A good course image is critical to a course's success. It should grab the attention of the viewer and help them understand the essence of what the course has to offer. Following these simple guidelines will ensure that your course image is effective and impactful.
Course image violations are one of the most common issues that cause a course to be rejected when first submitted to the Quality Review Process. Please ensure you understand the guidelines below to avoid delays in course publication.
Course image technical requirements
Image file format:The file format must be .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .bmp, or .png
Image dimensions: Always design your master course image at the following pixel dimensions. The main design needs to live within the content safe area for maximum visibility.
Minimum required dimensions: 750 x 422 pixels
Maximum required dimensions: 6000 x 6000 pixels
I-------------750 px------------I
The mobile crop view: Every course image will be cropped for the Udemy mobile application. The cropped view should communicate the course concept as clearly as the uncropped view.
I------------750 px-----------I
Uniqueness:To avoid confusion, each Udemy course must have its own, unique image. The same image cannot be used for more than one course.
Relevance: A good course image enables the viewer to predict what the course is about. Make sure that the image relates to the course content.
Appropriateness: Images should be oriented towards general audiences, and free of inappropriate or offensive content, such as Udemy’s Restricted Topics.
Resolution:Images should be clear, non-pixelated, and free of distortion.
Simplify: One of the most important factors of a successful course image is simplicity. Limit the number of visual elements and detail to drive better comprehension. Too many unique elements and too much visual detail will compete for attention and create confusion.
Use of text
Textual information such as the name of the course is not permitted within the course image. Only limited exceptions are allowed, such as logos. Logos should not overlay the photo or make the layout muddy.
Logos and Custom Branding:
You may use your own company logo (John Smith, Inc) in your course image. Make sure your logo is legible, on brand, has adequate negative space, and is within the content safe area. Do not add any frames, borders, strokes or letterboxing.
With regard to using someone else's brand (Apple, Microsoft, etc), consult your attorney and make sure all the content in your course complies with Section 6 of the Instructor Terms.
NOTE: You will be responsible for all of Your Submitted Content, that You own or have the necessary licenses, rights, consents, and permissions, and have the authority to authorize Company, to reproduce, distribute, publicly perform (including by means of a digital audio transmission), publicly display, communicate to the public, promote, market and otherwise use and exploit any of Your Submitted Content on and through the Products in the manner contemplated by these this Instructor Agreement, and that no Submitted Content shall infringe or misappropriate any intellectual property right of a third party.
Additional suggested image guidelines
Image color model: We recommend using the RGB color model while creating your course image, and not the CMYK color mode, since it is designed for computer screens and electronic devices
Use of illustration:Illustrations should be iconic and elemental rather than detailed or cartoony.
Foreground & background:Only use background images/patterns if they enhance or add to the comprehension of the course concept rather than repeating it.
Single point of focus: Incorporate a central point of focus in your images to draw viewers in.
Stock photography: Stock photography can often feel staged, cold, or inauthentic. Only use stock images that feel natural and are high quality.
Color and contrast:Use colors that compliment one another and work well together. Opposite colors (red and green for example) can clash and cause visual vibration. Make sure there is enough contrast between the subject and background to ensure legibility.