Technical requirements for photos, videos, and graphics

Last updated: 3 months ago

To ensure high quality and usability, Cathopic has specific technical requirements for all uploaded content. Here are the detailed specifications.

Photo requirements

File formats accepted:

  • JPG/JPEG only

  • RGB color space

  • sRGB color profile recommended

File size:

  • Minimum: 4 MB (verified by system)

  • Recommended: 10-30 MB for optimal quality

  • No explicit maximum (server limits apply)

Resolution:

  • Recommended (not enforced): 3000+ pixels on shortest side

  • 4000+ pixels ideal for large print use

  • High resolution suitable for print use

  • Recommended (not enforced): 300 DPI for print quality

Quality standards:

  • Sharp focus on main subject

  • Proper exposure without blown highlights or blocked shadows

  • Accurate white balance and color

  • Minimal noise unless artistic intent

  • No visible compression artifacts

  • Professional composition

Video requirements

File formats accepted:

  • MP4 (H.264 codec)

  • MOV (QuickTime)

File size:

  • Minimum: 15 MB (verified by system)

  • Maximum: 2 GB

  • Recommended: Optimize for quality while staying under 500 MB

Resolution and quality:

  • Minimum: HD 1920x1080 (1080p)

  • Recommended: 4K 3840x2160

  • Fake 4K accepted (upscaled HD)

  • Maintain aspect ratio (16:9 standard)

Duration:

  • Recommended: 10-20 seconds

  • Minimum: 5 seconds

  • Maximum: 60 seconds

  • Loopable clips preferred

Technical standards:

  • Stable footage (use tripod or stabilization)

  • Smooth motion

  • Proper exposure throughout

  • Clean audio or no audio

  • No visible artifacts or glitches

  • Consistent color grading

Graphics and illustrations requirements

File formats accepted:

  • AI (Adobe Illustrator)

  • EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

  • PSD (Adobe Photoshop)

  • SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

  • PDF (for vector graphics)

  • FIG (Figma)

  • SKETCH (Sketch)

File size:

  • Minimum: 4 MB (verified by system)

  • Maximum: 2 GB

  • Keep files optimized but high quality

Quality standards:

  • Vector format preferred for scalability

  • Layered source files (PSD, AI) required

  • High-resolution raster elements (300+ DPI)

  • Clean paths and anchor points

  • Organized layers and groups

  • Editable text when applicable

Design specifications:

  • Professional, polished appearance

  • Appropriate resolution for intended use

  • Consistent styling and typography

  • Catholic-appropriate design aesthetic

  • Clear subject and purpose

Common technical issues to avoid

Photos:

  • Soft focus or blur

  • Excessive noise/grain

  • Poor exposure

  • Low resolution

  • Compression artifacts

  • Incorrect color space (CMYK)

Videos:

  • Camera shake

  • Inconsistent exposure

  • Audio issues

  • Low resolution

  • Encoding artifacts

  • Incorrect aspect ratio

Graphics:

  • Low-resolution raster elements

  • Unorganized layers

  • Flattened files without editability

  • Pixelation when scaled

  • Poor typography

  • Missing fonts or links

Metadata embedded in files

If your files contain IPTC/XMP metadata, Cathopic will attempt to read:

  • Title

  • Description

  • Keywords

  • Location information

  • Copyright information

This metadata can pre-fill upload fields, saving you time.

Preparing files for upload

Best practices:

  • Export at highest quality settings

  • Use appropriate color profiles (sRGB for web)

  • Optimize file size without sacrificing quality

  • Embed copyright information

  • Add IPTC keywords if possible

  • Test files before uploading

Quality over quantity

Remember:

  • Meeting minimum specs doesn't guarantee acceptance

  • Content must also be well-composed and Catholic-relevant

  • Higher technical quality = better chance of approval

  • Users prefer premium quality content

For complete technical guidelines, see our upload requirements guide.

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