Photo Upload Specs
Photo Upload
| Max File Size | 60 MB |
|---|---|
| File Formats | JPG |
| Notes | JPEG only; store originals externally — 500px resizes for display; maximum 30 megapixels recommended |
Minimum Dimensions
| Dimensions | 2048 px on the long edge recommended |
|---|---|
| Notes | No strict minimum enforced for general uploads, but 500px recommends no less than 2048 px per side; images smaller than 2000 × 1500 px (3 MP) are rejected from the Licensing Marketplace |
Recommended Dimensions
| Dimensions | 4000 × 3000 px or larger |
|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | Any |
| Notes | Higher resolution improves licensing eligibility; images served up to 2048 px in-browser |
Licensing-Ready Photo
| Dimensions | Min 2000 × 1500 px (3 MP+) |
|---|---|
| Max File Size | 60 MB |
| File Formats | JPG |
| Notes | Must meet minimum resolution (2000 × 1500 px / 3 MP) and quality gates for the 500px Licensing Marketplace |
[Ad]
Profile & Cover Assets
Profile Photo / Avatar
| Dimensions | 300 × 300 px minimum; 600 × 600 px recommended |
|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1 |
| Max File Size | 5 MB |
| File Formats | JPG, PNG |
| Notes | Displayed as a circle in the photographer profile and comments |
Profile Cover Image
| Dimensions | 2000 × 1000 px minimum |
|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 2:1 |
| File Formats | JPG, PNG |
| Notes | Wide banner image shown behind the photographer's profile header; the cover is auto-selected from eligible photos meeting the minimum resolution |
Text & Character Limits
Photo Title
| Character Limit | 255 characters |
|---|
Photo Description
| Character Limit | 2,000 characters |
|---|---|
| Notes | Supports plain text; shown on the photo detail page |
Tags per Photo
| Character Limit | 30 tags tags |
|---|---|
| Notes | 500px recommends 10–25 keywords for best results; first 5 are weighted most heavily in search |
Bio
| Character Limit | 500 characters |
|---|
Username
| Character Limit | 30 characters |
|---|---|
| Notes | Alphanumeric and underscores; forms the public profile URL |
Portfolio & Gallery Specs
Portfolio Gallery
| Notes | Free (Basic) accounts: 21 uploads per rolling 7-day period. Awesome ($6.49/mo) and Pro ($12.99/mo) accounts: unlimited uploads |
|---|
Gallery Cover
| Dimensions | 1280 × 720 px recommended |
|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| File Formats | JPG |
| Notes | The first photo in a gallery is used as its cover by default |
Ad & Marketplace Specs
Sponsored Photo Placement
| Notes | 500px does not currently offer a self-serve ad product; partner and brand collaborations managed through the 500px team |
|---|
License Submission (Commercial)
| Dimensions | Min 2000 × 1500 px (3 MP) |
|---|---|
| File Formats | JPG |
| Notes | Commercial license buyers receive high-res downloads; photos must pass quality and IP review |