Submit PNGs to Adobe Stock

Last updated on Jun 11, 2026

Learn how to submit PNG files with transparent backgrounds to Adobe Stock, including submission prerequisites, upload steps, metadata requirements, release documentation, and post‑approval portfolio management.

PNGs with transparent backgrounds can be submitted to Adobe Stock for licensing when they meet the required technical and legal standards. Submissions must comply with file size limits, color profile requirements, and transparency specifications, and must be free of visual defects. PNG files that include recognizable people or private property require the appropriate releases.

Pre-submission review

Confirm the following requirements are met before submitting PNG files to Adobe Stock:

  • PNG files prepared with transparent backgrounds.
  • Model releases for recognizable people (if applicable).
  • Property releases for private property or trademarked content (if applicable).

PNG submission process

Follow these steps to upload PNG files with transparent backgrounds to Adobe Stock, add required metadata, attach applicable releases, and submit the content for moderation.

Sign in to the Contributor Portal using an Adobe ID.

In the Contributor Portal, select Upload

The highlighted Upload button, available at the upper-right corner of the screen, allows you to upload your file to Adobe Stock.
A variety of content types can be uploaded to Adobe Stock.

Select Browse, and choose the PNG you want to upload, or drag and drop it into the Portal.

The Browse button, available near the upload icon on the screen, allows you to browse the files on your computer to upload your content to Adobe Stock.
You can also drag and drop your file to the browser window.

In the New tab, wait for Adobe Stock to automatically generate a preview that matches the uploaded PNG.

Enter the required metadata fields: 

  • Category: Select the category that best describes the subject of the PNG. 
  • Title: Describe what’s happening in the PNG in a few words. 
  • Keywords: Add 5-50 keywords that are relevant to the PNG file. Start with the most important ones, as they help determine search ranking. Use Adobe Stock’s AI keyword suggestions to save time and help customers find your content.
Note

Learn more about writing effective titles and keywords and choosing the right category for PNG submissions. 

Review the submission to confirm visual quality, file format, and metadata accuracy.

Submit model release or property releases if the PNG includes recognizable people or private property.

Once metadata entry and required releases are complete, select Submit to share the photo for review.

The moderation team reviews submissions for quality, legal compliance, and technical standards. Approved content appears in Adobe Stock search results and becomes available for customer licensing. Track the submission status, manage your portfolio, and view earnings in the Contributor Dashboard within the Contributor Portal.