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Download Pinterest GIFs on Mac

Paste a pin link, check the real resolution and file size, and save the original animated .gif. Below: where the file lands on Mac and which app opens it.

  • Free
  • No login
  • Real size shown first
  • No watermark added

PinDownload is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Pinterest.

How to save Pinterest GIFs on Mac

  1. Copy the pin linkOpen the pin in your browser and copy the address from the address bar, or use Share › Copy link.
  2. Paste it herePaste the link into the box above and press Download. The tool reads the pin and lists every file it can save.
  3. Check size and resolutionEach button shows the real pixel size and file size, read from the file itself, before anything is downloaded.
  4. Save on MacTap the button for the original animated .gif. Chrome on Mac saves to /Users/<username>/Downloads by default; Safari saves to the folder set in Safari › Settings › General › File download location.

Where does the file go on Mac?

The default folder

Chrome on Mac saves to /Users/<username>/Downloads by default; Safari saves to the folder set in Safari › Settings › General › File download location.

Finding it right after the download

Click Safari's downloads button near the top-right of the window; in Chrome, use the download icon next to the address bar.

Where a downloaded Pinterest file appears on Mac: the Downloads folder
Where a downloaded Pinterest file appears on Mac: the Downloads folder

Mac at a glance

Four steps to download Pinterest GIFs on Mac: copy the link, paste it, check the size, save to the Downloads folder
Four steps to download Pinterest GIFs on Mac: copy the link, paste it, check the size, save to the Downloads folder
QuestionAnswer on Mac
BrowserSafari or Chrome
Where the file landsChrome on Mac saves to /Users/<username>/Downloads by default; Safari saves to the folder set in Safari › Settings › General › File download location.
How to see itClick Safari's downloads button near the top-right of the window; in Chrome, use the download icon next to the address bar.
Opens withQuick Look plays it (select it in Finder and press Space); Preview shows the frames as still images
Change the folderSafari › Settings › General › File download location. Chrome: Settings › Downloads › Change.

What you get: the original animated .gif

GIF pins keep the original animated .gif. We checked: Pinterest serves no MP4 copy of a GIF pin, so the download is the .gif itself, which can be large (a 128×128 animation in our test was 1.49 MB). A still JPG of the first frame is offered too.

DetailGIFs from Pinterest
File extension.gif
Formatthe original animated .gif
Largest versionthe GIF exactly as uploaded; Pinterest stores no MP4 version of GIF pins
Opens on Mac withQuick Look plays it (select it in Finder and press Space); Preview shows the frames as still images
Preset on this pageGIF
Bar chart of file sizes measured with our tool on 2026-10-24
Bar chart of file sizes measured with our tool on 2026-10-24

Which app opens it on Mac?

Quick Look plays it (select it in Finder and press Space); Preview shows the frames as still images.

Keep it with your photos and media

Drag the file from Downloads to the folder you want in Finder; select it and press Space to preview it with Quick Look.

Good to know on Mac

Preview does not play animated GIFs; use Quick Look or a browser.

If the download does not show up on Mac

  • Check the Downloads folder first: Click Safari's downloads button near the top-right of the window; in Chrome, use the download icon next to the address bar.
  • Make sure the pin is public. Private pins and secret boards cannot be read without logging in, and this tool never asks for your Pinterest password.
  • Links expire after one hour. If a button stops working, paste the pin link again.
  • A pin.it short link must be complete: copy it again from Share › Copy link.

Same GIFs on other devices

Other downloads on Mac

GIFKeep the animated GIF exactly as it was uploaded.On MacHow to download Pinterest videos on a Mac with Safari or Chrome: save the MP4 to Downloads, play it in QuickTime Player, or import it into Photos. Free.Images on Macthe original JPG, PNG or WebP on Mac, step by step.Reels on Macone MP4 per video page, plus images on Mac, step by step.Audio on MacM4A (AAC), cut from the video on Mac, step by step.GIFs on iPhonethe original animated .gif on iPhone, step by step.GIFs on Androidthe original animated .gif on Android, step by step.GIFs on PCthe original animated .gif on PC, step by step.GIFs on iPadthe original animated .gif on iPad, step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Where do downloaded Pinterest GIFs go on Mac?

Chrome on Mac saves to /Users/<username>/Downloads by default; Safari saves to the folder set in Safari › Settings › General › File download location.

How do I find a downloaded Pinterest file on Mac?

Click Safari's downloads button near the top-right of the window; in Chrome, use the download icon next to the address bar.

Which app opens the original animated .gif on Mac?

Quick Look plays it (select it in Finder and press Space); Preview shows the frames as still images.

Can I choose another download folder on Mac?

Safari › Settings › General › File download location. Chrome: Settings › Downloads › Change.

What is the best quality I can get?

The GIF exactly as uploaded; Pinterest stores no MP4 version of GIF pins. The tool never upscales or renames a smaller file as HD.

Do I need an app or a Pinterest account?

No. It runs in the browser (Safari or Chrome), with no sign-up and no app to install.

Is PinDownload part of Pinterest?

No. PinDownload is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Pinterest. It only reads public pins.

Can I download private pins?

No. Only public pins can be read without logging in; private pins and secret boards are out of reach by design.

Can I get the GIF as an MP4?

Not from Pinterest: we checked, and it stores no MP4 copy of GIF pins. You get the original .gif plus a still JPG of the first frame.

Why is the GIF file so large?

Animated GIFs store every frame as a picture. In our test a 128×128 pixel animation was 1.49 MB, while the still JPG of the same pin was about 4 KB.

Guides

GIF — Keep the animated GIF exactly as it was uploaded.

Sources