Step 1 — What are you selling?
Etsy's photo and guide rules change by listing type, so the checklist adapts to your answer.
Step 2 — Answer about this listing
Answer every question. "Not sure" counts as "No" — check before you publish.
1. Was any AI used to create this item, its images, or its listing text? AI art is allowed on Etsy with disclosure. Answering honestly is what keeps you safe.
2. Does the listing description include an honest sentence saying AI was used? Example: "This print was created from my own prompts with an AI image generator, then colour-corrected and arranged by hand."
3. Is "How it's made" set truthfully? (Seller-prompted AI work belongs under "Designed by a seller".) Never present AI-generated work as handmade or entirely your own creation.
4. Was this listing created entirely by a bot, with no human involvement? Bot-generated listings are removed, and the shop itself can be removed.
5. Are you selling AI prompt bundles on their own? Selling prompt bundles separately from finished artwork is banned.
6. Does the listing include at least one completely unedited photo of the real item on a real background? No cropping, resizing, lighting changes, colour changes or background swaps on this one photo.
7. Is the first photo the clearest, most realistic one? The first photo is what buyers see in search. Etsy recommends it be the real, unedited photo.
8. Do any edited photos make the item look different, better than reality, or hide a flaw? Editing for lighting, colour, cropping or background is allowed — misrepresenting the item is not, and buyers can claim a refund.
9. Is this guide 100% your own original work — not generated by AI? Since 22 October 2026, AI-generated functional guides (patterns, recipes, instructions) are banned on Etsy.
10. Do you show a real photo of a finished result made by following your guide? An AI-generated or simulated example does not count. Buyers must see what the guide really produces.
11. Does the listing show a visual preview or excerpt of exactly what the buyer will receive? Digital downloads with a visual must preview the real files, not a different or simulated version.
12. Is the mockup one you are authorised to use? Print-on-demand listings may use a stock mockup only when its owner authorised that use.
13. Do you show real photos of finished pieces you made before? Custom and made-to-order listings need real photos of your earlier finished work.
Step 3 — Disclosure wording (copy & paste)
Tick what applies. The text updates itself. Paste it into your listing description.