Help Center: Catalog

Adding Images

Quick Navigation: Additional None Color Concurrent Decorated Cropping Insets Alteration Preferences Quality Size Source Sets FAQ


Images may be added for both pending and existing items with the Add Image form. Only one image may be submitted at a time and submission of additional images will delete any pending images. Detailed guidelines for adding images are listed below.

Additional Images
Additional images that show important details not visible in the main image are submitted the same way as regular images. A brief note should be submitted with the image mentioning its intended use as an additional image. Additional images should adhere to the same guidelines used for regular images.
^ Back to Top
Approval of Catalog Entries Without Images
BrickLink typically does not approve catalog entries without an image. However, we sometimes do approve items without images for the purpose of completing another item's inventory or for the purpose of ensuring that all items in a series are added correctly. Items other than sets submitted without an accompanying image are usually allowed to remain pending for one month before being removed.
^ Back to Top
Changing Color for Current Images
BrickLink can change the color of an image. If an image in the catalog is assigned to the wrong color, then alert us by posting to the Catalog Requests topic in the discussion forum.
^ Back to Top
Concurrent Item and Image Submissions
An image should be submitted as soon as possible after item submission because images are necessary for evaluating item approval. Images may be submitted for any item pending approval, regardless of who submitted the item.
^ Back to Top
Decorated vs. Plain Items
Images of items with patterns should not be submitted for an undecorated (plain) catalog entry. If the item does not already have a catalog entry, then a new entry must be submitted before submitting an image.
^ Back to Top
Image Cropping
Images should be cropped to remove excess background space around the item. A comfortable amount of space should remain between the item and the image edge, but not so much that the item appears unnaturally small when viewed at thumbnail size. Official LEGO part renders typically need to be modified for optimal use in our system.
^ Back to Top
Image Insets and other Multiview Formats
An inset image means placing a smaller picture within a larger one to further identify an item. Inset images are particularly useful with minifigures for which the head is either dual-sided or obstructed by headgear. Inset images should not cover any portion of the main image.

Images showing multiple views of a single part are often used to show a part more completely or help distinguish variants. These should be submitted as additional images and not as main images.
^ Back to Top
Image Alteration
Photographs with major alterations are not acceptable for use in the BrickLink catalog. Examples of such alterations are the creation of multiple colors from a single original color, replacement of image features, and transposition or removal of stickers or printed patterns. Permitted alterations are background or shadow removal, feature removal, and basic color correction.
^ Back to Top
Image Preferences
BrickLink accepts any accurate image of decent quality when no image exists, but certain preferences are exercised when choosing to replace an image or move it to a different position. Larger images are preferable to smaller images of similar quality and existing images are typically only replaced when the replacement shows a significant improvement in quality or size. For specific items:

  • Parts - Renders are preferred.
  • Parts, Default Catalog Image - Professional-grade photos are preferred.
  • Parts, Patterned - Photos are preferred.
  • Parts, Variants - Photos are preferred, except for the current version of a variant group.
  • Parts, Unusual Color Types - Photos are preferred for all non-standard colors such as transparent, chrome, etc. and rare (non-inventoried) colors.
  • Minifigures - Photos are preferred.
  • Literature - Scans are preferred for instruction booklets, catalogs, and other printed literature.
  • Sets and Original Boxes - Official LEGO images are preferred.
  • Sticker Sheets - Scans are preferred.
  • Sticker Sheets, Mirrored and Reflective - Photos are preferred.
^ Back to Top
Image Quality
BrickLink prefers images of the highest possible quality. Guidelines for creating such images are:

  • Image should have a transparent or white background and not be photographed on a baseplate or other brick background.
  • Image should be clear and sharp, not blurry.
  • Aspect ratio, meaning the ratio of width to height, should be properly maintained when resizing images to avoid stretching or compression.
^ Back to Top
Image Size and Format
Images may be uploaded in .png, .gif or .jpg formats. The minimum and maximum image size restrictions (width x height) are:

  • Minimum: Minifigures - 120 x 160
  • Minimum: All Other Item Types - 160 x 120
  • Max: Minifigures - 600 x 800
  • Max: Sets, Instructions, and Original Boxes - 1600 x 1200
  • Max: All Other Item Types - 800 x 600

For parts with any dimension over 15 studs, books that contain parts, or posters and other literature larger than A4/letter size, the image size restrictions may be bypassed by following these steps:

  1. Upload any regular-size image.
  2. Click the Edit button and add the oversize image (any size up to 1600 x 1200) in the Upload field.
  3. Click the Save button.
  4. Include a note saying that the image is oversize.
  5. Click the Upload Image! button.
^ Back to Top
Image Sources and Crediting Contributors
For Parts and Gear item types, the default image may not be the image for which credit is given on the catalog entry. This can happen if an image is selected for display from among those available that was not the first image for the item.

If an image you upload is an original scan or photo, then you will receive catalog credit for adding it. If the image is later identified as originating or deriving from somewhere else or is another person's image, then credit for the image may be replaced. Images from official LEGO websites are acceptable for use and will be credited to you. You may lose image credit if your image is replaced by one from another member.
^ Back to Top
Set Images, Original Box Images, and Instructions Images
Set, Original Box, and Instructions item types are related in BrickLink's catalog design, but each entry has its own images. Images must be uploaded specifically for each item type and these three item types can be individually selected on the Add Image form.

An image of an original box should ideally be an image of just the box without the contents, but exceptions are occasionally made.
^ Back to Top
Troubleshooting/FAQ
Are there onsite tools for image processing?
Yes, we have tools for image processing. Once you have chosen an image to upload and it is initially accepted by the system, then you have the option to perform some basic editing operations. Click the Edit button on the lower left corner of the image to use our editing features. Available operations include crop, rotate, sharpen, brightness, and contrast. Click the Save button once you have finished editing the image and then complete the upload process.

Was my image resized when it was approved?
Your image may have been cropped, but it was likely not resized. For images approaching the upper size restrictions the BrickLink system automatically creates a display version somewhat smaller than the original to help with issues of uniformity. To view your image at original size select the image on the catalog detail page and click again to magnify the image.

Where did my uploaded image go?
BrickLink typically notifies contributors when photos are not approved. If your image is no longer pending approval, check the Newest Images log to see if it was approved. You can filter and sort the log to narrow the search for your image. If it was approved as an additional image, then it will show up in the scrolling panel on the left side of the catalog detail page image viewer for that item. If you can’t find it in either of those two places, then the image may have been lost and will need to be uploaded again.

Why am I getting an error message about the file type or size?
The BrickLink system does not convert file types, nor does it provide a means to resize images to conform to the site's upload requirements. If you have trouble uploading your image, there are free downloads available on other sites such as Irfanview that are excellent tools for resizing and file conversion.

What if an official LEGO image is inaccurate?
If an official image does not accurately display an item, such as when a set image shows parts that didn't come with the set, then the image should be replaced with an accurate official image when available. If no accurate image is available, the image may either be replaced by a user image or an additional note may be added explaining the inaccuracy. Official LEGO images should not, however, be edited to add or remove items from the image for the sake of accuracy.

What if I have additional questions about images?
For additional help with uploading images or answers to further questions, contact a Catalog Administrator.
^ Back to Top
View a translated version of this help topic in:
Deutsch | Nederlands | Svenska
This document was last updated on Aug 28, 2023 11:49 by Admin_Russell