gallery-dl is a command-line program to download image galleries and collections from several image hosting sites.
The tool addresses the need to batch-download images from multiple hosting platforms through a single interface. It works by accepting command-line arguments and configuration files to specify sources and download parameters, then fetching images from supported sites. The project offers extensive customization through command-line options, configuration files, and powerful file-naming capabilities using template formatting.
The tool suits users who need to archive or collect images from multiple platforms programmatically. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installation options including pip, standalone executables, package managers, and Docker. The project supports a wide range of image hosting sites and includes optional integrations for video downloads via yt-dlp or youtube-dl, video conversion with FFmpeg, and various compression and authentication methods. Configuration can be handled through YAML or TOML files, and the tool supports SOCKS proxies and browser cookie extraction.
The project maintains a substantial user base, with nearly all open issues originating from external users rather than the core team. Maintainers typically respond to new issues and pull requests within a day. The issue tracker is dominated by user questions, site-specific support requests, and bug reports, reflecting active real-world usage and ongoing maintenance focused on user needs and site compatibility.
