What is the AI Image Policy?

This policy explains when you can use edited images and AI visualisations on Catawiki.

An AI visualisation is an AI-generated image, AI-enhanced image or staging visualisation used to illustrate the actual object.

The main rule is simple: your images must accurately show the actual object and must not be misleading.

This policy applies to all images uploaded in relation to an object, including photographs, edited images, AI visualisations and any documents or files used to demonstrate authenticity or provenance.

This policy applies to images used in all listings, including listings for AI-generated art. Separate AI Art submission guidelines set additional rules for offering AI-generated art.

1. Main image & minimum evidence

Main image requirements

The main image may be either an original photograph of the actual object or an AI visualisation, provided it:

• is based on photographs of the actual object;
• accurately represents the object;
• is clearly identified as an AI Visualisation; and
• is supported by original photographs of the actual object.

Minimum evidence

Listings must include the original photographs required by the applicable category-specific submission guidelines. AI visualisations may supplement, but never replace, those photographs. Original photographs and the listing details remain the information buyers should use to assess the object. 

The original photographs must show:

• the full object;
• any visible defects or wear; and
• any relevant authenticity markers, such as hallmarks, signatures or certificates.

Additional photographs or supporting documents may be requested where needed.

The required minimum evidence may differ per category. Please refer to the applicable category-specific submission guidelines.

2. Editing and AI Use

Permitted

Images may include basic technical edits, such as cropping, straightening, neutral lighting or exposure correction, white-balance correction and background replacement.

These edits are allowed as long as they do not improve the object's appearance, reduce the visibility of wear, damage or other condition details, or otherwise change how the object appears in real life.

AI visualisations may be used to illustrate how the object would look, for example by showing a work of art on a wall in an AI-generated room or a piece of clothing on an AI-generated model. They are allowed as long as they are based on the actual object and do not alter or improve the object's dimensions, characteristics, condition, colour or overall appearance.

Prohibited

To ensure buyers receive an accurate representation of the object, you must not:

• Hide, remove, repair or reduce the visibility of defects, wear, chips, fractures, discolouration or other damage;
• Change colour, clarity, texture, proportions, scale, silhouette or material, or otherwise improve the object's appearance in a way that misrepresents it;
• Enhance or alter the object so that it appears newer, more complete or in better condition than it really is;
• Add or remove parts, accessories, labels or markings that misrepresent the object;
• Present an AI visualisation as an original photograph of the actual object;
• Alter or manipulate authenticity or provenance evidence, including certificates, grading reports, invoices, serial numbers, hallmarks, signatures, warranty cards, labels, brand markings or packaging;
• Generate portraits or depictions of identifiable individuals, whether living or deceased, without the explicit written consent of the individual or their rightful representatives;
• Use photographs, images, source material or other content in an AI visualisation unless you own it or have the necessary rights or permissions to use it.

Authenticity or provenance evidence must always be photographed exactly as it exists in real life.

3. AI transparency and responsible use

AI visualisations and enhancements must be clearly labelled so buyers can tell that they are not original photographs. When you upload an AI visualisation, you must identify it as such and disclose its use in the object description. If an AI visualisation is used as the main image, it must be clearly labelled as an AI visualisation with a label, pictogram or other marker displayed with that image on the object page. We may also apply or require a label, pictogram or other marker for other AI visualisations.

You must not remove, obscure or present an AI visualisation as an original photograph.

4. Seller responsibility

You are responsible for ensuring that all images and listing details are accurate, complete and comply with this policy. Using AI tools does not limit or transfer this responsibility.

• Keep original photographs: Keep the original, unedited photographs of your object and provide them to us on reasonable request. We may need them to verify that an AI visualisation accurately reflects the object.
• Reversibility: Ensure that any AI-assisted edits can be reverted. You remain responsible for the accuracy of the final image; if an AI tool introduces features not present on the actual object, you must correct or remove the image immediately.
• Check your AI visualisations: Before uploading an AI visualisation, check that it does not misrepresent the object’s textures, dimensions, markings, condition or other characteristics. If an AI tool adds features that are not present on the actual object, or makes the object appear to be in better condition, you must correct or remove the image.

We may make limited technical adjustments for presentation purposes. These do not change your responsibility for the listing or object, and do not amount to a verification or guarantee by us. We may ask you for additional information, disclosures or records where needed. 

5. What happens if your images do not comply

Catawiki may remove or ask you to update images or listings that do not comply with this policy and may apply account-level measures in accordance with our Terms of Use.

We recommend keeping the original photographs of your object. If needed, we may ask you to provide original images, supporting documents or other information to verify compliance with this policy.

6. Role of experts

Our experts review and select listings to support quality and consistency across the platform.

As part of this process, we may make small technical adjustments to your images, such as reordering them or improving formatting. We may also select a different image as the main image if this better represents the object or improves the presentation of the listing.

These changes are limited to presentation and do not alter the object or how it appears. If your images are unclear, incomplete or misleading, we may ask you to upload new ones.

Our review or any technical adjustment we make does not guarantee an object’s authenticity, condition, quality or compliance, and does not change the seller’s responsibility for the listing or object.

Last updated: 14 August 2026