To upload images remotely from an external URL or importing images from another website in Drupal using the File Field Sources module, follow these simple steps:

Install and enable File Field Sources module

• Download the File Field Sources module for Drupal.
• Enable the module by going to Extend in the Drupal admin interface.

Configure the File Field module to use "Remote URL"

• Navigate to Structure > Content types and select the content type you want to edit.
• In the Manage fields tab, edit the image field where you want to allow URL uploads.
• Under Field settings, you’ll find options for File Field Sources.
• Check the Remote URL option to enable users to upload images directly from external URLs.

Setup and Usage

• When editing or creating content, you’ll see a new option in the image field allowing you to paste an external URL.
• Paste the URL, and Drupal will handle the download and save the image locally in your file system.

Important Notes

The File Field Sources module only supports URLs that allow direct access to images (e.g., a public image file). If the URL is behind authentication or has restrictions, it may not work as expected. Drupal stores the image locally, so it won’t depend on the external URL once saved.

YouTube video tutorial on File Field Sources

Watch the video as well. It has an additional tip on how to select a default directory or folder where your images will be saved, uploaded, and stored depending on your content type.

Resources

• File Field Sources (use dev version for D9 and D10): https://www.drupal.org/project/filefield_sources
• Our Drupal web design, development, webhosting, and SEO services: https://www.ibuild.ph/services/web-design-development/drupal
• Our Drupal training courses: https://www.ibuild.ph/training/courses/drupal/basic-beginners