Pexels is a free library of stock photos and videos for people seeking downloadable visuals. Its photos and videos are available for personal and commercial use without attribution. Accounts add collections, likes, download history, photographer follows, uploads, and a personalized homepage. Developers can use the free RESTful JSON API to access the photo and video library programmatically; API keys default to 200 requests per hour and 20,000 per month. The API cannot be used to reproduce Pexels or create wallpaper and image-gallery apps. Official tools include Android and iOS apps, a Chrome extension, Google Slides add-on, and Figma and Sketch plugins; a community MS Office add-in is also listed. Pexels names Canva, Typeform, Sketch, and Airtable as API partners. The library lists vector, illustration, and editorial assets in addition to API access. Pexels says contributors include hundreds of thousands of photographers and videographers and that its media is used by millions of people, from startups to global brands. Uploads created with generative AI are not allowed.
Who it is for
Pexels suits designers, bloggers, and others who need downloadable photos or videos for personal or commercial use. Developers may also use its API within the stated request limits and restrictions.
What is good
- Photos and videos can be used commercially without attribution.
- Accounts offer collections, download history, and photographer follows.
- Free API access to the photo and video library.
- Apps and plugins cover mobile, browser, and design tools.
What to know first
- API keys default to 200 requests per hour.
- API use excludes replicas and wallpaper or image-gallery apps.
- Generative-AI-created uploads are not allowed.
Verdict
Pexels provides a free visual library, account organization features, and programmatic access through its API. Review the API limits and prohibited uses if building an integration or application.
Pexels plans and pricing
All plansCompared on stock photo websites
- Free plan
- Yes
- Vector assets
- Yes
- Illustration assets
- Yes
- Editorial assets
- Yes
- API access
- Yes
