I have deleted the original file, now someone please help me with this.

Forum|Forum|9 months ago
July 4, 2025
3 replies
453 views

Hello, can someone please help me with a problem?

I uploaded several photos to Adobe Stock, but unfortunately, the original (unedited) versions of those photos have been permanently deleted from my device. I only have the edited versions now.

If Adobe ever needs the original files for verification or copyright purposes, I won’t be able to provide them.

What should I do in this situation? Is there any solution or advice you can offer regarding this issue?

Thank you in advance.

Fotolia

Jill_C

Community Expert

Adobe Stock is not a file storage site. You must have your down file backup system in place, preferably one local copy and one stored in the cloud.

Jill C., Forum Volunteer

G

Golden PhotographerAuthor

Known Participant

Thank you very much for your response, Jill. I truly appreciate your input.

However, I believe there may have been a slight misunderstanding.

I fully understand that Adobe Stock is not a file storage platform, and I have never used it as one.

My question was specifically about the fact that —

I accidentally deleted the original (unedited) versions of my images from my own device.

Fortunately, I still have the final edited versions, which I have already submitted to Adobe Stock and other marketplaces.

I just wanted to know —

In the future, if Adobe or any other platform asks for the original files for copyright verification, and I only have the edited versions, will that be a problem?

Thanks again for supporting and guiding contributors like me. 😊

Jill_C

Community Expert

The edited copy is sufficient proof. You don't technically need to keep the RAW, unedited version though I always do so in case I decide to re-edit it.

Jill C., Forum Volunteer

daniellei4510

Community Expert

No, there is nothing you can do. Be thankful you have the edited versions. That, it seems, would be the proof you need.

Adobe Community Expert | If you can't fix it, hide it; if you can't hide it, delete it.

G

Golden PhotographerAuthor

Known Participant

Thanks again for your helpful reply! I have a follow-up question:

You mentioned that having the edited version of the image may serve as proof if the original is lost.

In that case, do Adobe Stock or other marketplaces officially accept an edited image as valid proof in situations like copyright or content verification?

Also, should I make sure that the edited file includes proper metadata, such as the original date, time, or any other relevant information to support its authenticity?

And one more thing —

Can I be 100% sure that if any issue arises in the future, the edited version alone will be fully acceptable as proof, even if I no longer have the original file?

In fact, I have already lost many of my original (unedited) files, and now I only have the final edited versions that were submitted to Adobe Stock and other platforms.

I just want to be well-prepared and avoid any issues down the line.

Thanks again for your support and

guidance. 😊

daniellei4510

Community Expert

Since I've never had this issue, I can't answer your questions with full certainty, but I still think your originals would be sufficient proof. And in my more than two years as a contributor, I've not personally seen any issues where someone was required to provide the edited versions as proof of ownership.

Adobe Community Expert | If you can't fix it, hide it; if you can't hide it, delete it.