Overview (updated August 5th 2009)

What is ImageShack?

ImageShack is an intuitive and easy-to-use free media hosting service. It can be used to upload images, flash files, and movies, and share them with friends using any imaginable means.

Does ImageShack cost anything?

No, ImageShack is free.

How do I upload media?

Visit ImageShack. Select either "image", "url", or "video". If you select "url", paste in the URL of the file that you want to transload. If you select "video", you will need to install the ImageShack toolbar in order to continue. Otherwise, click browse to find the media that you want to upload, select it, press Open, and then press the "Host it!" button. After a short while (depending on your internet connection and file size), your file will upload and you will see a number of boxes with linking code for your uploaded file. Depending on your use for the image, use any one of these linking codes.

Note: The file browser window is not a connection between your computer and ImageShack, it is an entirely local device that allows you to browse for images.

Are there any other ways to upload files?

Yes! Please check out the ImageShack Tools for information on ways you can easily upload files using the toolbar, the firefox extension, the Mac OS X widget and Mac OS X Image Uploader, the screenshot tool, via email, with the browser sidebar, after free registration and even using our XML API.

How do I delete files?

Generally, it is not necessary to delete files at all. This is because ImageShack has enough harddrive space to accommodate your needs.

You will only be able to delete the files you upload after you register for free at ImageShack.

If you would like to report abuse or request deletion, please click here.

How many files can I upload?

You can upload as many files as you want, as long as each one adheres to the Terms of Service.

Does ImageShack allow direct linking?

Yes, ImageShack does allow embedding files into web pages. However, in order for ImageShack to continue to provide free image hosting, we ask that you do not modify the linking code in any way.

How do I keep track of my previously uploaded images?

Image tracking is available to registered users.

How do I batch-upload multiple files at the same time?

Multiple Image Upload is available for free via the ImageShack Toolbar or after free registration.

Which file types am I allowed to upload?

If your file is an image, video, or swf file, you will have no problems uploading your image.

Are there any size restrictions for uploading files?

Each image you upload must be less than 1.5 megabytes in size. If it is greater than that amount, your image will be optimized for internet use. Flash files will be rejected if they are over 1.5 mb. Video files must be less than 50MB and they will be automatically optimized by the ImageShack toolbar before uploading.

How do I use the different linking codes that ImageShack provides?

ImageShack generates automatic image code for your images. Using this code, you can link to your files in any number of ways. You can embed your files into web pages or to show them to friends via Instant messenger.

In order to use these linking codes, click anywhere inside the code-box to select the code, then press CTRL+C to copy the linking code. The linking code now exists inside your computer's "clipboard" and can be pasted anywhere. Now, you can open your target location(such as a messenger window or a message board post box) and paste your linking code there.

"Thumbnail for Websites" allows you to hotlink clickable thumbnails on HTML-compatible websites, such as on websites, livejournal, blogger, etc.

"Thumbnail for forums (1)" allows you to hotlink clickable thumbnails on BBcode-compatible message boards and forums. If your image does not show up after submitting your post, please use "Thumbnail for forums (2)". This occurs because some message boards use different BBcode, and are not compatible with each other.

"Hotlink for forums (1)" allows you to hotlink your original uploaded image on BBcode-compatible message boards and forums. If your image does not show up after submitting your post, please use "Hotlink for forums (2)". This occurs because some message boards use different BBcode, and are not compatible with each other.

"Hotlink for websites" allows you to hotlink your original uploaded image on HTML-compatible websites, livejournal, blogger, etc.

"Show image to friends" allows you to send your uploaded image to your friends and family, such as by using AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, IRC, etc.

"Direct link to image" is the real location of the image on ImageShack's servers. This link is best used for when your message board provides you with a designated field in which to hotlink your avatar, forum picture, or signature image.

How do I resize my images using ImageShack?

Select an image to upload, then checkmark the box next to "Resize Image?" Finally, select a new size from the drop down menu and click the "host it!" button. Your image will resample and resize based on the dimensions you selected. However, you cannot resize an image to be bigger than the actual source image that you upload. Your image's original proportions will be kept. Flash and Video cannot be resized.

Can I edit my images using ImageShack?

This is coming soon.

Can I upload music to ImageShack?

Of course not. Ever heard of the RIAA?

Troubleshooting (updated August 5th 2009)

I uploaded a file, but forgot its URL.

Register for free so that ImageShack can keep track of your uploaded files. If you need another URL for your file, simply upload it again. It is not possible to recover a file that has been uploaded before registration.

I uploaded an image and hotlinked it, but it doesn't show up, shows a red X, or shows "image does not exist."

Make sure you are using the correct link that is given to you on the upload-done page. If you uploaded a file and it doesn't work, it may be that the server on which your image is located is temporarily down, however this is a rare occurrence. The image may also have been deleted due to a violation of ImageShack's Terms of Service.

How do I link to an image in a particular way, such as by making it a background?

Please have a look at w3schools.com image html help in order to learn how you can use HTML to link your images.

For help with backgrounds, visit W3School's Background Help and use the "Direct Link" code available on ImageShack's upload done page instead of "background.jpg."

How do I hotlink an avatar on a forum or message board?

Paste the "Direct Link" code, available at the bottom of the upload-done page, into the "Avatar" location field on your forum or message board.

I am trying to access a file, but I get redirected to the front page instead.

Most likely, it is because you copied the URL incorrectly. It could also be that the file has been deleted due to violation of ImageShack's Terms of Service.

When I try to upload an image, I get an error that says "File Integrity Check Failed".

You may have inadvertently changed the file extension of a non-image file to an image file. For example, it could be that you tried to save a .doc file as a .jpg. In the future, make sure to save your image files through a graphics editing program instead of simply renaming the file extension.

When I try to upload a file, the upload does not complete and I get a blank page.

The image you are uploading is too large for ImageShack and your connection is timing out. If you are trying to upload an image, please resize it using a graphics editing program such as Adobe PhotoShop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro. You can also use software that came with your printer, scanner, or digital camera in order to resize your image.

Concerns (updated August 5th 2009)

Why do some images lack thumbnails?

ImageShack does not generate thumbs for images that are 200x200 pixels in resolution or less.

Why is there a black bar on my thumbnails?

The black bar on thumbnails allows your images' viewers to check the size and resolution of the image that they are about to see. Many people find this information helpful when deciding to download a full image by clicking on a thumbnail.

If you do not want the black bar to appear, go to ImageShack's front page and checkmark the box next to the words "remove size/resolution bar from thumbnail?". Any images that you upload from now on will not have the black bar on the thumbnail.

Why do I see a smaller version of my uploaded image?

This smaller image is a thumbnail, which is a small representation of your image that links to the full-sized image that you uploaded. ImageShack does not alter the size of your uploaded image (unless it is bigger than 1.5 megabytes or if you resized it yourself), it simply generated a clickable thumbnail.

After you upload an image, you can either use the thumbnail code to hotlink this clickable thumbnail, or simply click on the thumbnail itself to access your full-size image.

Does ImageShack alter, compress, or watermark my files in any way?

For images and flash, absolutely not. ImageShack strives to be completely non-intrusive, which means that ImageShack will not alter your uploaded images or flash files in any way. ImageShack will not add watermarks to your image or flash files, nor will it compress the images or flash files that you upload (unless it is bigger than 1.5 megabytes or if you resized it yourself).

However, ImageShack will strip out non-image data from your image files, if such data exists. Video files are optimized before they are uploaded.

How long will my uploaded files be available?

Your files will only be deleted if they do not adhere to our Terms of Service. If you are registered, your files will be available forever. If you are not registered, any file that you upload will continue to be available if it is accessed by anyone at least once per year.

How much bandwidth can I use?

ImageShack allows unlimited bandwidth for videos and slideshows, and allows each hotlinked image 300 megabytes of transfer per hour. If a hotlinked image exceeds this amount, it will become inaccessible, and you would need to send us an email in order to have it enabled again.

In order to prevent inaccessible hotlinked images, please utilize the clickable thumbnail function as often as possible instead of hotlinking full images. Clickable thumbnails are generally small in size and do not use as much bandwidth as large images. Your images' viewers will be able to click on the thumbnails in order to see the large images.

The most common causes of large bandwidth usage are animated gifs inside the avatar and signature section of message boards and non-thumbnailed series of large images.

How much space can I use?

You have an unlimited amount of space for uploading your files. ImageShack should be considered a 'media hosting' website, not a 'file storage' website.

How stable is ImageShack?

ImageShack strives to have very good stability. ImageShack's front page can be reached 100% of the time, while each individual file has an average uptime of 99.79%.

How secure is ImageShack?

ImageShack offers substantial reliability and privacy protection. Your files are available only to you, and to those people with whom you share your file locations. Using intuitive techniques, ImageShack guarantees your privacy.

Three random characters (i.e. "2ct") are added to the end of each image. A 4-digit subdirectory, based on the image name, is also created. These security measures ensure the prevention of image leeching and the protection of your file locations.

Why do my files get renamed after I upload them?

In order to ensure the largest amount of compatibility, only standard English lowercase letters and numbers are allowable file characters. If your file contains non-standard characters, they will be omitted upon upload. The following characters are allowed: 1234567890qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnm

Additionally, if the filename has over 30 characters, it is shortened to 30 characters in order to ensure compatibility.

Are my uploaded files private?

Yes. The URL that ImageShack generates for each file is entirely unique and unguessable. Your files are private until you start sharing your file locations with other people. After sharing your files, only you and the people with whom you shared your file locations have access to your files.

How do I report a violation of the ImageShack Terms of Service?

Visit the Report Abuse or Request Deletion page and paste the locations of the files that you would like to be removed into the body of your email. Your report would be processed within 24 hours.

What are the system requirements for use of the ImageShack website?

If you can see this text, you have satisfied the requirements.

Should I leave a backup of my uploaded files on my computer?

ABSOLUTELY!

Unpredictable events can occur, and we would like you to have a backup of your uploaded files on your computer.

Registration and Accounts (updated August 5th 2009)

How do I register?

Registration is not required in order to upload files, but it does have many benefits. Best of all, registration is free!

How do I change my email address for my account?

You must be logged in into your account, then change your address.

How do I login from my computer?

In order to login, you must enter your username and a password or click on the registration link that was sent to your email address upon registration.

How do I login from another computer?

Login to the email inbox of the email address that you used to register, and click on the registration link that came with your registration email. If you do not have access to your email inbox from another computer, you can use your username and password to login.

I am no longer able to access my account.

You may have accidentally cleared your cookies or signed out. In order to log back in, you need to click your registration link or use your username and password.

I did not get an email with my registration link.

ImageShack sends the registration email immediately after you complete registration. If you have not received this email within 15 minutes after registration, please check to see if your email provider placed the ImageShack registration email into your Junk Mail folder.

If it is not in your junk mail folder, it is possible that your email provider is slow; you may want to try using another email address to register.

I lost my registration link. How do I get it back?

Visit the Customer Service page and send an email using the email address with which you signed up, and your registration link will be forwarded to you. If you do not receive your registration link, you may have registered with another email address, so make sure to try any email addresses that you might have registered with until you find one that allows you to sign in.

I am unable to access my account by clicking on my registration link.

Either the account you tried to access does not exist, or you have disabled cookies, or you have tried to access your account without a cookie. Please enable cookies and click the registration link that came with your registration email.

What is the Image Panel?

The Image Panel is one of the many benefits of registration, it allows you to work with your files.

How many files can my Image Panel hold?

Your image panel can hold an unlimited number of files. There is no limit, and there is no need or reason to remove files from your Image Panel.

I am uploading files, but they are not going into my account.

Make sure you are logged in, and make sure that you enable cookies for your computer. If you wish to enable cookies only for ImageShack, please place the "imageshack.us" domain name into your "Accepted Sites" list.

My previously uploaded files do not appear in my Image Panel.

It could be that you have uploaded these files without being logged in. This may occur if you clear your cookies, or if you upload files from another computer without first logging in. In the future, make sure to login by clicking your registration link or using your username and password before uploading files.

It could also be that while trying to login, you accidentally used a different email address than the one with which you registered at ImageShack. Doing so would create an entirely new account without any of your files, which still exist in your old account.

How do I delete my files?

Select the files by clicking on them, then click the 'delete' link. If you have accidentally deleted a file and would like to restore it, please click on the "Deleted Images" link. This section of your Images Panel allows you to view your previously uploaded files and "undelete" them.

In order to maximize security, there is no way to completely delete your files. However, rest assured that the files in your "Deleted Images" section are completely inaccessible to anyone except you.

If you delete a file, it will not load from any location, including any locations from which you may have hotlinked your deleted file. Therefore, make sure that you no longer need the file before you decide to delete it.

How do I delete my account?

It is not necessary to delete your account once you feel that you no longer need it. Simply stop using it.

What is classic view?

ImageShack used this version of the Image Panel before rolling out our current one. No support is offered for it, but you can still use it.

What are Image Credits?

ImageShack allows non-registered members to upload single images one-by-one. Registered users have the ability to buy and use Image Credits. These credits allow you to use the Zip Upload Feature, WinXP publishing wizard, or FTP in order to batch-upload multiple images at the same time. This ability allows power users to upload many images and save a lot of time.

Please register/login and see your images panel for more information. The ImageShack toolbar allows batch uploading of multiple images for free.

How do I log out from my account?

The Log Out link is visible in the upper-right corner of your Image Panel. You can click that link or Log Out from here.

Can other people access my account?

No. While logged in, you have a cookie on your computer that identifies you as the sole owner of your account. As long as you keep your registration link private, no one else will have access to your account.

ImageShack Widget (updated August 5th 2009)

What is a Widget?

A Widget is an extension for the Mac OS X. For more information about Widgets, please see http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/dashboard/.

How do I install it?

Download it, then double-click on the file that you downloaded.

How do I upload images and flash using the ImageShack Widget?

Start dragging an image into the Dashboard, and while you are dragging, activate the Dashboard (use F12 or an active corner). Drag an image or flash file from Finder or from a webpage into the ImageShack Widget.

How do I upload to my ImageShack Account?

After registering with ImageShack, login and visit http://my.imageshack.us/registration/

Copy your registration code and paste it into the textbox on the reverse side of the ImageShack Widget. Press the "Go!" button to verify your registration code.

Your registration code will turn green once your account has been verified, and you can begin to upload images into your ImageShack Account. If an error has occurred during the copy and paste process, then the registration code will continue to be red after pressing the "Go!" button.

How do I upload Anonymously?

The ImageShack widget will upload anonymously by default. If you have tied the ImageShack Widget to an ImageShack account, delete the Registration code from the textbox on the reverse side of the ImageShack Widget and press "Go!" in order to upload anonymously.

How do I use the Widget with my Firewall?

The ImageShack uses HTTP with the standard port 80. At the moment there are no options for the widget to use a proxy setup.

My Widget doesn't work at all, what should I try first?

Do not move the .wdgt file around after installing the Widget. In order to fix this problem, remove the ImageShack widget from your Dashboard and delete the .wdgt file. Download a fresh copy and drag it into your Widget folder. Open the ImageShack widget by dragging it from the tray inside the Dashboard.

I have a question that isn't answered here.

Please email ishackwidget -at- dbushell -dot- com with a detailed description of how you've tried to use the widget, and any error messages you received.

Note: This email is for widget-related support requests ONLY!

ImageShack QuickShot (updated August 5th 2009)

What is ImageShack QuickShot?

ImageShack QuickShot integrates with Windows XP, 2000, or 2003 and allows you to take a screenshot and upload it to ImageShack with the press of a key!

How do I set up ImageShack QuickShot?

The Options screen will display immediately after launching the program. You can use this screen to set up ImageShack QuickShot to your specifications.

Where do my Screenshots get saved?

Your screenshots are saved in C:\Program Files\ImageShack\ImageShack QuickShot\Screenshots by default.

How do I specify the directory to save screenshots?

Click on Browse to select a directory to save your screenshots. Make sure that the directory exists (create a folder using Windows if necessary). You can also manually edit the directory field. If you choose to manually edit the directory field, make sure it ends in /

How do I upload screenshots into my account?

Click on the blue "Registration-Code" link. If you are not logged in, make sure to do so. Copy and paste your Registration code from the resultant webpage into the Registration-Code field inside ImageShack QuickShot, then press "Set ID." After a short while, your account should validate.

How do I upload anonymously?

Clear the Registration-Code field and press Set-ID. From now on, your images will not be uploaded into your account.

What is Gaming Mode?

Gaming Mode is only available after you validate your account, and allows you to silently save/upload screenshots directly into your account while playing a computer game that takes up the entire screen.

What is the difference between JPG and PNG compression types?

Use JPG when there is a lot of activity on your screen, such as a detailed desktop wallpaper and many icons. Use PNG when there are a lot of detailed lines on your screen, such as an instant messenger or webpage.

What are the differences in Quality when selecting JPG?

JPG quality ranges from lowest (1%) to highest (100%). 60-80% is usually a good value to use.

How do I select the Capture and Upload Keys?

Click on the select button, choose one key for uploading screenshots, and another for simply saving screenshots (without uploading).

My selected keys do not work while playing a computer game. What is wrong?

It is possible that your selected key is bound by the game to some function. You can either select a new key, or go into your game's keyboard options menu and make sure that your selected key is unbound.

Miscellaneous (updated August 5th 2009)

This is a great site. How can I help?

ImageShack is free for everyone to use. You can help by telling other people about ImageShack's free media hosting, and by linking to us via our banners and buttons. You can also help by not modifying the linking code when you hotlink files. If you are feeling generous, please Donate to help pay for maintenance costs.

I have a question that isn't answered here.

Contact ImageShack.

Torrents (updated August 5th 2009)

What is the Imageshack torrent Service?

Imageshack Torrent service is fast, easy and convenient way of downloading torrents. You do not need your computer to be around to download a torrent. By registering an account with Imageshack torrent service, you will be able to start download from any computer by providing torrent url. Torrent will then come to your account on our server and you will be able to download it at your convenience any time in the following 30 days.

How does it work?

The only thing you need to do is point ImageShack to the torrent file and press start. The download will start immediately, and once itâ™s finished you can download the files via http protocol onto your computer.

What exactly is the benefit of subscribing to the ImageShack torrent downloading service?

Besides increased disk and bandwidth capacity, subscribers to any package (even the smallest one) also get the 2-active-torrent-at-once restriction removed from their account. This allows members to maximize use of our different servers in our torrent cluster in parallel. If you do decide to subscribe, the activation is instant, you may do so at any time, and cancel at any time using the automated buttons within the site.

Why is the bandwidth limit on my torrent account?

This is the limit of how much data you can download to your account per month. Both bandwidth and disk space limit is reset every month. To get more disk space and bandwidth simply upgrade your account. Members may instantly activate more capacity in their accounts at any time themselves using the subscribe buttons at the top of the page. Doing this also gives members the ability to run unlimited number of torrents in parallel spread across multiple servers.

What happens when my torrent account reaches its disk space and bandwidth limit?

Disk Space and bandwidth limits are automatically reset every months and you will be able to start downloading more torrents the following month.

After selecting Download Zip of a torrent, I get updated progress of the files being zipped and then a blank screen?

When you click on the Download button, and then click on download button for the zip file once more, you will see a page that will look something like this: Click this link to see the example:http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6118/zipdownloadsx7.png Wait for our server to complete building your zip archive and download window will appear shortly. (2-5 min)

Re-hash feature is a must to have, to guaranty download is completely done, does Imageshack have it?

Any time you press 'start', it will re-do a complete re-verification / rehash of every chunk of each file within the torrent you have selected, and get any missing chunks. We've tested this even by dumping random garbage into downloaded files.

So many files were not actually completed loading, broken files.

If you attempt to download a file to your desktop before it is completes on the server, you would find you have a corrupted file. You cannot download a file before it has totally completed, even if it looks like its the right size, the torrent status must state it has been completed / done to ensure integrity of the download. Corrupted files should only happen if it was stopped pre-maturely, or downloaded pre-maturely. (This is the same of any torrent client). If you believe the download is not complete when it indicates it is complete, then please provide a link to one such file so it can be closer inspected.

Files not being seeded after finished downloading the torrent is considered selfish. -- you are killing torrent community.

Actually all torrents are seeded during download. The less healthy a torrent is, the more it will be seeded waiting for completion. The current configuration benefits the least healthy torrents the most. I can assure you we are not killing the torrent community. We may make further adjustments to it as necessary, so keep an eye out.

How long does torrent stay in my account, if I do not remove it? Where did my torrent(s) go?

Torrent stays in your account for indefinite time, until machine where torrent is located runs out of space and cleaning scripts removes all torrents that are pending deletion, starting from the oldest one, until enough space is created.

How do I know if my file is pending deletion?

You will see "Expired, DELETION PENDING" next to the file, in Torrent panel. Files that have not yet expired will have the following next to them "Torrent Expires In: 210 hours" (number of hours may vary)

Cannot create zip file, file too large?

Max allowed zip file size is 4.2 GB. Our system limitation prevents users from creating zip files bigger than 4.2 GB, remove/uncheck some files from the torrent or download individual files one by one.

I've been waiting for the past 1/2 hr for zip file to be created, but it doesn't seem to work.

If for some reason the zip process doesn't get spawned, a user will be allowed to re-start the zip after 15 seconds. Cancel and try again.

Error ... file is currently being downloaded by (IP address) Please try back later.

Check status of your download For Example: In FireFox, press Ctrl+J, it should bring up the download window and status for all downloads. Usually you will see this error when the file is already being downloaded.

Unable to locate torrent ID error when trying to download torrent.

Contact Technical support regarding this issue.

Disk space exceeded, no file hosted?

The recent change has impacted those who may be sharing IP space with other members, or members who set up multiple accounts. Please contact Imageshack support, send a Technical Support request with subject line "Disk space exceeded, no file hosted". NOTE: the following issues will fall under the above category, please notify our support: * No free torrent service when I click on Download Torrent link; * I used free torrent service before and now it is gone; * I cannot access free torrent service any more.

Subscriptions (updated August 5th 2009)

What does subscribing to ImageShack Premium Service get me?

Please see the subscribe page.

Will I be re-billed automatically?

Yes. Depending on the subscription term your subscribe for, your paypal account will be charged automatically on monthly, semi-yearly or yearly basis.

How can I cancel my subscription to Imageshack Premium or Torrent Services?

Subscription to ImageShack Premium or Torrent services, can be canceled at any time in your PayPal account. Simply, locate initial transaction in your PayPal history, click on cancel link to cancel and follow the cancellation procedure.