Release cover artwork: prepare a file that matches the music

Start from the current DistroBolt intake

The verified DistroBolt audio-release form requests square artwork of at least 3000 × 3000 pixels, JPG/JPEG/PNG in RGB, no larger than 10 MB. Check the current form for your release before exporting. These are the verified intake requirements, not a statement that every store or asset type has identical specifications.

Preserve real image quality

• Work from the highest-quality original design rather than enlarging a small web image to pass a pixel check.
• Keep the square composition intentional: inspect crops, edges, text placement and important details.
• Export a file in the requested format and colour mode, then open that exported file to check it.
• Check the file size without repeatedly degrading or resaving the image. Keep the editable source separately.
• Preview it at small display size as well as full size so the visual still works as a release thumbnail.

Understand destination differences

Spotify’s published requirements include a square image, supported file formats and an sRGB colour specification, and explicitly advise against upscaling. Its allowed dimension range does not replace DistroBolt’s stricter intake minimum. When multiple requirements apply, prepare a file that meets the actual delivery flow rather than taking the lowest number from another service’s guide.

Make the artwork and metadata agree

If the design includes artist, release or version text, compare it with the approved metadata. Do not add a featured artist, edition claim or label endorsement that the recording and permissions do not support. Avoid using unrelated platform branding, prices, web addresses or promotional claims as if they were release information. Ask DistroBolt about unclear content before final delivery.

Check the rights in the image

• Identify the photographer, illustrator, designer and any stock assets.
• Retain permissions covering the uses you intend: release packaging, promotion, advertisements or physical editions as relevant.
• Keep required credit wording and any restrictions with the release record.
• Do not assume a commissioned file, an image found online or a software export grants every right in the elements it contains.
• Resolve use of identifiable people, protected artwork or branding with the relevant parties and qualified advice where needed.

A preflight checklist

1. Correct square dimensions and actual resolution; not an enlarged thumbnail.
2. Requested file type, colour mode and file-size limit.
3. Correct spelling and consistency with the approved release metadata.
4. No accidental crop, obsolete draft text, watermark or unintended border from the export.
5. Permissions and credits retained privately, with the approved final filename.

If the artwork is rejected or needs changing

Read the specific correction request and compare it with the exact submitted file. Send the release reference, filename and replacement file through the appropriate process. If the release is already live, use the metadata correction guide rather than uploading a duplicate release. No image checklist guarantees platform acceptance or an instant replacement.

Optional design help

DistroBolt Cover Design is a separately scoped creative service; it is not automatically included in the distribution plan. Confirm the brief, price, materials and revision terms before commissioning. Preparing technically valid artwork also does not remove the need for permission to use it.