To download photos from Zenfolio, look for the download icon at the top right of your gallery, or hover over a single photo. If you don't see one, downloads are probably off, because Zenfolio galleries don't allow them by default and only your photographer can turn them on. If you bought digital files, use the link in your order email. Here's the short version:
- Whole gallery: click the download icon, then watch your email for a ZIP file.
- Single photo: hover over it, or open it, and click the download icon.
- Purchased files: wait for the email titled "Your photos are ready to download."
Below: what each download type gives you, when a watermark stays on, how Zenfolio compares with other platforms, and what to ask your photographer.
Ways to download from Zenfolio
| Download type | What you do | What you receive | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full gallery | Click the download icon at the top right and give your email | An email linking to your Downloads page, with ZIP files | ZIP kept for 30 days; you can regenerate it |
| Single photo or video | Hover over a thumbnail, or open the photo, and click the download icon | The file downloads in your browser | No waiting |
| Limited selection | Sign in with your client email, pick your photos, and click Download | A ZIP file by email | ZIP kept for 30 days |
| Digital order | Buy the files, then wait for approval and processing | An email titled "Your photos are ready to download" | Files available for 30 days |
Zenfolio says to expect the full-gallery email within about 15 minutes. If it hasn't arrived after an hour, check your spam folder. Large downloads may be split into several ZIP files, so download each one.
On a phone
For a full gallery, tap Download Photos at the bottom of the screen, or tap the three dots and choose Download. For a single photo on iPhone or Android, tap the photo, tap the download icon, then press and hold the photo until a menu appears. Choose the option to save it. This only works if your photographer has turned on individual downloads.
If you bought digital files
Your first email confirms the order. Photographers then have up to 21 days to approve it. If they don't, Zenfolio cancels the order automatically and refunds your payment. After approval and processing, you'll get a second email with the download button. If 30 days pass before you download your files, contact your photographer.
When a Zenfolio watermark stays on
The answer depends on when the watermark was added and what you downloaded.
| How the mark got there | Is it on your download? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Zenfolio's watermark tool, and you bought a download | No. Zenfolio says it isn't present on purchased downloads or prints | Check that you're opening the purchased file, not a saved gallery image |
| Zenfolio's watermark tool, and you downloaded a display image | Possibly. Photographers can allow downloads of lower-resolution display images that carry the watermark | Ask whether a larger download is available |
| Added before the photo was uploaded | Yes. It's part of the image | Ask your photographer for a clean export |
Why your download isn't working
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No download icon | Downloads are off by default, and may not be on for you | Ask your photographer what your package includes |
| Only single photos can be downloaded | Your photographer only allowed individual downloads | Ask whether a full-gallery download can be added |
| Asked for your client email and a password | Your photographer gave you a set number of downloads | Use the email your invite went to |
| Number of remaining selections | Your photographer set a limit | Choose carefully, or ask whether the limit can change |
| No email after requesting a ZIP | It may be delayed or in spam | Check your Downloads page through the Account Portal |
| Download link expired | The 30-day period has ended | Use the three dots on your Downloads page to regenerate it |
| Warning about too many password attempts | You could be locked out of the gallery for a while | Stop trying and ask your photographer for the password |
| Gallery has disappeared | It may have reached its expiration date and become private | Ask your photographer whether it can be restored |
Finding your downloads without the email
Zenfolio's Account Portal keeps a history of your downloads. Open a gallery you've visited, click the Account Portal icon at the top left, and enter the email you used. You can sign in to an account or use a code sent to your email. Then click the portal icon again and choose Downloads.
Two versions of Zenfolio
Zenfolio has separate help centers for its Classic and NextZen versions, so your gallery may not look exactly like these steps. If a button is missing, your photographer can tell you what your gallery allows.
How Zenfolio compares with other platforms
Photographers on every platform here control their own settings. These are the defaults and rules each platform describes.
| Platform | Code to download | Watermark on purchased files | Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zenfolio | Optional download password | Built-in watermark isn't included | ZIP kept for 30 days; gallery downloads can be regenerated |
| ShootProof | Optional PIN | Removed from ShootProof-fulfilled files | Expires after 7 days; a new one is sent if the gallery is active |
| SmugMug | Optional download password | Not included, unless you bought a printmarked file | Visitor link expires after 2 weeks; you can request another |
| Pixieset | 4-digit PIN by default | Removed from high-resolution and original files | Order link expires after 7 days; your photographer can resend it |
More details: downloading from ShootProof and downloading Pixieset photos without a watermark.
What to send your photographer
Zenfolio tells clients to contact their photographer about download options. Here's a message you can copy:
Hi [photographer's name], I'm [your name] from the [session or event] gallery. I'm trying to download my photos, but [what you're seeing, such as "I don't see a download button" or "my file has a watermark"]. Could you let me know what my package includes, and turn on downloads or send a clean file if it's included? Thanks!
If you already have the rights to a watermarked copy
A clean file from your photographer is always the best version. If they can't send one, you may be left with a watermarked copy of a photo you own or have permission to edit. Our photo proof watermark remover is built for that situation and works with photos from any gallery. We also have a page for SmugMug photos if you've used that platform.
Our tools don't connect to Zenfolio and can't unlock a gallery or download. Not sure what your purchase covers? See does buying a photo include editing rights. If your photographer has gone quiet, here's what to do when your photographer has disappeared.
FAQ
How do I download all my photos from Zenfolio?
If your photographer has allowed it, click the download icon at the top right of the gallery and give your email. Zenfolio compiles a ZIP file and emails you a link to your Downloads page.
Why can't I download photos from my Zenfolio gallery?
Free downloads are off by default on Zenfolio. Your photographer decides whether to allow them, for whom, and how many. Contact them and ask what your package includes.
Do Zenfolio downloads have a watermark?
It depends. Zenfolio's built-in watermark isn't on purchased downloads or prints. A lower-resolution display image can carry it if your photographer allows that download, and a mark added before upload always stays.
How long do Zenfolio downloads last?
ZIP files for gallery downloads are kept for 30 days, and you can regenerate them from your Downloads page. Files from a digital order are available for 30 days, and after that you should contact your photographer.
Why hasn't my Zenfolio digital order arrived?
Your photographer may still need to approve it. They have up to 21 days. If they don't approve it within that time, Zenfolio cancels the order automatically and refunds your payment.
Sources
- Zenfolio Support (NextZen), How Clients Will Download From Galleries and Orders, checked November 4, 2026
- Zenfolio Support (NextZen), Free Digital Download Gallery Settings, checked November 4, 2026
- Zenfolio Support (Classic), Digital Downloads FAQs, checked November 4, 2026
- Zenfolio Support (Classic), Protecting Your Photos, checked November 4, 2026
- Zenfolio Support (Classic), Setting an Expiration Date for Galleries, checked November 4, 2026
- ShootProof Support, How do my clients receive their free digital files?, checked November 4, 2026
- SmugMug Support, Sell digital downloads and Download several images in a gallery, checked November 4, 2026
- Pixieset Help Center, Your client's download experience and Editing or removing watermarks, checked November 4, 2026