Troubleshooting Image Upload Issues on Art Storefronts
Uploading images to Art Storefronts can sometimes result in errors, freezing, or incomplete uploads. This guide outlines common issues, their causes, and actionable steps to resolve them.
Common Upload Issues and Causes
1. File Name Issues
Special Characters: File names containing special characters (e.g.,
&,#,?,~, apostrophes ('), quotation marks ("), or leading underscores_) can cause uploads to fail or freeze. Rename your file to include only letters, numbers, hyphens (-), or underscores (_).
2. File Size and Resolution Limits
File Size: Ensure your image file size does not exceed the platform's limits:
Resolution: Images must not exceed 200 megapixels (MP). Calculate MP by multiplying the width and height in pixels (e.g.,
14,000 × 14,000 = 196 MP).
3. Browser and Network Issues
Cache and Cookies: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to resolve unexpected glitches.
Internet Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection before uploading.
4. Color Mode (CMYK vs. RGB)
CMYK Files: Art Storefronts requires images to be in RGB color mode. Files saved in CMYK mode will upload but fail during thumbnail processing — the image may appear broken or not render correctly in previews. Before uploading, convert your file to RGB in Photoshop (Image → Mode → RGB Color) or your preferred editing software.
5. Ad Blockers and Browser Extensions
Ad Blockers and VPNs: Extensions such as uBlock Origin, AdBlock, or active VPN connections can interfere with upload scripts and cause uploads to silently fail or stall before starting. Temporarily disable any ad blockers, tracking blockers, or VPN, then retry the upload in a standard (non-incognito) browser window.
6. Corrupted EXIF Data / File Metadata
Corrupted Metadata: Damaged or malformed EXIF metadata embedded in an image file can cause unexpected upload failures even when the file appears visually normal. If you suspect corrupt metadata, re-export the file fresh from your editing software (e.g., export from Photoshop or Lightroom rather than saving over the existing file). Alternatively, use a tool such as ExifTool to strip metadata before uploading.
Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Check File Name
Remove any special characters from the file name.
Use only letters, numbers, hyphens (
-), or underscores (_).
Step 2: Verify File Size and Resolution
Confirm the file size is within the allowed limits.
Calculate the image resolution (MP) and resize if necessary.
Step 3: Address Browser Issues
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
Restart your browser and retry the upload.
Step 4: Stop a Stuck Upload
Refresh the page to cancel the upload process.
Alternatively, close the tab and reopen your Site Manager.
Specific Requirements for Different Store Types
Art Print Store: - File Types: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PDF - File Size: Up to 100 MB - Resolution: Up to 200 MP - File Types: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PDF - File Size: Up to 100 MB - Resolution: Up to 200 MP
Standard Store: - File Types: JPEG, PNG - File Size: Up to 25 MB - Resolution: Up to 50 MP
FAQs for Edge Cases
Why does my upload get stuck at 100%?
Check for special characters in the file name.
Verify the file size and resolution meet the platform’s limits.
Why does the upload process fail to start?
Ensure the file name does not include special characters.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can resolve most image upload issues on Art Storefronts. If problems persist, consider reaching out to customer support for further assistance.
Upload Stuck Despite Valid File and Name
If your file name is clean and the file is within size and resolution limits, but the upload still hangs indefinitely, try these additional steps:
Refresh the page and try re-uploading — do not leave the tab idle during upload.
Switch to a wired internet connection if possible; unstable Wi-Fi can stall uploads mid-process.
Try uploading a single file at a time rather than in batches.
If the upload bar reaches 100% but the file never appears, close and reopen Site Manager and check your image library — the file may have uploaded successfully despite the stalled progress indicator.
If the issue persists across browsers and devices, contact our support team directly from this chat for further investigation.
Uploaded Content Not Appearing on Your Live Site
If you have uploaded an image or text and it is not visible on your live site, a common cause is a formatting conflict — for example, white-coloured text on a white background. To diagnose:
In your Site Manager editor, select the text or element in question and check its colour setting.
Change the text colour to a contrasting colour (e.g., black or dark grey) and save.
Clear your browser cache and reload the live site to confirm the element is now visible.