How to Download Images From the WordPress Media Library

Whether you need a single image or a full backup of your WordPress Media Library, there are plenty of ways to get your files safely. Below are several methods — from simple dashboard downloads to FTP access — so you can pick what works best for your setup and comfort level.

1. Download Using FTP

FTP gives you direct access to your site's files and is one of the fastest ways to download large sets of images. Connect to your hosting account with an FTP client like FileZilla, then open the `wp-content/uploads` folder. That’s where WordPress stores every uploaded media file. You can download the entire folder or just specific subfolders. This is ideal for bulk downloads and backups.

2. Use the WordPress Export Tool

WordPress includes a built-in export tool that can generate an export file of your media items. Go to **Tools → Export**, select **Media**, and click **Download Export File**. This gives you an XML file with the URLs and metadata of all media items — not the actual files, but a useful list if you’re migrating or auditing.

3. Download Directly From the Dashboard

If you just need one or two images, go to **Media → Library**. Click any image to open its attachment details, then right-click the file link and choose **Save link as…** to download it. You can repeat this for multiple files without needing plugins or FTP access.

4. Download Using a Plugin

Plugins can make the process easier if you prefer a visual interface. A popular option is **Export Media Library**, which lets you download your files as a ZIP archive. You can choose file types, date ranges, or download everything at once — great for non-technical users or clients.

5. Use File Manager in cPanel

If your hosting uses cPanel, log in and open **File Manager**. Navigate to `public_html/wp-content/uploads`. You can download individual files, multiple selections, or compress the entire folder as a ZIP for a faster download. This method works well if you already manage your site through cPanel.

6. Export Media Library via FTP

For full backups, you can export your entire uploads folder with FTP. Just connect to your server and download the `wp-content/uploads` directory. This copies every file from your Media Library locally. FTP remains the most reliable approach for large libraries or manual migrations.

7. Export Using WordPress Settings

Inside **Tools → Export**, you can also select **All Content** to include media files in your export file. It won’t download the physical files — instead, it generates an XML with links to your media. For direct downloads, use FTP or plugins like Export Media Library.

8. Use the Export Media Library Plugin

The **Export Media Library** plugin is one of the simplest ways to grab your media. Once installed and activated, open **Media → Export** from your dashboard. Choose whether to download everything or specific files, select formats (like ZIP), and hit **Download**. It’s perfect for quick backups or client handoffs.

9. Install Export Media Library

To install it, go to **Plugins → Add New**, search for “Export Media Library,” click **Install Now**, then **Activate**. You’ll then find it under **Media → Export**. From there, you can customize your download options — ZIP compression, specific file types, or date filters.

10. Use the Export Media URLs Plugin

If you only need the URLs of your media files, install and activate **Export Media URLs**. It generates a list or CSV file of all your media file links. This is helpful for audits, migrations, or when referencing media from external systems.

11. Download a Full Site Backup Including Media

Backup plugins like **UpdraftPlus**, **All-in-One WP Migration**, or **Duplicator** can back up your entire site, including your Media Library. After configuring and running a backup, download the generated archive (usually ZIP). This gives you a complete copy of your site — files, database, and all media — in one go.

12. Compress and Download the Uploads Folder

If you prefer a quick manual method, access your site via FTP or cPanel and compress the `wp-content/uploads` folder into a ZIP file before downloading. It saves time and bandwidth, especially if your media library is large.

Useful Links

Official WordPress Export Tool documentation:

Export Media Library plugin on WordPress.org:

UpdraftPlus backup plugin on WordPress.org:

Each of these methods works — it just depends on how technical you want to get. For single files, use the dashboard. For full backups, FTP or plugins are faster and more reliable. Either way, you now have full control over downloading your WordPress Media Library safely and efficiently.