Guide + free check · Etsy · checked 11 Nov 2026

Etsy's new photo and AI rules: what each listing needs

ASTRALX Studio · AI-assisted research, human-checked

Etsy announced stricter listing image and AI rules on 22 October 2026 and revised them on 7 November 2026. Most listings now need at least one unedited photo of the actual item against a real background, and AI-generated patterns, recipes and instructions are banned. Etsy says proactive enforcement starts in early 2027, with notice first, and no grace period has been announced for existing listings.

Check one listing

The rules in plain words

• One unedited photo. Allowed on it: cropping, resizing, a watermark, a new file format. Not allowed: lighting, exposure or colour changes, AI edits, or anything that hides flaws. It doesn't have to be the first photo, and one per listing is enough even with variations.
• Other photos can be edited, including with AI, as long as they show the item's true colour, condition, scale and materials.
• Patterns, recipes and instructions must be your own work and show a real photo of a finished result. Grid-based patterns may use digital previews or chart excerpts.
• AI-made products must be disclosed and can't be presented as handmade. Mass-automated listings without individual human input are banned.
• Exceptions: print-on-demand may use authorised stock mockups; most digital downloads need a visual preview or excerpt; custom items should show real past work.
• Enforcement: upload warnings when AI images are detected, more removals, refunds on "not as described" cases, and shop removal for repeat violations. Appeals go through the Policy Violations page in Shop Manager.

Fix a shop in an afternoon

1. Export or list every active listing and its type.
2. Run each through the check above; mark pass or fix.
3. Retake the unedited photo for every "fix" listing: real item, real background, daylight, no filters.
4. Add a one-line note in the description if other images were edited, and the AI disclosure where AI made the design.
5. Keep your original photo files in case Etsy asks.

Want every listing checked for you, with the exact fix per listing? Ask for an Etsy listing check. From $30 for up to 25 listings ($60 up to 100, $120 up to 250), every listing marked pass or fix with the exact fix, in 2 working days. Paid by PayPal invoice.

Sources

• Etsy Help: Requirements and best practices for images in your Etsy shop
• Value Added Resource: Etsy bans AI-generated patterns, tightens listing photo rules (incl. 7 Nov revision)

Not affiliated with Etsy. Not legal advice. Rules change; check Etsy's policy pages before acting.