Hi Adobe Stock Contributors,I recently submitted two abstract gradient background images to Adobe Stock, and both were rejected with the reason “Missing Generative AI Flag.”However, these two images were created manually in Adobe Photoshop. I did not generate them using an AI image-generation tool.The images are simple abstract gradient backgrounds with vertical striped/blurred effects. I created the artwork myself in Photoshop using standard editing/design tools.The rejection message says:“During our review, we found that it is likely to be generated by AI not labelled as such.”This is confusing to me because I did not use AI image generation to create these files. My questions are:Can Adobe Stock automatically detect an image as AI-generated even when it was created manually in Photoshop? Could certain Photoshop features, filters, effects, or processing techniques trigger the “Missing Generative AI Flag” review? If I did not use any generative AI features, should I still mark the submission as Generative AI? Is there a recommended way to submit manually created Photoshop artwork like this without it being incorrectly flagged as AI-generated? I would really appreciate any clarification from Adobe staff or experienced contributors.I have attached the screenshot showing the rejection notice and the two submitted images for reference.Thank you!

Participant

Question

Rejected for “Missing Generative AI Flag” even though the images were created in Adobe Photoshop

Forum|Forum|23 hours ago
September 2, 2026
13 replies
60 views

Hi Adobe Stock Contributors,

I recently submitted two abstract gradient background images to Adobe Stock, and both were rejected with the reason “Missing Generative AI Flag.”

However, these two images were created manually in Adobe Photoshop. I did not generate them using an AI image-generation tool.

The images are simple abstract gradient backgrounds with vertical striped/blurred effects. I created the artwork myself in Photoshop using standard editing/design tools.

The rejection message says:

“During our review, we found that it is likely to be generated by AI not labelled as such.”

This is confusing to me because I did not use AI image generation to create these files.

My questions are:

Can Adobe Stock automatically detect an image as AI-generated even when it was created manually in Photoshop?
Could certain Photoshop features, filters, effects, or processing techniques trigger the “Missing Generative AI Flag” review?
If I did not use any generative AI features, should I still mark the submission as Generative AI?
Is there a recommended way to submit manually created Photoshop artwork like this without it being incorrectly flagged as AI-generated?

I would really appreciate any clarification from Adobe staff or experienced contributors.

I have attached the screenshot showing the rejection notice and the two submitted images for reference.

Thank you!

RALPH_L

Community Expert

Appeal!
How to appeal a false rejection of "Missing Generative AI Flag." | Community

R

Rainsunn

Participant

Yes, me too—although I applied the texture effect manually using spray paint.

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

You have two options:

Check the GenAI box on upload.
Or resubmit with a signed Property Release by you as the artist who created the content.

https://contributor.stock.adobe.com/static/releases/property/Releases-en.pdf

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

mamasudhossenAuthor

Participant

Thank you for the suggestions. But I did not use any Generative AI tools, I’m a little hesitant to check the Generative AI box because I want the metadata and declaration to accurately reflect how the content was actually created.

I also created the artwork myself in Photoshop using shapes and gradients, so I’m not sure whether a Property Release would be appropriate for this type of abstract artwork.

I’ll try resubmitting one of the assets as suggested and see what happens. I’ll definitely share the result here. Thank you for your help!

Ma. Masud Hossen

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

Which Photoshop or Illustrator tools did you use?

Did you use any GenAI fill or Firefly?

I ask because AI tools inject traceable metadata into images which identifies it as AI.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

mamasudhossenAuthor

Participant

Thank you for asking. But I did not use any Generative AI, Generative Fill, Firefly, or any other AI-based tool to create these images.

I created them entirely in Photoshop using regular design tools. Basically, I created shapes and applied gradients to those shapes, along with standard Photoshop editing techniques.

That’s why I was surprised to see the “Missing Generative AI Flag” rejection. I’m wondering if something in the Photoshop file’s metadata or processing is causing Adobe’s system to identify it as AI-generated.
I’d really appreciate any insight into what might be triggering the detection.

Ma. Masud Hossen

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

Inspect the file’s metadata in Adobe Bridge.

Or run it through an online AI detection tool.

https://sightengine.com/detect-ai-generated-images

https://www.zerogpt.com/ai-image-detector/

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

ZALEZPHOTO

Legend

Adobe Photoshop has advanced so rapidly, that’s impossible for us to know what is AI driven anymore.

Your questions go to the core of something everyone is asking and today no one knows the answers.

I’m getting batches of photos rejected, then approved a couple of days later without changing anything.

Adobe must be fully aware this is happening and trying to solve it while continuing to crack down on all the contributors that believe they can outsmart Adobe’s algorithms.

Try resubmitting one asset and see what happens.

Let us know how it went

ZALEZPHOTO

mamasudhossenAuthor

Participant

Thank you for sharing your experience. I really appreciate it.

I’ll definitely try resubmitting one of the assets and see what happens. It’s interesting to hear that you’ve also experienced images being rejected and later approved without making any changes.

I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the suggestion!

Ma. Masud Hossen

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

No disrespect intended, but resubmitting an asset without addressing the refusal reason could be viewed by as spamming. I don’t think it’s worth the risk. Refer to my 2 options above.

Good luck.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

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