Comps are low-resolution versions of stock photos that you can download. You can use comps to capture a feeling, idea, or concept before purchasing the final image for a project. Comps are not licensed for production, but you can use them in mock-ups or other preliminary work. After an evaluation period, you must purchase the image before printing or publishing on the web.

Metadata is embedded in comps. This metadata is used in Adobe applications to recognize images as stock photos, even if you rename them. Comps are also marked in Adobe Bridge, InDesign and Illustrator with a small icon. You can purchase high-resolution versions of the images later, even after you move a comp to a project folder or create other versions of the image.

For more information on using comps, see the terms of service (TOS), which describe when and for how long you can use a comp. A Terms Of Service link is available on the main Adobe Stock Photos screen.