Press release images must be in a supported format before you publish. Uploading a WEBP, AVIF, or HEIC file triggers a validation error at the Step 3 preview — convert your image first to avoid a blocked submission.
✅ Accepted Image Formats
Search Atlas accepts the following formats for press release image uploads:
- JPEG / JPG — recommended for photos and product images
- PNG — recommended for logos and graphics that require transparency
- GIF — supported for static or animated images
If your file is saved as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif in its true native format, it will pass validation and upload successfully.
🚫 Blocked Formats: WEBP, AVIF, and HEIC
The following formats are not accepted and will be blocked at Step 3 (Preview) before your press release reaches the distribution network:
- WEBP — a modern web format not supported by all press release distribution systems
- AVIF — a next-generation image format not compatible with the distribution network
- HEIC — the default photo format on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, and Mac)
These formats are blocked to prevent broken or black-background images from appearing in your published press release. The validation check runs at Step 3, so your draft is saved when the error appears.
Go back to Step 2 to replace the flagged image without losing any other press release content, then return to Step 3 to re-run the preview.
⚠️ Mislabeled File Extensions
A file renamed to .jpg or .png but originally saved as WEBP, AVIF, or HEIC will also fail validation. The format check reads the actual file data — not just the file name — so renaming the extension alone does not fix the error. Re-export or convert the image to a truly supported format using the steps below.
🔄 How to Convert an Unsupported Image to JPEG or PNG
Use any of the methods below to convert your image before uploading to your press release.
On Windows
- Open the image in Paint or Photos.
- Select File → Save as.
- Choose JPEG picture or PNG picture from the file-type menu.
- Save the file, then upload the converted version to your press release.
On Mac
- Open the image in Preview.
- Select File → Export.
- Choose JPEG or PNG from the Format dropdown.
- Click Save, then upload the exported file to your press release.
Using a Free Online Tool
- Go to a free converter such as Squoosh or Convertio.
- Upload your WEBP, AVIF, or HEIC file.
- Select JPEG or PNG as the output format.
- Download the converted file.
After converting, return to your press release draft, replace the flagged image with the new file, and proceed to Step 3. The validation check will pass and you can submit for distribution.
🎯 You now know that Search Atlas press releases accept JPEG, PNG, and GIF images only — and that WEBP, AVIF, and HEIC files (including files merely renamed to .jpg or .png) will be blocked at the preview step. Convert any unsupported file using the steps above, then re-upload to publish without errors. For more help building and distributing press releases, see the Press Release Creation Guide.