Keyword tutorial

Set yourself up for success

After you upload your image to the Contributor portal, make sure that the file type and category are correct, as well as the language you’re using for your title and keywords. Adobe Stock automatically translates keywords for other countries and languages.

Enter a brief title of up to 70 characters that sounds natural when spoken. Your description helps search engines understand what’s in your content.

Start with the auto-keywording feature

Adobe Stock automatically generates keywords for your content, unless your file already contains keywords. The order of keywords matters, so go ahead and drag the number to the left of a keyword up or down to rearrange the order. To remove a keyword, hover over it and click the X to delete it. Be sure to include words you used in your title as keywords. The auto-keywording tool is based on machine learning, so the more you use and correct it, the more accurate the results become.

If you upload content from Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC or Bridge CC, any keywords you added there are preserved. Lightroom keywords appear in alphabetical order, so be sure to reorder them according to their importance.

Tip: Save time by entering a list of keywords, separated by a comma or semicolon, into one field.

Tip: Select two or more images to enter the exact same keywords for both at the same time.

Think like a buyer

If you were searching for your file, what words would you use? Always start with the main subject of your image.

Be as descriptive as possible and for content with people as the main subject, include a description about their age, gender, ethnicity, and activity. For landscapes without a featured object, describe the type of landscape (rural, city, mountains, urban), scenery details (houses, grass, hills, sea, rocks), and color or weather. Where appropriate, include two-word phrases, like “Asian baby” and “Burmese village.”

Remember the big picture

Once you have described the main subject of your image, add keywords for other important elements in the scene. Background objects that are irrelevant to buyers should not be included as keywords.

Be descriptive and conceptual

After describing the elements in your photo, it’s time to describe the themes, emotions, or concepts that your image conveys.

Use the right number of keywords and avoid prohibited words

A good rule of thumb is to include 7–15 keywords. Remember, keywords help customers search successfully. Don’t add irrelevant keywords or your file will be rejected. Repeat offenders may have their accounts blocked.

Keywords that include trademarks (Canon, Porsche, iPad, and so on) are prohibited. Also avoid numbers or file information (such as camera type or file size) and the specific name of the location if it’s not relevant to what’s portrayed.

Someone out there is looking for your content. To give your file the best chance of getting noticed, spend a little extra time on your title and keywords.