TheTVDB Art Cut Explained: Formats, Sizes, and Submission Rules

Troubleshooting TheTVDB Art Cut: Common Issues and Fixes

When artwork uploaded to TheTVDB doesn’t display correctly or is rejected, the problem often lies in file format, dimensions, metadata, or submission steps. This guide lists common issues with TheTVDB Art Cut and clear fixes you can apply.

1. Image rejected or upload fails

• Cause: Unsupported file type or corrupted file.
• Fix: Use PNG or JPEG. Re-export the artwork from an image editor (Photoshop/GIMP) and ensure no interlaced/ progressive options that may cause compatibility problems. Check file size — keep it under TheTVDB limits (re-export with moderate quality if needed).

2. Image displays with wrong aspect ratio or is stretched

• Cause: Incorrect dimensions or aspect ratio for the target artwork slot. TheTVDB expects specific sizes for banners, posters, thumbs, and art cuts.
• Fix: Resize the image to match the required aspect ratio before uploading. Common targets:
  • Poster (key art): tall (e.g., 1000×1500-like ratios)
  • Banner/hero: wide (e.g., 1920×1080-like ratios)
  • Art Cut/thumbnail: square or specific site-defined crop If exact pixel specs are provided by TheTVDB for “Art Cut,” crop to those dimensions. Always preserve aspect ratio and avoid forcing stretch—use letterboxing/pillarboxing if necessary.

3. Important content gets cropped out after upload

• Cause: TheTVDB or client apps apply crop centers or automatic thumbnails that cut edges.
• Fix: Keep important elements (faces, titles, logos) centered in a safe zone — avoid placing them near edges. Create multiple versions with safe margins, or upload an alternate crop aligned to expected focal points.

4. Image appears low quality or blurry

• Cause: Excessive compression during export, small source resolution, or aggressive client-side scaling.
• Fix: Export at higher resolution and quality (less compression), use lossless PNG for sharp graphics, and provide images at or above recommended dimensions so clients downscale instead of upscaling.

5. Metadata or language mismatch on submission

• Cause: Wrong language tag, show/episode ID mismatch, or incorrect artwork type selected.
• Fix: Verify you selected the correct series/episode and language on the submission form. Double-check the artwork type (e.g., “art cut” vs “poster”) and include accurate season/episode associations if required.

6. New upload not appearing on site or in apps

• Cause: Caching, moderation queue, or API sync delay.
• Fix: Wait for moderation approval if the site uses it. Clear local app caches or force a refresh in client applications. If using TheTVDB API, check for sync intervals and re-request metadata updates.

7. Copyright or content rejection

• Cause: Uploaded art violates copyright or contains disallowed content (watermarks/advertising).
• Fix: Only upload artwork you have rights to or that is explicitly allowed (fan art policies vary). Remove watermarks, logos, or promotional text that might trigger rejection. When in doubt, create original art or obtain permission.

8. Transparency or color issues

• Cause: PNG transparency not supported in some slots or colors shift due to color profile embedding.
• Fix: Flatten transparent areas onto a neutral background if transparency is problematic. Export images with sRGB color profile and avoid embedding unusual ICC profiles.

Quick checklist before uploading

1. Format: PNG or JPEG.
2. Resolution: At or above recommended dimensions.
3. Aspect ratio: Match slot requirements; keep focal elements centered.
4. Quality: Moderate compression; use lossless for crisp graphics.
5. Metadata: Correct series/episode, language, and artwork type.
6. Rights: Ensure you have permission to upload.

If issues persist after these steps, check TheTVDB’s help pages or community forums for any recent changes to artwork requirements or site bugs.