How to Enable Google Images Direct Links in Your Browser Google Images used to include a convenient “View Image” button that opened the direct URL of a picture with a single click. In 2018, Google removed this feature as part of a settlement with Getty Images, requiring users to visit the host webpage instead. Fortunately, you can easily restore this functionality to your browser using free extensions or user scripts.
Here is how to get direct image links back in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari. Method 1: Install a Dedicated Browser Extension (Easiest)
The fastest way to restore the direct link feature is by installing a browser extension. Several trusted developers have recreated the original “View Image” button. For Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Brave Open the Chrome Web Store. Search for “View Image” (developed by Joshua B). Click Add to Chrome (or Get for Edge). Confirm the installation by clicking Add extension. For Mozilla Firefox Open the Firefox Browser Add-ons store. Search for “View Image”. Click Add to Firefox. Grant the necessary permissions when prompted.
Once installed, perform a Google Image search. You will see the familiar “View Image” and “Search by Image” buttons restored right next to the “Visit” button.
Method 2: Use Tampermonkey and User Scripts (Highly Customizable)
If you prefer not to install single-purpose extensions, or if you want a solution that works across different script managers, you can use a user script. Step 1: Install a Script Manager First, you need an extension that can run custom scripts:
Install Tampermonkey or Violentmonkey from your browser’s extension store.
This method works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari (via Tampermonkey for Safari). Step 2: Install the Google Images Direct Link Script
Navigate to a user script repository like Greasy Fork (greasyfork.org).
Search for “Google Images – Show Image Websites and Direct Links” or “View Image”. Click Install this script.
Tampermonkey will open a new tab. Click Install again to confirm.
The script will automatically run in the background whenever you use Google Images, injecting direct links into your search results. Method 3: The No-Extension Right-Click Method (Built-In)
If you cannot or do not want to install third-party software, you can still access the direct link using your browser’s native context menu. Search for your image on Google Images. Click the thumbnail to open the side preview panel. Right-click the large preview image.
Select Open image in new tab (Chrome/Edge) or Open Image in New Tab (Firefox).
This bypasses the website’s landing page and opens the direct source URL of the image immediately. Troubleshooting Common Issues
The button disappeared: Extensions frequently need updates when Google changes its search page layout. Check your browser’s extension page to ensure you are running the latest version.
Clicking the button opens a broken link: Some websites block “hotlinking” (loading their images outside of their website). If a direct link fails to load, you will have to click “Visit” to view the image on the host site.
Incognito Mode: By default, extensions are disabled in private browsing windows. If you want direct links in Incognito mode, go to your browser’s extension settings and toggle Allow in Incognito/Private windows. To help me tailor this guide, let me know: Which browser and operating system do you use most often?
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