Google Maps provides users with precise and detailed maps and imagery, allowing them to explore the world at their fingertips. Other than viewing locations on the map, users can see images taken by those who have been there.
Have you ever found an image you wanted to save but couldn’t? The inability to save images with right-click is one of Google Maps’ limitations, and getting one saved may seem impossible. But there are ways to bypass this limitation, allowing you to save any image on Google Maps.
1. Report a Problem
Open Google Maps on your desktop, search for any location using the search bar in the top-left corner, and click Search or press Enter. If there are multiple instances of the same name, click on the specific location you want.
The left-side panel will display all information related to that location, including an overview and reviews. Scroll down until you see the Photos section and choose from the options, including All, Latest, or Street View, to explore the location.
When the side panel shows all images taken at that location, click on the image you want to save. Notice that when you right-click on the image, no context menu appears.
On the right-hand side, you will notice a small black box on the top right showing the name of the image and user and the month it was taken. Also in the box is an Ellipsis menu (three vertical dots). Click on the menu and then Report a problem from the dropdown menu.
A new tab will open with a report form. But instead of reporting the image, we will be saving it. Right-click on the image, click Save image as…, and choose the save destination. The image will save in its original resolution.
2. Inspect Element
When the left-side panel is displayed, right-click on the image or anywhere on the side panel, click Inspect from the dropdown menu, or press Ctrl + Shift + C to open Google Chrome’s Developer Tools.
A similar approach to when saving an image when right-clicking is disabled. On the panel, click on Application from the Tools tab at the top. If it doesn’t appear, click the double arrows (>>) and select it from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down to the Frames section and click on the subsection Images, where all the images used on that webpage are kept. There is the possibility of finding an image with different dimensions. In other words, an image in multiple sizes.
Once you have found the image, right-click and click Save image as…, and choose the save destination. If that option doesn’t work, click Open image in new tab, which will open the image in a new tab, allowing you to right-click and save.
Are There Restrictions to Saving Images From Google Maps?
While it is legal to save an online image, you should be cautious of how you use it. You will notice on the report page that “Images may be subjected to copyright.” The image can be used for non-commercial purposes, such as lock screen wallpaper or screensaver.
However, if you plan to use the image for commercial use, you will need permission from the owner. Otherwise, you face violating copyright laws. The satellite imagery and Street View images available on Google Maps are protected by copyright.
The map and imagery are free to use, but you must adhere to the Terms of Service. If you plan to share the image publicly, you must state that the image is not yours with an attribution.
Save Images From Google Maps Easily
With the ability to save images from Google Maps, you can use the world as your canvas, so long as you don’t use the image in a way that can get you in trouble.
You may notice the different colors when using Google Maps and wonder what they mean. There’s a good explanation for the colors and what they mean.