“How do I download a file?” It’s a question I hear a lot.
Usually the user is on a screen with a fairly large button labeled “Download” (and sometimes multiple ones where it almost looks like the graphic above; you need to look very closely to find the right one). Generally speaking all you have to do is click the proper download button.
“Well, duh!” you say. It’s pretty obvious that you click on some button, but what’s going to happen when you do? Most of the time, the question isn’t the “how do I do this,” but it’s really one of these:
- Once I download the file, where is it going to put it and how do I find it?
- I want to make a copy of a picture I saw on some website, but there’s no download button. What’s the trick?
- I’ve heard people getting viruses from some site. How do I avoid that?
Let’s look at these questions one by one. Click on the question to view the answer.
Once I download the file, where do I find it?Where you find a downloaded file depends upon your device. Click on your device to see specific information.
Windows
Your downloaded file will be found in the folder where your browser stores them. You (or your tech minded spouse, child, or other helper) can change that location, if desired. To find out where that might be, go to the settings in your browser. The table below shows the steps to get it in each browser.
| Chrome | Firefox | Edge/IE | |
| Click on the menu icon in the upper right: | ⋮ | ≡ | … |
| From the menu, select: | Settings | Options | Settings |
| On the page: | Scroll to the bottom then select Advanced | Scroll down and select View Advanced Settings | |
| Scroll down to Downloads | Scroll down to Downloads | Look for Downloads | |
| Quick address (type in address bar): | chrome://settings/downloads | NA | about:preferences |
On your computer, it will usually look something like:
C:\users\yourname\downloads
This is a special directory that you can easily find in the File Explorer. For more information, see this link at Microsoft.com.
Android
For Android devices, the location of all downloads is File -> Downloads.
You can use the Files app to find them. At least, that’s what it’s called on the Google and Samsung phones I have access to. Your phone manufacturer and/or carrier may provide an app with a different name. You can also download many other from the Google Play Store that will work, too.
Apple
The Inspired Squirrel does not have access to Apple devices yet and therefore cannot give accurate, tested directions.
I want to make a copy of a picture I saw on some website, but there's no download button.
Surely there’s a way to save a picture that I see on the Internet, right?
Yes, there is.
But first, a message about copyrights. Just because you CAN copy it doesn’t mean you SHOULD. If you don’t own the rights to the design, please don’t use it to make items to sell or give away to large groups. Making something for a family member or yourself is usually fine.
If you want a copy of that picture, here are the instructions for Windows, Android, and Apple devices.
Windows
- Place your cursor over the picture in question.
- Right-click on the photo.
- From the menu that pops up (shown below), select Save image as…. Some images are protected against copying in this manner; if that’s the case, this option (or perhaps even most of the menu) won’t be available.
- Use the Save As dialog (shown below) to save the picture.
For Chrome browser users, a bottom menu appears with the newly downloaded file shown.
Clicking on the caret/up arrow to open another menu of options you can do with this file (shown below). You can:
- Open it. What program it opens with is defined by settings on your computer.
- Clicking “Always open files of this type” will open this one and all others in whatever program is set to open those files. In this case, only .PNG files will always open, others like .JPG, .MP3, .DOC or others are not affected (until you download one and set this). If it’s set, you can also remove the setting.
- Show in folder opens the File Explorer with your file highlighted. This is handy to easily access it to, say, install the font, drag it into Cricut Design Space, or email it to a friend — whatever’s appropriate.
- Cancel simply closes the menu.
Android
- Long press on the picture.
- On the menu (shown below), click on Download Picture.
You’ll find the file in the Downloads folder in the Files app. Alternatively, you can find it in Settings -> Storage -> Files -> Download.
Apple
The Inspired Squirrel does not have access to Apple devices yet and therefore cannot give accurate, tested directions.
I've heard people getting viruses from some site. How do I avoid that?