From the editor, you search for free photos and videos in the Pexels library. This article teaches you how to search, filter, import a media file in the right size and read the search messages.
Before you start
- Pexels is a library of free photos and videos. You search from the editor without leaving your page.
- You must be able to add files to the media library: Author, Editor or Administrator role. The buttons do not appear for other roles.
- An imported media file enters your media library and counts toward the storage of your plan.
Open the search
The Search Pexels window opens wherever the editor has you choose a media file.
| Where | Button |
|---|---|
| An empty Media block | Search Pexels, under the upload and media library buttons |
| A filled Media block | Pexels, in the block toolbar, next to Replace |
| The Featured media panel of a content item | Search Pexels |
| A media field of a content type | Search Pexels |
Search for a photo or a video
- Open the Search Pexels window. It opens on a selection from Pexels.
- Choose Photos or Videos.
- In the Search field, describe what you are looking for, for example “bright office”. Results arrive as you type.
- Optional: narrow down with the filters under the field.
- To see more results, click Show more at the bottom of the list.
The search understands the language in which you use the editor. Each result carries the name of its author, for example Photo by … on Pexels, with a link to their page.
| Filter | Values | For | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Landscape, Portrait or Square | Photos and videos | Any orientation |
| Color | Twelve colors, from Red to White. A second click removes the color. | Photos, once a search is typed | None |
| Resolution | Full HD or more or 4K | Videos | Any resolution |
| Frame rate | 24, 25, 30 or 50 fps, or 60 fps or more | Videos | Any frame rate |
| Duration | A slider with two handles, from 0 to 2 minutes, with At least and At most | Videos | Any length |
To see a result larger, click it. A video plays. To return to the list, click Back to the results.
Import the chosen media file
- Under the media preview, wait for Weighing the sizes… to finish.
- Under Size to import, keep the checked size or choose another one.
- Click Import this photo or Import this video. The window shows Importing into your media library… then closes. The media file appears in the block.
| Media | Sizes offered | Size checked |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | 1,920, 2,560 and 3,840 px on the long side, those that stay below the original. The original itself if it does not exceed 3,840 px. | 2,560 px, or the largest below it |
| Video | Every definition that Pexels publishes for this video, from SD to 4K. | Full HD, or the largest below it |
A size that your site cannot take is grayed out. too heavy for this site means it exceeds the weight accepted for one file. not enough space left means it exceeds the space left on your plan.
The imported media file is processed like a file uploaded from your computer: AVIF for a photo, WebM, MP4 and a preview image for a video. Its credit is filled in at import with the name of its author, the link to their profile and Pexels as the source.
Reuse a media file already imported
The window recognizes a media file already in your media library. It shows This photo is already in your media library. and offers Use it. Nothing is imported a second time.
If someone is already importing this media file, the window shows Someone is already importing this photo or video. It will be in the media library in a moment.
Read the search messages
| Message | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nothing matches this search. Try other words or fewer filters. | No result. Widen the search. |
| Nothing on this page matches the filters. | The filters ruled out the whole page. Click Show more to see the next one. |
| This video is sent at this resolution to every screen… | You chose a video above Full HD. Keep it for a large banner. |
| There is not enough space left on your plan for this photo. | No size fits in the space left. Free up space in the media library. |
| Several imports are already running on this site. Try again when one of them has finished. | Your site already imports three files at a time. |
| The Pexels search is busy. Try again in a few minutes. | Many searches were made within the hour. |
| Pexels could not be reached. Try again in a moment. | Pexels did not answer in time. |
| The Pexels search is not available on this platform right now. | The search is cut off on our side. You have nothing to do. |
Respect the Pexels license
- Pexels photos and videos are free, commercial use included. Crediting them is not required.
- The license forbids reselling a media file as is, suggesting that a person photographed endorses your business, or making it your logo.
- The permissions of the people and brands visible in a media file remain for you to check.