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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Image Quality | |||||||||||||||
BrickLink prefers images of the highest possible quality. Guidelines for creating such images are:
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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:
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:
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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 ^ Back to Top |