Adobe Stock vs Shutterstock
Adobe Stock and Shutterstock both offer stock images and fonts for self-published authors, but differ in integration and library size. Adobe Stock is deeply integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud, making asset import seamless for users of Photoshop or InDesign. Shutterstock has a larger overall library with more diverse and niche options, often at competitive credit prices. For authors prioritizing workflow efficiency, Adobe Stock is convenient, while Shutterstock provides broader choice for cover design.
Pick Adobe Stock
Pick Adobe Stock if you already use Creative Cloud and want instant, hassle-free asset access within your design software.
Pick Shutterstock
Pick Shutterstock if you need the widest selection of images and are willing to manage downloads separately for potentially lower per-asset costs.
At a glance
| Adobe Stock | Shutterstock | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Subscription/credits | Subscription/credits |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free option | No | No |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Best for | Stock Images & Fonts | Stock Images & Fonts |
| AI features | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
Shutterstock
shutterstock.com
Large stock photo/vector library for cover compositing.
Visit Shutterstock ↗See more options: Adobe Stock alternatives · Shutterstock alternatives