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Last Updated: March 2nd, 2009
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments or concerns regarding our policies and the FAQs, please click here.
Common Questions
What is Cutcaster?
Cutcaster offers images, stock photos and vector illustrations for use in advertising, publishing, web design or whatever need you may have for our unique content. We are an untapped source of user-generated photos and vector illustrations that can be licensed royalty free. All files at Cutcaster have the required model and property releases, been scoured at 100% for copyright or trademark headaches and reviewed once and most times twice by our experienced photo editors in our review queue.
Cutcaster is also the first dynamic content marketplace that allows sellers to set their prices or choose the Cutcaster pricing algorithm to correctly find the market price. In addition, buyers can purchase content immediately at the listed price using any major credit card, use our simple invoicing system or Cutcaster Credits, which they can purchase in bulk for a discount. If a buyer chooses, they can also name their price by bidding on content, which a seller can quickly accept, reject or re-submit a new offer back to the interested content buyer.
Why choose Cutcaster?
Cutcaster offers the red carpet treatment to all members and spends more time focusing on customer service than any other part of our company. We are nothing without our contributors and customers and serving you is a privilege. When you choose Cutcaster, we make a pledge that you are a name and a face and not a number.
How does Cutcaster work?
It's easy and free. We help those looking for stock photos, unique images or premium vector illustrations to find the most relevant and authentic content in the marketplace today. Buy stock immediately with just two clicks and any major credit card or if a buyer doesn't want to pay the asking price, they can easily submit a bid for the content and name their price. If a buyer can't find what they are looking for, Cutcaster can assist them in finding the most relevant photos and vectors or they can ask the Cutcaster community for the specific content through the ProjectRequest section.
It is easy and profitable to sell stock at Cutcaster as well. Sellers can easily upload content via an http or FTP upload system that extracts IPTC data so uploading is a breeze. We help sellers promote their work in a digital storefront through our unique website tools and marketing campaigns so buyers can find and purchase your photos and vectors. Sellers have the ability to choose how they want to price and license their content, while always remaining in control and the owner of the content they create. In addition, sellers can find freelance work through the clearly specified requests that are made from buyers in the ProjectRequest. Cutcaster is free to use and we only collect a moderate percentage of the selling price for promoting, hosting, costs related to technology and order fulfillment.
Is Cutcaster Free?
Yes. It is FREE to use, search, upload and store as much digital photos, vectors and images as you want as long as it doesn't violate our copyright policy, contributor agreement and you don't violate our Licensing Agreement. Everyone wins. Signing up is easy and we never share your information.
How do I buy images from Cutcaster?
There are five ways you can buy content from Cutcaster. The first is "pay-as-you-go" with any major credit card. The second is sending us an email with the file number and we can invoice you using paypal. The next is purchasing Cutcaster credits which can be bought in bulk and at a discount. In addition, you can register for a corporate account and get invoiced for the content you need. Lastly, you can bid on content and name your price directly with the seller.
If you are interested in purchasing additonal rights to any image at Cutcaster please check out the Cutcaster Extended License options here.
Do I have to bid on content to buy it?
Absolutely not but the feature is there if you want to use it. Every image or vector at Cutcaster has a price set by the seller or our pricing algorithm. You can puchase content using any of the five ways listed above. Bidding is purely optional.
How do I search for images on Cutcaster?
1. Start with basic keywords or a compound phrase, then refine.
2. Enter singular or plural terms. We recognize either.
3. Our system supports Boolean operators like AND and OR so you are free to use them within a search. We do not offer NOT at this time.
4. Click Advanced Search to see a more detailed set of search filters. Check any desired box and find what you are looking for.
How can I filter down results in an advance search at Cutcaster?
Use AND between search terms to find images that contain ALL the words you type. Or just separate words with a space, which will be interpreted the same way. Note: Typing & or + between words also finds images containing all those words.
Use OR between words to find images that contain any of your search words. Note: typing a comma (,) or vertical bar (|) between words also finds images containing any of those words.
Use quotation marks around several terms to find a phrase.If your multi-term search already exists in the Controlled Vocabulary as a phrase, those search results will be returned, with the option available to see other results as well.
For advanced keyword searches, enter a specific keyword in the search area box. Then you can apply any of the search filters in the advanced search before you press Find (such as file types, Categories, Model or Property released or Exclusive to the site).
Search by Members- If you want to take a closer look at a Members portfolio, click off the Members check box and type in the person’s name.
Adult Content - you can set or unset the 'Adult Content Filter' by checking / unchecking the box.
Search by Categories - You can select up to 5 categories that you wish to search by.
How do I set up Cutcaster as a vendor for my company?
Here is the information you may need to set Cutcaster up as a image vendor:
- Company Name : Mezzato Inc. d/b/a Cutcaster
- Company Type : LLC
- Address : 538B Simonds Loop
- City : San Francisco
- State : California
- Zip Code : 94129
- Country : USA
- Telephone number- 215-688-2751
- EIN Number : 20-8063486
To fill out a Credit App for a Cutcaster Corporate account just click on https://www.cutcaster.com/corporate/downloadCreditApp.
I'm interested in selling my content. What do I do?
Please read the agreements for your protection on the site and check out the Desired Content section. After that, start uploading your content. If you have any questions on what you can sell or what we are looking for view the Desired Content section, the top 14 selling categories, smaller and popular photography categories that we need or contact us at content@cutcaster.com.
What is the Cutcaster Algorithm?
Cutcaster's proprietary pricing algorithm takes the work out of determining and maximizing your content's revenue by changing its price to match the demand in the marketplace. All you have to do is set an initial price or allow us and then let the algorithm do the rest - the price of your image and illustrations will then fluctuate based on a set of market variables. Update to the Cutcaster Algorithm.
What are the specs required for uploading images to Cutcaster?
1. The minimum file size should be 1600 x 1200 pixels. When uploading photos, please upload the largest size that you have. We prefer files with at least 2000 x 3000 pixels. RGB JPG format only and the bigger the file sizes the better i.e. 300 dpi 5 x 7. Do not interpolate or upsize your images! Try to shoot in RAW format and then covert to Jpeg before submission to Cutcaster. You images should have little to no sharpening. Images with sRGB color profiles are preferred.
2. You are the owner or represent the copyright holder.
3. When applying for exclusive rates, the content has not previously been represented or sold as royalty-free.
4. Images of models (amateur and professional) are "model released" and content featuring privately owned property are "property released." You have the signed paperwork for the above releases. If not, please indicate that in the "Notes" field on the media details page.
5. We do not accept any file containing:
* Company Logos,
* Trademarks
* Names of companies,
* Names of products
* Logos
* Protected product designs (iphones, trademark computers, rubber duckies etc.).
* Protected forms of transportation (Audi TT, the Segway, Porsche etc.)
* Clearly identifiable clothing
6. Please keyword them appropriately. Do not add extra words that are not relevant to the images. They will be sent back to you at best or declined at worst. This puts of interested buyers and makes a lot more work for our reviewers.
How long is the review process?
Each image is checked individually by our photo reviewers for various requirements such as quality, file type, copyright and size. Every single image has been downloaded and viewed at full size. We check every image exhaustively and is qualitatively reviewed by at least one and most of the times two reviewers. Images are placed into a que and reviewed in most cases within a day or two. There is more information on how Cutcaster reviews images and vectors submissions here.
Can I upload vector illustrations?
Absolutely and we love them.
Vector Illustrations:
Cutcaster accepts vector illustrations in EPS or AI (Adobe Illustrator) format. For vector illustrations, you need to create a preview image in jpeg format from your file and upload this together with your illustration. The minimum size of this preview is 640x640px. Vector files should be compressed in a ZIP archive along with the preview image before uploading.
(Note: Do not place the vector illustration and JPEG preview inside a folder when compressing them into a ZIP archive. Only the vector illustration and JPEG preview should be in the ZIP file.)
How do I upload my content via the FTP?
It's easy, painless and the fastest way to upload a large number of files and extract IPTC/EXIF data at the same time. You can email upload AT cutcaster.com for bulk upload instructions or download a free FTP client such as
1. Filezilla (Free for Windows- Notes- Use "FTP over TLS (explicit encryption)"- If you are working behind a firewall, you want to use the "Passive Mode" in the advanced settings. Use the latest version if possible as older ones don't work as well).
2. Cyberduck (Free for Mac OSX- Notes- select FTP-SSL (FTP over TLS/SSL)" from the top dropdown.
3. Transmit (Free for Mac OSX- Notes- select "FTP with TLS/SSL" in Protocol menu.
Note- In most cases it is needed to use "passive connection" in the FTP client settings. Within the FTP, there is one "control" connection and one "transfer" connection per file. When working from behind a firewall the normal way of doing the transfer connection is generally not possible and the "passive connection" setting fixes that.
If you need more help email upload AT cutcaster.com or you can click on this Upload help link.
What are the rules I have to follow when uploading content?
1. Please remove all potential trademark violations before uploading. That includes logos, brand names and entities with copyright or trademarked elements to trademarked products such as toys, cast sculptures, other elements of design and architecture. We will check each file for copyright and please ask us if there is a question.
2. For images, the bigger the file sizes the better. For example, 300 dpi 5" x 7" is ideal. A lot of the graphic designers that we have spoken to cannot use 640 x 480 images. The minimum file size should be 1600 x 1200 pixels if possible.
3. Enter titles, keywords and descriptions as focused to what is in the content as possible: Be expressive but straightforward and try not to spam as it could turn off interested parties. If you can put down 10 keywords at a minimum you will be off to a great start and remember to try to be as descriptive as possible in the title.
4. If you need help with your keywording, we can help you tweak your words based on our buyer's keyword searching history and what they are interested in licensing. Images or vectors with specific and niche keywords get downloaded the most and are in more search results. Everyone once in a while a misspelling in the keywords will find its way into a buyers lap so you could occasionally try adding misspelled words.
Do I need a model release?
In most cases, Yes. If the images you upload have clearly visible people, you will be required by the site to have a model release form for legal reasons if you are trying to license it under commercial uses. Model releases are simple to understand. Cutcaster provides model releases here.
You will need a parent’s signature or legal guardian if there is a child under the age of 18 years of age in any piece of your content. Model Releases can be uploaded through the site under the submit tab in the upload area. If you are unsure whether you need a model release, please ask.
If you do NOT have a model release and still want to offer the content in the marketplace, please go to the edit media details page by clicking on the little "e" underneath the thumbnail you want to edit in your studio page and write in the "Notes" field on the edit media details page, "No model release available."
Will Cutcaster make all the different frame sizes for me?
Yes, please email content@cutcaster with the ID number found on the media details preview page and what resolution size you need.
Can I see how many views and downloads my content has gotten?
Yes. In your studio, you can click on the tab that says "Statistics" for a complete history of your content.
Who sets the price?
You are in control and can choose. You can set the price or allow the Cutcaster algorithm to fluctuate the contents market price based on variables Cutcaster has chosen to help maximize your return. You can let us set the default price for the algorithm or you are able to choose the start price and still get the benefits of using the algorithm. If you select the algorithm, then Cutcaster retains the right to alter prices to better position the products price in the marketplace. But like we have said, you always retain the copyright and ownership. We just want to help you price your content better and capture as much value as you can.
What happens when someone purchases your content?
Once someone buys your stock images, royalty free photos or vector illustrations, you will recieve email notification and a reciept for the sales will be recorded in your studio under the "Transaction" tab. What the buyers purchases are the royalty free rights to use that piece of content in a certain capacity. For Royalty Free licensed content, there are a number of things you can use the content for. These include using the photos in an advertisement, using it as part of a marketing campaign, a brochure, or part of a cluster of images on his or her website, etc. Please refer to the Content License Agreement for a complete breakdown or the Cutcaster Extended License options for more information.
In general, what can’t a buyer do with the purchased content?
There are some things the Cutcaster license restricts the buyer from doing. Below is a list of things a buyer CANNOT do with purchased content:
- Reselling the content - i.e. photos, images, vectors, graphics, etc.
- Transfer the rights of the content to another person or company
- Buy the piece of content and then transfer its ownership to a friend
- Create a website template using the image and sell the web templates online (only exception is when the buyer purchases the Extended License to your image)
- Edit the image to convey a negative political / sensitive message.
- Use the image as part of a pornographic production.
If there are any questions refer to the Content License Agreement or contact contractagreements@cutcaster.com.
What do you pay to the seller?
CURRENT CUTCASTER ROYALTY RATES: Amount paid to Cutcasters' creators for each piece of content licensed.
EXCLUSIVE ROYALTY RATE (50%): For each piece of content you sell, you will receive 50% of the selling price.
NON-EXCLUSIVE ROYALTY-RATE (40%): For each piece of content you sell, you will receive 40% of the selling price.
What if my work is commissioned and I don't have the legal right to re-sell it?
There are other parts of the site that are right for you. The ProjectRequest section is perfect if you fall into this category. You can still be an active member of the community and respond to clients' ProjectRequest’s posts.
There are members who have signed up with us who do not own work or the right to legally license it to others and they have expressed an interest in using the ProjectRequest. This is a great way to meet new clients and make some extra money. If you don’t have the rights to sell the content, it does not mean you can’t participate and make money at Cutcaster.
How will Cutcaster monitor the content?
Cutcaster uses various mechanisms to make distributing illegal, copyrighted or obscene content more hassle than it is worth. Products in violation of our policy will be removed, and Members who post the products will be blocked. Remember, distributing copyrighted material is an expensive felony. We want to create the most transparent marketplace out there so any ideas you have to make this more transparent please let us know. We also review every piece of content uploaded to Cutcaster to ensure quality and copyright. In addition, we have on each media details page a button to anonymously flag content in possible violation.
How do you deal with sellers who upload illegal or copyrighted content?
Legal Notice: Uploading images, illustrations or artwork that belongs to somebody else, copyright or otherwise, could lead to legal ramifications and result in immediate suspension from the site. No questions asked. In addition, your profile will be placed on our Wall of Shame as a testament for what not to do and you could be reported to third party marketplace sites and our competitors for everyone’s safety. We will also file a complaint with the FBI and www.ic3.gov.
Can a user cancel a purchase while it is downloading?
No. The credit card transaction must be processed to initialize download. Please select carefully.
How do I purchase and download my selected piece of Content?
To buy an image or vector, you need to choose the desired file and add it to your cart. This will take you to the My Cart where you can securely purchase the desired piece of content either with a major credit card, Cutcaster credits or through an invoice. Once you select your payment option and pay for the download, a new page will open up where you can just click on the image and immediately download the hi-res file.
When the content is downloaded, it is not possible to ask for a refund due to the reproducible nature of the downloaded image. On a case by case basis, we reserve the right to re-examine this policy.
LICENSING:
What is the Cutcaster User Agreement?
Click here for the User Agreement. If you have any questions or cannot find what you are looking for please email contractagreements@cutcaster.com.
What is the Cutcaster Contributor Agreement?
Click here for the Contributor Agreement. If you have any questions or can't find what you are looking for please email contractagreements@cutcaster.com.
What is the Cutcaster Content License Agreement?
Click here for the Content License Agreement. If you have any questions or can't find what you are looking for please email contractagreements@cutcaster.com.
What is the Cutcaster Privacy Policy?
Click here for the Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or can't find what you are looking for please email contractagreements@cutcaster.com.
What is "Royalty Free" content?
The term "Royalty Free" can be a bit confusing since Royalty Free licensing is not "free." Royalty Free photos (referred to as "Content") must first be purchased before any usage is permitted. With a Royalty Free license, you are not required to specify how or where you plan to use the Content. Once you've paid for your Royalty Free Content, you are able to use the piece of Content for nearly any purpose. You can also use the Content over and over again because a Royalty Free license has no restrictions on time or re-usage.
With a Cutcaster standard Royalty Free license you are restricted from sharing, selling or storing the Content in any way that makes the Content accessible to others. However, Royalty Free Content can be shared among internal groups with additional seat licensing, allowing companies to build a library of Royalty Free Content to suit their specific creative needs.
How quickly can I receive my content?
All files can be downloaded immediately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We won’t stop working if you don't.
Can I get an Extended License?
If you are interested in Extended Rights licensing, please click here or contact contractagreements@cutcaster.com or call 215-688-2751. There are a number of ways you can expand the scope of usage for your downloaded content (but it will likely cost a bit extra).
BIDDING FAQ – It’s pretty easy!
1. How does bidding work if you’re a buyer?
If you’re a buyer, search for content you need and click on the thumbnail to preview the media details. On the media details page, where you preview the content, you are given two pricing options as a buyer. The first is you can add the media file to your cart and buy the content ala carte and on demand. It' simple, highly secure and quick.
If, however, you think the file’s price is above your budget or should be priced lower, you have the option to click on the yellow, "Place a bid" button (bid for the content) to the right and submit a price directly to the seller, who then immediately receives an email notification of the bid you just made (note the price needs to go out to two decimal places if your price is less than one dollar).
Any bids you’ve placed as a buyer can be found in your My Studio page under "Content I want to Buy" (which is within My Marketplace on the left-hand side). Anytime a seller accepts, declines or re-submits a new price back to you, you will receive an email in real-time to the address you provided during the registration.
Finally, any deals that have been accepted or declined can be found under My Marketplace (Accepted Deals and Declined Deals) for your own reference.
Accepted deals will stay in your Cart for 72 hours and after that become void and must be re-done.
2. How does bidding work if you’re a seller?
When a buyer submits a suggested price to you as the seller, you will receive an email from the Cutcaster website detailing which piece of content has received a new suggested price and what the price was. You can follow the link within the email and go to your My Studio page where you are taken to the "Bids for My Content" section to review the buyer’s proposal. Under the thumbnail of the media file, you will have the option to Accept, Reject, or submit a counter-offer to the buyer.
Accepting a price will alert the buyer of a completed deal and move the thumbnail to your Accepted Deals window. The buyer will then have 72 hours to buy the file or the deal will be void and must be re-done. The buyer is under no obligation to buy the file. Rejecting a proposal will also send an email alerting the buyer, who could then submit a new price. If, however, you decide to negotiate with the buyer and offer a different price, an email will be sent to the buyer and the thumbnail with the negotiated price will be sent to My Response under Bids for my Content. The entire process can continue from there.
It’s important to note that the whole bidding and negotiating process takes place under the My Marketplace section, but the emails will always be there as alerts.
3. How long do bids and counter-offers last?
Bids and counteroffers are only valid up to 72 hours from the time they’re submitted.
4. Can I change a suggested price or cancel a suggested price as a buyer or seller?
Yes. Go to you’re My Marketplace and find the thumbnail of the file you want to decline and you can delete the deal from there. The seller or buyer will be notified of a declined deal by email and can find that in their Declined Deals page. From there you can re-submit a price if you choose.
5. As a seller, does the price of my content change for good, when I accept a bid from a buyer?
Currently, your content’s price will not change unless you go in and manually change it but if you agree to a price with a buyer they will be able to go in and purchase it within 72 hours at that price. Your starting price or the algorithm price will stay the same on the media details window and no one will know you brought your price down.
6. Can I communicate directly with the seller (or buyer) during a bid or counteroffer?
In the My Marketplace section, you can see how you responded and how the other party has responded. This can be seen above the thumbnails of the associated piece of content in red writing. Cutcaster is currently in the process of rolling out site messaging platform, which would enable buyers and sellers to negotiate more directly over pricing and licensing terms. It will then be possible to negotiate extended licenses with buyers.
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments or concerns regarding our policies and the FAQ, please click here.