“The agency rejects my CSV.” Why it happens and how to fix it
You uploaded your files, then the CSV, and the agency refused it or ignored it. Often the cause is a column name, a file name that does not match, or the file type.
Short answer
Check three things first: the column headers are the agency’s own, every file name in the CSV matches an uploaded file exactly (including the extension), and the file is a plain CSV. PhotoTager writes one CSV per agency with that agency’s columns and the file names of your uploads.
What the agencies say
| What | What the agency asks for | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Stock: columns | Required: Filename, Title, Keywords. Optional: Category, Releases. The headers must be exactly the ones in Adobe’s template. | Adobe, “CSV requirements for Adobe Stock” (updated 11 Jun 2026) |
| Adobe Stock: file names and file type | File names must match the uploaded files exactly, including the extension. CSV only, not .xls or .xlsx. At most 5,000 rows and 1 MB per file. | Adobe, “CSV requirements for Adobe Stock” |
| Adobe Stock: title | Plain text, with no commas or special characters. | Adobe, “CSV requirements for Adobe Stock” |
| Shutterstock: columns | Filename, Description, Keywords and Categories are required. Illustration, Mature Content and Editorial (Yes/No) are optional. Upload your files first, then the CSV with the CSV button on the Submit page. | Shutterstock, “How do I include existing metadata with my content submission?” (updated 8 Sep 2026) |
The usual causes
How PhotoTager avoids them
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1
One CSV per agency, with that agency’s columnsAdobe Stock, Shutterstock, iStock & Getty Images (ESP, qHero, DeepMeta) and Alamy each get their own file. Download the one for the agency you are uploading to.
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2
File names come from your uploadsThe file name column holds the name of the file you uploaded, so it matches your originals as long as you do not rename them.
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3
ESP files are written to match ESPESP CSVs are saved as CP1252 with Windows line endings, in the project export and in the batch export. Accented letters such as “ü” are kept, never turned into “?”. A character that CP1252 cannot hold is replaced by its plain letter.
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4
Alamy uses its Image RefPaste Alamy’s list of refs and file names into PhotoTager and the Alamy CSV carries the refs, matched by file name.
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5
Send it to yourselfYou can e-mail a project’s CSV files to any address, 10 sends per 24 hours.
What PhotoTager does not do for you
Get a CSV in the right format
Pick your agency and download a CSV with that agency’s columns. The free tools need no signup.
Questions
Can I upload an Excel file to Adobe Stock?
No. Adobe’s CSV requirements say CSV only, not .xls or .xlsx. Export the sheet as CSV first.
Why does the agency not find my files?
File names in the CSV have to match the uploaded files exactly, including the extension. PhotoTager takes them from the files you uploaded, so do not rename the originals afterwards.
Why does Shutterstock ask me for categories?
Categories is a required column in Shutterstock’s CSV. PhotoTager leaves it blank, so choose your categories when you submit.
Which CSV do I use for iStock & Getty Images?
The one made for your upload tool: ESP, qHero or DeepMeta. The ESP file is saved as CP1252 with Windows line endings.
Do accented letters survive?
Yes. Letters like “ü” are kept, never turned into “?”. In ESP files, a character that CP1252 cannot hold is replaced by its plain letter.