---
title: Shutterstock
description: Instructions on how to use Shutterstock to source and download licensed images for design projects.
---

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# Shutterstock

## Instructions on how to use Shutterstock to source and download licensed images for design projects.

Last edited by Mireia on 16th June 2026

### What is Shutterstock?

Shutterstock ([https://www.shutterstock.com](https://www.shutterstock.com)) is a stock image platform where we can search for and legally download photos and graphics to use in our design projects. It provides a large library of licensed content that can be used safely in our designs.

### How do I access Shutterstock?

StoryTerrace has a shared account:

- **Username:** StoryTerrace
- **Password:** Check with management, do not share login details with anyone outside StoryTerrace.

### What is the process for using Shutterstock images?

Follow these steps when a Shutterstock image is needed for a design project:

**STEP 1 — Designer browses and selects**

The designer browses Shutterstock and provides the **image code** for the image they want to use. They should do this at the low-res concept stage, before final approval.

**STEP 2 — Low-res sign-off first**

Do not download the full-resolution image until the low-res version has been **signed off by both the editor and the client**.

**STEP 3 — PE downloads the image**

Once approved, the PE logs into Shutterstock and downloads the full-resolution image using the image code provided by the designer.

**STEP 4 — Save to the shared Drive folder**

Save the downloaded image to the correct folder in Drive, organised by image type: [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1z\_pAqteH-ogdK8vOHHAvc-Dt0J6BU00q](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1z_pAqteH-ogdK8vOHHAvc-Dt0J6BU00q)

### What licence does Shutterstock use?

Shutterstock images are available under a **Standard License**, which allows use in print publications including book covers, with up to 500,000 copies. For projects that exceed this print run or require additional freedoms, an **Enhanced License** is required, which covers unlimited copies.

*Note: Images marked "Editorial Use Only" cannot be used on book covers or in commercial contexts. Always check the licence type before downloading.*

### Who downloads Shutterstock images — the designer or the PE?

The **PE or internal designer downloads the images**, no external typesetter or designer should be requested to do this. This ensures that the licence is held under the StoryTerrace account and not an individual designer's personal account, which would create licensing issues, particularly for self-publishing clients where proof of licence may be required by Amazon or IngramSpark.

### Are there any rules I should follow?

- Only download images once the low-res has been approved by both the editor and the client.
- Always save downloaded images to the shared Drive folder, organised by image type.
- Do not share the Shutterstock login details with anyone outside StoryTerrace.
- Do not download images using a personal or designer account, always use the StoryTerrace account to ensure correct licensing.
- Check that images are not marked "Editorial Use Only" before using them on covers or in commercial contexts.

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