How Clients Download Photos from Pixieset
Clients can download photos from Pixieset by opening the shared gallery link and selecting the Download icon. Depending on the photographer’s settings, they may download individual images, selected favorites, or the complete gallery. A download PIN or email address may be required, and available resolution options are controlled by the photographer.
Quick Answer
Clients open the shared gallery link, browse or select images, and use a download button to save individual photos or the whole gallery as a batch if the photographer has enabled that permission. No account is typically required on the client side.
The Client-Side Experience
The Pixieset client-side experience provides a clean, mobile-friendly space for viewing and interacting with photo galleries. Clients can browse images, create favorite lists, share collections, download permitted files, and purchase prints or digital photos. Passwords and download PINs may protect access based on the photographer’s settings.
Individual vs Bulk Downloads
Individual Downloads
Clients download one image at a time. Useful if you want to allow casual sharing of a few favorites without handing over the entire set at full resolution.
Full Gallery Download
Clients download the entire gallery as a single archive. This is typically the option most clients expect for a final wedding or portrait delivery.
Controlling Downloads as A Photographer
Pixieset gives photographers control over how clients access and download images. You can enable or disable downloads, require a PIN, set download limits, choose permitted image sizes, and restrict access to specific collections. These settings help protect files while delivering a convenient, customized experience for each client.
Common Workflow
Many photographers disable downloads on a proofing gallery (so clients only select favorites), then enable full downloads on a second, final gallery once an album or product order is finalized.
Downloading on Mobile
Clients can download Pixieset photos on mobile by opening the gallery link in their browser and tapping the download option. Depending on gallery settings, they may select individual images or the complete collection. Downloaded files are typically saved to the device’s Downloads folder or Photos app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do clients need an account to download?
Generally no gallery access is link-based, with an optional password, rather than requiring the client to register an account.
Can I limit downloads to certain images only?
What happens if a client can't download?
This is usually a permissions setting rather than a bug, see our dedicated troubleshooting guidance for the most common causes.