How to Prepare Your Illustrations and Graphics for Upload to Pond5

We currently accept these files in the following formats:

• EPS (vector)
• JPG
• PNG (bitmap)
• PSD (Photoshop template)

Uploading bitmap illustrations is easy — simply upload your file at 300dpi and at least 2000×2000 pixels. If your file has a non-standard shape (e.g., a panel or a banner) the curator will take this into consideration, and will not ask you to resize your artwork to make the shorter length 2000px.

Note: We no longer accept bitmap versions of already uploaded vectors. We currently downconvert all vectors into bitmap versions on our end.

If you choose to upload your files in PNG format, keep in mind that we usually do not accept PNG files that can be re-saved as JPG files instead. The main advantage of the PNG format over the JPG format is the possibility of saving these files as simple one-layer graphics with transparent backgrounds, and this is why PNG files using at least some level of transparency are preferred.

If you’re uploading traditional media artwork, we very much prefer scanned files over photographed files. Also note that any photographs of traditional artwork will need to be uploaded with a property-release file.

Scanned art should be cleaned up in graphic software before uploading.

Save your vector file as an Adobe Illustrator 10-compatible EPS file. Then create a separate JPEG thumbnail of your file, sized at a minimum of 2000×2000 pixels. Use the same filename for the JPEG thumbnail as for the EPS (filename.jpg, filename.eps). Finally, compress them into one ZIP file.

At the moment, we only accept EPS vectors. Please prepare both files (EPS and JPG) as a single ZIP file.

Note: We cannot currently accept AI files for compatibility reasons. However, if you wish to do so, you may also include an AI version in your ZIP file.

All EPS files must be fully functional vectors and must not contain any bitmap graphic elements. Well-described and cleanly layered EPS files are preferred, as they make working with files easier for buyers.

We do accept vectorized bitmap artwork, as long as we believe the illustration couldn’t have been processed through the traditional vector making process (e.g., vectorized watercolor artworks). We reserve the right to reject vectorized photographs.

All type should be converted into curves. If you choose not to do this, you must include the name (and a download link) for the font used in your description. Please make sure that any fonts used are free for commercial use (or that you own a license that grants you the right to use it in commercial work).

To upload a PSD file, please compress your original PSD file with one or more JPG previews into one ZIP file. Preview files can be uploaded with the same name, plus a number appended (filename2.jpg, filename3.jpg) for an automatic association.

Your previews should ideally show as much of what the PSD file can do as possible, but don’t forget to include a preview file that shows how your file looks when opened, as well, to prevent any confusion on the buyer’s side.

You are allowed to include explanations and technical details in your previews. Previews should be high resolution, at least 1600×1200 pixels large.

Your main PSD files should be uploaded at a minimum resolution of 300dpi and at least 2 megapixels in size (1600×1200 pixels).

Make sure your layering hierarchy is as easy to understand as possible — stick to simple layer names. Naming your smart object layer “insert your artwork here” or something similar will also make your PSD file easy to understand for users.

We also recommend you mention all plug-ins and fonts used in your artwork in the item description. All fonts used should be free for commercial use (or you should own the necessary license).

If you are using stock (third-party) photographs/graphics as placeholders, we ask that you only do this for the preview version and remove them from the final PSD file. You can mention in the description field where these assets can be purchased.

Note: We may occasionally contact you to prove you own the license to use the file in your PSD template for legal purposes.

In some cases, we may recommend you re-save and upload your PSD file in a different format.

Example: You have uploaded a PSD that is a collection of simple bitmap graphics simply layered on top of each other, which would be more accessible to buyers as a series of JPG files. Or your PSD is a simple one-layer bitmap with a transparent background that will work just as well saved as a PNG file.

Please be sure your file names do not contain any special characters or accents.
Examples: &, å, ñ, é, ß, ®, ©, §, ç, ä, ø, ü, quote marks (“ ” or ‘ ’), or commas (,)

Spaces and dashes are not allowed.

You must be able to agree to all provisions in our Contributor Agreement in order to sell media files on our site; please read it thoroughly and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities.

You must also be the copyright owner of any graphic work you make available for licensing on Pond5. Generally, if you created the work, you are the copyright owner and are free to upload and market it. If you are unsure whether you are the legal copyright holder of an item, don’t upload it.

For more information, contact our Customer Support at support@pond5.com.