Learn the technical standards, content, and originality requirements, and discoverability best practices for submitting illustrations to Adobe Stock, including supported formats, release requirements, generative AI considerations, and effective keywording.
Illustration is a versatile creative format within the Adobe Stock collection, spanning a wide range of styles and techniques, including watercolor, ink, digital painting, and vector artwork. Illustrations offer a distinctive visual approach that supports storytelling, education, branding, and communication across many creative use cases.
Adobe Stock accepts original, high‑quality illustrations that meet commercial or editorial licensing standards. Approved submissions become part of a global marketplace where creative professionals seek expressive, concept‑driven visuals that extend beyond the capabilities of photography and support diverse design and narrative needs.
Illustration content requirements
Adobe Stock defines illustrations as artistic interpretations rather than photographic captures. This category includes hand‑drawn artwork scanned at high resolution, as well as digital illustrations created in applications such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. Submissions may include illustrations such as:
- Hand-drawn artwork scanned at high resolution.
- Raster digital illustrations are created in tools such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.
- Hybrid techniques using print and digital media.
- Stylized, abstract, or conceptual compositions.
- Icons, decorative art, or character designs.
Avoid submitting content that includes the following:
- Low-resolution scans or blurry digital content.
- Traced images or works based heavily on reference photos without releases.
- Artwork with visible noise or unfinished edges.
Customers value illustrations for their ability to simplify complex ideas, convey emotion through artistic style, and offer creative flexibility beyond realistic imagery. Contributors should focus on uploading original, high-quality compositions. Learn more about distinct content submission guidelines.
