gallery-dl

gallery-dl: web vs command line

gallery-dl comes in two forms you can use today: the hosted web version on this site, and the original Python command-line tool. Both drive the same download engine, so the media you get is identical. The difference is how you run it and how much control you want.

This page compares the two fairly, so you can pick the right one for the job. Short version: use the web version when you want a quick download with nothing to install, and the CLI when you want scripting, config files, and fine-grained control.

The hosted web version

The web version runs gallery-dl on our servers. You paste a URL, preview the first files for free, and unlock the full gallery as a ZIP. There is no setup, so it works from any browser on any device.

  • No install, Python, or terminal
  • Free preview before you commit
  • Everything delivered as a single ZIP
  • Runs on phones, tablets, and locked-down work machines

The Python command line

The CLI is the original gallery-dl. You install it with pip or a standalone binary and run gallery-dl <url> in a terminal. It exposes every option the tool has, reads a config file, and can be scripted or scheduled, which makes it the better fit for large, repeated, or automated jobs.

  • Full control over options and output paths
  • Config files for per-site settings and credentials
  • Scriptable and easy to automate or schedule
  • Runs entirely on your own machine

Which one should you use

Pick the web version for a one-off download, or when you are on a device where you cannot install software. Pick the CLI when you download often, want to automate it, or need advanced options. Because both use the same engine, you can start with the web version and move to the CLI later without any change in the files you get.

Frequently asked questions

Do the web and CLI versions download the same files?

Yes. They share the same gallery-dl engine, so a given URL produces the same images and videos either way. Only the interface differs.

Is the web version just a wrapper around the CLI?

It runs the same underlying engine on the server and handles the preview, packaging, and ZIP delivery for you. You get the CLI results without the setup.

Can I use both?

Absolutely. Many people use the web version for quick, occasional downloads and keep the CLI installed for bulk or automated work.

Skip the setup, download now

Want the CLI results without installing anything? Paste a link and get your ZIP in the browser.

Open the downloader