How to use Open Planet
How to use the Open Planet library
The Open Planet library enables everyone everywhere in the world to access world-class scientifically accurate footage of our changing planet.
Try our FAQs or get in touch with the team.
To start using Open Planet, go to www.openplanet.org
Why sign up to Open Planet? While you do not need an account to browse the library, signing up to Open Planet for free will allow you to download footage and create your own collections.
Sign up (new user)
When you arrive on Open Planet, click "Sign up". Complete the short signup form with your details.
Please note: in order to use Open Planet, during this stage you must:
confirm you are 14 years or older, or that you have the permission of an educator, parent or guardian to use the site
agree to the user conditions, including that you will only use the Open Planet library for non-commercial purposes
You may be required to verify your email. Click the button in the email to confirm your registration.
Welcome to Open Planet! After verifying your email address, you'll be a registered user.
Explore
Explore curated selections of footage from across the library for inspiration.
Use the search bar on the homepage or the search icon on other pages. There is also a search bar at the bottom of every page. Use this to search by keywords, such as:
Theme or issue (e.g. "Climate", "Weather", "flooding")
Country or area (e.g. "India", "Brazil", "the Amazon")
Habitat (e.g. "forests", "oceans")
You can refine keywords in the search bar or use the filter menu which hovers in the bottom centre of your screen.
Looking for inspiration? Explore examples for how Open Planet footage has been used in films and other content.
If you would like to preview a piece of footage, you can hover over it. You can also click on a clip to watch it in full and find further information. Information about each clip in the library is organised in tabs to make it easy to find what you need.
Collections
Create collections to organise clips for a project or film you are working on.
To create a collection:
Click on an item and select "add to collection".
To add a piece of footage to a collection, hover over it and click the "+" icon.
You can view and edit your collections at any time by visiting your profile in the top right-hand corner.
Downloads
You can download single clips or full collections of footage.
Collections:
View and download your collections by visiting your account.
On the left-hand side of the account page, select "collections" from the menu to see all your collections.
Choose the collection you'd like to download and click the button that says "Download this collection".
Single clips:
While browsing, hover over an asset to see three buttons appear. Choose the first button with the downward arrow to download.
When you click to download footage or a collection, an "Order Summary" page will appear. Select the format you would like for each piece of footage, and your intended use. If you would like to apply the same format and intended use to all, use the dropdowns at the top of the page to apply to all.
On the next page, you will need to accept the terms of use for Open Planet — please read these carefully. Once confirmed, you will reach a "Success" page and be able to download your files through your account.
You are now ready to start creating your film! Thank you for using the Open Planet library to tell your story. We would love to hear how you are using the library — please get in touch to let us know!