Specification
Last updated on
Sep 22, 2026
Learn about the technical requirements for submitting Illustrator templates to Adobe Stock, including file formats, packaging, and image specifications
Before submitting Illustrator templates to Adobe Stock, verify your files meet the technical requirements for file format, document setup, text formatting, and color management. These specifications ensure templates open correctly for customers and provide a professional editing experience.
Files that do not follow these requirements will be refused during moderation.
Illustrator Template File specifications
|
|
Requirement |
|
File format |
.ait (Illustrator Template Format) |
|
Plugins or Add-Ons |
No third-party plugins or add-ons accepted |
|
Save view |
Fit All in Window (View > Fit All in Window) |
Illustrator template files must be saved as .ait rather than .ai. The .ait format ensures templates open as untitled files, preventing customers from accidentally overwriting the original template.
Artboard and layer organization
|
Specification |
Requirement |
|
Artboards |
Use separate artboards for each page or screen |
|
Elements outside artboards |
Not permitted |
|
Layer organization |
Group by: Text, Placeholder Images, Graphic Elements, Background |
|
Layer structure |
Organize each page/screen with separate layer groups |
|
Mixed category types |
Not permitted (for example, do not combine social media and stationery in one file) |
Print template specifications
Use these specifications for brochures, business cards, invitations, flyers, packaging, posters, stationery, and print mockups.
|
Specification |
Requirement |
|
Colorspace |
CMYK |
|
Resolution |
300 ppi (embedded images must match) |
|
Bleed |
Recommended for all print layouts with edge-to-edge color or design elements |
|
Bleed setup |
Use File > Document Setup (do not add manual crop marks or bleed lines) |
|
Margins |
Keep text and images clear of margins unless intended to bleed |
Screen and digital template specifications
|
Specification |
Requirement |
|
Colorspace |
RGB |
|
Resolution |
150 ppi (embedded images must match) |
Text requirements
|
Specification |
Requirement |
|
Font source |
Adobe Fonts only |
|
Text state |
Must remain editable (do not outline) |
Customers expect to edit and customize all text in templates. Outlined text cannot be edited and will result in refusal.
Image requirements
|
Specification |
Requirement |
|
Image linking |
Not permitted |
|
Image Embedding |
Must be created by the contributor (3rd party content is not acceptable) |
|
Accepted formats |
.ai, .eps, .jpg, .png, .tif |
|
Prohibited formats |
.psd, .indd |
|
Resolution match |
Must match document resolution (300 ppi for print, 150 ppi for screen/digital) |
Adobe Stock Illustrator templates are single files and do not support packaging external assets. Linked images will not appear for customers who download your template.
Template Contributors are allowed to include embedded images and assets in templates as long as they own the content.
Embedded images must use .jpg, .png, or .tif formats only. Other app formats, .psd and .ai, are not accepted because customers may not have access to all Creative Cloud apps.
For screen/digital templates at 150 ppi, embedded images must also be 150 ppi. For print templates at 300 ppi, embedded images must also be 300 ppi.
Swatch requirements
|
Specification |
Requirement |
|
Swatch colorspace |
Must match document colorspace |
|
Spot colors |
Not permitted (CMYK or RGB only) |
|
Pantone swatches |
Not permitted |
Print templates using the CMYK colorspace must have only CMYK swatches. Screen or digital templates that use the RGB color space must have RGB swatches only.
Swatches are named and saved colors, tints, gradients, and patterns that allow customers to track and change colors across the entire document.
Clipping mask requirements
Use clipping masks to create editable image placeholders that customers can easily replace with their own photos. Generic rectangular or simple-shape masks allow customers to insert their own images without modifying the mask's shape.
|
Specification |
Requirement |
|
Simple or General Clipping Mask Shapes |
Acceptable. Generic rectangular or simple-shape masks allow customers to insert their own images without modifying the mask's shape. |
|
Complex or specific Clipping Mask shapes |
Not permitted |
Additional Clipping mask guidelines:
- Keep masks generic enough for any image (do not create masks that outline specific objects or people)
- Ensure masks display accurately in the Layers panel
- Design masks to accommodate various image orientations and compositions
Template File Package requirements
Each Illustrator template submission must be packaged as a single ZIP file containing exactly three elements:
|
Element |
File name |
Specifications |
|
Template file |
[filename].ait |
500 MB maximum |
|
Thumbnail image |
Thumbnail.jpg |
2048 x 1424 px, RGB, 72 ppi minimum |
|
Preview image |
Preview1.jpg |
2048 px width x 1536-6144 px height, RGB, 72 ppi minimum |
Filenames for thumbnail and preview images are case-sensitive and must match exactly as shown.
