JavaScript or switch browsers, then reload

Common snags

  • Blank page or "enable JavaScript" message. The application needs JavaScript. Turn it on for the site or try a different browser.
  • No EXIF data shown. The library notes EXIF/camera data is available on many images, not all. If it's missing, rely on the other metadata fields.
  • Wrong size saved. Reopen the detail page and choose a different resolution; the options are listed together, so it's easy to re-download.
  • Looking for video or audio instead. The library also serves video and audio, but the download flow and available options differ from still images — start from the same site and filter or search for the media type you need.