diff --git a/rowers/uploads.py b/rowers/uploads.py
index 797aadaf..13e332db 100644
--- a/rowers/uploads.py
+++ b/rowers/uploads.py
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ def make_plot(r, w, f1, f2, plottype, title, imagename='', plotnr=0):
     }
 
     axis = r.staticgrids
-    if axis is None:  # pragma: no cover
+    if axis is None or axis.lower() == 'none':  # pragma: no cover
         gridtrue = False
         axis = 'both'
     else: