: Google has removed the "Download Image" link, what changes should I make as a designer? Thanks to a lawsuit by the large stock congolomerate Getty Images (which also owns iStock) Google has

@Bryan765

Lots of people also made user scripts/extensions


Extension
Raw Userscript


Which puts the button back so you don't need to go through the extra click (Right click, open in new tab).

So as folks have mentioned, it was pretty much just for legal reasons, and nothing really changed.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Sarah814

Nothing. It's still there. (3-6-2018)

Even on a vanilla browser with no exentions.

All you have to do is:


Right click --> open in new tab.


Thats it.

You may now download it at the highest quality as before.

NOTE: Pay attention that I highlight the image resolution before opening in a new tab. The same resolution is clearly visible on the new tab header and is identical.


What should we do? Answer: Maybe not advertise that there are ways around it so google feels like they need to hide it even more.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Murray976

In my work, I don't use Google image search. I'm not really certain how such a search would be a factor in a workflow.

Images found via broad internet image searches have always been legally questionable. I've always searched actual stock sites for images I need to use. Results are often better and the licensing is clear.

If one is using Google for general reference searching, chances are they are not seeking to download or save images anyway. So, this new hurdle won't really matter that much. If they are wanting to save things, well, a screenshot works if nothing else. Especially since saving wouldn't be for reproduction purposes.

As for my own content being seen via the search of others... anything Google does to deter the theft of my images I'm all for. I realize nothing will prevent someone lifting an image if they really want it. However, putting hurdles in the way which cause the casual user to move along is always a good thing.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Samaraweera207

Yes, an interesting development, but the truth is nothing much has really changed, it's only cosmetic - and I suspect only to please their lawyers.

You can still right click and "view image" in Firefox, or "open image in new tab" in Chrome. Of course most ordinary people won't know this. Google clearly takes most of its users for idiots! You basically can't stop someone from stealing an image off the web if they are determined enough to do so.

Also, google isn't the only search engine offering an image search.

Vote Up Vote Down