TuneCore Cover Art Requirements + Export Settings: The One-and-Done Guide

Quick Answer / TL;DR

To pass TuneCore's cover art review on your first try, your file must be a perfect square between 1600x1600 and 3000x3000px . It must use RGB color mode and remain under a 10MB file size . Any inclusion of URLs, social handles, or store logos will trigger an immediate rejection .

Introduction: The cost of a "Rejected" status

A failed cover upload on release day is a self-inflicted wound. Worse, you might wake up three days later to a rejection email that puts your entire release timeline at risk . As a creative director, I've seen these technicalities derail marketing campaigns and push back release dates because the "paperwork" wasn't right.

TuneCore is strict because the stores they deliver to—like Spotify and Apple Music—are even more demanding . They operate as high-end digital storefronts and will not allow low-quality or "noisy" visuals to clutter their platform. If your art doesn't meet the mark, stores can delay your release from going live indefinitely until the issues are resolved .

The goal of this guide is to provide the exact export recipes for Photoshop, Canva, and Procreate so you can submit your file once and move on. If you realize your current visuals aren't up to standard, tools like Covermatic are designed to meet these distributor specs out of the gate. Covermatic is a pro cover art generator for musicians that helps you avoid these last-minute bottlenecks by generating release-ready art that fits all format requirements perfectly.

TuneCore cover art requirements: The technical floor

TuneCore's requirements are technical gatekeepers. If your file doesn't hit these markers, it won't even reach a human reviewer—it will be auto-rejected by the system.

• File Format: TuneCore accepts JPG, PNG, or GIF files . For the highest quality, I recommend a high-quality JPG or a PNG to avoid compression artifacts.
• Dimensions: The image must be a perfect square. The minimum size is 1600 x 1600 pixels, and the maximum is 3000 x 3000 pixels . If it's even one pixel off (e.g., 3000 x 2999), the uploader will fail.
• Color Mode: Your art must be in RGB color mode . Even if your art is black and white, it still needs to be saved in an RGB profile . Do not use CMYK, which is strictly for physical printing.
• Resolution: You need a minimum of 72 dpi, though 300 dpi is preferred for professional clarity . While pixel dimensions matter more for digital stores, staying at 300 ensures your file doesn't look "soft."
• File Size: Keep the final export under 10MB . If your file is too large, the system will reject the upload automatically to save server bandwidth.

For a deeper dive on dimensions, see our guide on what is the recommended size for an album cover.

The "Why" behind the specs: Understanding store standards

These rules protect the integrity of the music platforms. When Spotify or Apple Music displays your art, they are resizing it for everything from massive desktop screens to tiny Apple Watch faces.

If your art is blurry or poorly formatted, it makes the entire platform look amateur . This is why they demand high-resolution files and strict color profiles. If you submit a CMYK file, the colors will often look "inverted" or neon on a digital screen, which ruins the artist's intent .

Furthermore, the ban on URLs and social handles is about preventing "spammy" behavior . Stores want the user to stay within their ecosystem; they don't want your cover art acting as a billboard for your Instagram or personal website .

The Export Recipe Book (Photoshop, Canva, Procreate)

Photoshop: The Professional Standard

1. Color Mode: Before you start, ensure `Image > Mode > RGB Color` is checked.
2. Export As: Use `File > Export > Export As...` instead of "Save As" for a cleaner file structure.
3. Format: Choose JPG with a Quality setting of 7 or higher.
4. Color Space: Check "Convert to sRGB" and "Embed Color Profile" . This ensures your colors look consistent across all devices .
5. Dimensions: Manually verify the canvas is set to 3000 x 3000 pixels.

Canva: The Fast Track

1. Dimensions: Always start with a "Custom Size" of 3000 x 3000 pixels rather than a template.
2. Download Settings: Click "Share" then "Download."
3. File Type: Choose PNG for sharp text and icons . If the file exceeds 10MB, switch to JPG and set quality to 80-100% .
4. Avoid Blur: If your download looks blurry despite looking clear in the editor, it's often a compression issue . Re-download at the highest quality setting.

Procreate: The Artist's Choice

1. Canvas Setup: Create a new canvas at 3000 x 3000 px at the start of your project.
2. Color Profile: Select an RGB profile (like sRGB IEC61966-2.1). If you accidentally started in CMYK, copy your layers into a new RGB canvas to maintain color accuracy .
3. Share: Tap the wrench icon > Share > select JPG or PNG for your final export.

Content Violations: The "Invisible" Rejections

Even if your file specs are perfect, TuneCore will reject you for content violations. These are harder to catch because they require a human eye to spot.

• No Contact Info: Do not include websites, emails, or social media handles . Even a small "@" symbol can trigger a manual hold.
• No Store Branding: Never include the "iTunes" logo, "Spotify" logo, or text like "Digital Exclusive" . Stores do not want to cross-promote competitors.
• Pricing and Promotions: Do not include "Only $0.99" or "New Single" text . This is considered temporary marketing and doesn't belong on permanent art.
• Physical References: Avoid terms like "CD," "DVD," or "Disc" . In a digital world, these terms are obsolete and confusing to the metadata.
• Text Layout: Avoid "cut off" text or images that look unintentionally cropped . If the text is too close to the edge, the system may flag it as a layout error.

If your art says "Featuring Artist X" but they aren't listed in your metadata, the release will be flagged for inconsistency . Simplicity is your friend; a clean photo with legible typography is the safest bet for a fast approval.

Action steps: The 10-minute pre-upload scan

Run through this checklist before you hit that final submit button. It takes ten minutes but can save you three days of waiting.

1. Verify the Square: Open your file info and ensure it is exactly 3000 x 3000 or at least 1600 x 1600 .
2. Check for Transparency: Ensure there is no transparency (checkerboard pattern) in your PNG; the background must be fully opaque.
3. The Text Match: Does the Artist Name and Title match exactly what you typed into the TuneCore metadata?
4. Content Scan: Scan every corner for rogue text. Remove URLs, Twitter handles, and "Out Now" stickers .
5. The Zoom Test: Zoom into your file to 100%. Is the text sharp and legible?
6. Resolution Check: Confirm your file is at least 72 dpi (though 300 dpi is the agency standard) .
7. File Naming: Save your file as `ArtistName_ReleaseTitle_Final.jpg` to ensure you don't upload an old draft.
8. RGB Validation: Re-open the file in your viewer and check the color profile one last time .

Common Rejection Triggers & Troubleshooting

1. Mismatching Text and Metadata

If your cover art doesn't match your metadata word-for-word, the release will be held . This is especially common for singles—the art must match the single title, not the upcoming album title .

• *The Fix*: Edit the cover art text or update your TuneCore submission metadata to create a perfect match.

2. Blurry or Low-Resolution Images

TuneCore explicitly states they will not submit blurry or pixelated artwork . This often happens when artists try to upscale a small thumbnail or a screenshot.

• *The Fix*: Use a higher-resolution source image. If you are stuck without a designer, Covermatic can generate high-fidelity, release-ready outputs (up to 5 options per request) that meet these specs instantly .

3. Corrupted Metadata or Encoding Errors

Sometimes a file looks perfect but won't upload due to hidden encoding errors. This usually happens with older versions of Photoshop or free online converters.

• *The Fix*: Re-export the file using a different format. If your JPG failed, try saving it as a PNG and re-uploading .

4. The "Border" Problem

Do not surround a small, non-square image with a giant white border to "force" it into a square . Stores view this as low-quality design.

• *The Fix*: Crop the original image or use a generative fill to expand the background so the artwork fills the entire square intentionally.

Internal linking: Build your release visuals without the design bottleneck

Visuals are the heartbeat of independent marketing, a strategy that was central to Brent Faiyaz's journey. If you are still deciding on a partner for your next release, read our TuneCore Music Distribution Review to see if they fit your workflow.

Managing a release is a massive undertaking, and technical visuals shouldn't be the thing that stops your momentum. Great visuals are a critical component of a professional release.

• Need Professional Art?: Covermatic generates multiple pro cover options in seconds. You can upload up to 10 of your own photos (up to 20MB each) as references to guide the AI's aesthetic . It is the most efficient way to meet distributor requirements without hiring an expensive designer.
• Stuck on a Title?: Use our free Song Name Generator to brainstorm catchier hooks.
• Writer's Block?: Our free Lyric Generator can help you get past the first verse.

FAQ: TuneCore cover art requirements and exports

What are the exact TuneCore cover art requirements for size?

Your file must be a square JPG, PNG, or GIF between 1600 x 1600 and 3000 x 3000 pixels .

Does TuneCore prefer PNG or JPG for uploads?

Both are fully accepted . PNG preserves quality better for art with heavy text, while JPG is the industry standard for photographic covers. If one format gives you an error, try the other .

Should my cover art be RGB or CMYK?

It must always be RGB . Using CMYK will lead to color distortion on screens or cause the TuneCore uploader to fail entirely.

Why was my art rejected if it's the correct 3000x3000px size?

Rejections are usually triggered by content violations like social media handles, blurry source images, or a name that doesn't match your metadata .

Can I put my website or Instagram handle on the cover?

No. TuneCore and the major stores forbid URLs, email addresses, and all forms of contact information .

How do I export the right file from Canva for TuneCore?

Set a custom size of 3000x3000px and download as a PNG or high-quality JPG .

How do I ensure my Photoshop export passes review?

Use the "Export As" function, set JPG quality to 7 or higher, and ensure you check "Convert to sRGB" .

Conclusion: Upload once, then focus on your music

Technical distribution hurdles are a one-time chore that shouldn't drain your creative energy. By following this pre-flight checklist, you ensure that your release day stays on schedule. If you're tired of the manual design struggle, Covermatic helps you bridge the gap between an idea and a release-ready file.

With credit packages starting at just $5 for 5 credits , you can generate spec-compliant art and get back to what matters. Credits update instantly after payment, allowing you to iterate quickly and keep your release plan moving forward without delay. Don't let a "Rejected" status be the reason your fans have to wait.