Your product is invisible. Not because of a bad title or weak keywords—your main image got your listing suppressed.
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Amazon's main image requirements are strict and automatically enforced. One off-white pixel, one text overlay, one badge that seemed helpful—and your listing vanishes from search results. This guide covers exactly what Amazon requires, what triggers suppression, and how to create images that stay compliant.
What Are Amazon Main Image Requirements?
The main image is the first photo customers see in search results. It's your product's first impression—and Amazon has specific rules about what it can contain.
Why Your Main Image Matters for Sales
Your main image determines whether shoppers click. In a grid of search results, you have less than a second to capture attention. A professional, compliant image builds trust. A suppressed listing builds nothing.
Main Image vs Secondary Images
Main images have strict requirements: white backgrounds, no text, no graphics. Secondary images (slots 2-9) are more flexible—you can add lifestyle shots, infographics, feature callouts, and non-white backgrounds there.
All the promotional elements sellers want to include? Save them for secondary images. The main image is for compliance.
Official Amazon Main Image Specifications
These are non-negotiable. Miss any of them, and your listing may get suppressed without warning.
Image Size and Resolution Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum dimensions | 500 pixels on longest side |
| Minimum for zoom | 1,000 pixels on longest side |
| Recommended | 1,600 - 2,000 pixels |
| Maximum | 10,000 x 10,000 pixels |
| Optimal aspect ratio | 1:1 (square) |
Images below 1,000 pixels disable the zoom function. Since zoom directly affects conversion rates, aim for at least 1,600 pixels on the longest side.
White Background Requirements
Amazon requires a pure white background with exact RGB values of 255, 255, 255.
Not off-white. Not cream. Not light gray. Pure white.
Amazon's automated systems scan uploaded images and detect backgrounds that aren't exactly 255,255,255. Even if the difference is invisible to your eye, the algorithm catches it.
Product Fill and Framing Rules
Your product must fill at least 85% of the image frame. The product should be:
- Centered in the image
- The dominant visual element
- Completely visible (no edges cropped off)
Exception: Necklaces may be cropped at the frame edge.
File Format and Size
| Format | Status |
|---|---|
| JPEG | Preferred |
| PNG | Accepted |
| TIFF | Accepted |
| GIF | Accepted (non-animated) |
Maximum file size: 10 MB. Images with layers must be flattened before upload.
What Amazon Prohibits in Main Images
Amazon actively scans for these violations. Including any of them can suppress your listing immediately.
Banned Elements
These are explicitly prohibited:
- Text — No feature callouts, size info, or promotional language
- Logos — No brand logos overlaid on the image (only acceptable if printed on the actual product)
- Watermarks — No photographer marks or copyright stamps
- Badges — No "Best Seller," "Premium Quality," or similar graphics
- Amazon branding — Never add Amazon's Choice, Best Seller, or Prime logos
- Borders — No frames, color blocks, or graphic elements around the product
- Inset images — No small product views in corners
- Multiple angles — Main image shows one view only
Props and Packaging
Show only what the customer receives. If an accessory isn't included in the purchase, it can't appear in the main image. The product must be shown outside its packaging.
Quality Standards
Images must be:
- Sharp and in focus (no blur or pixelation)
- Professionally lit
- Actual photographs (no illustrations, mockups, or AI-generated products)
- True to the product (no misleading edits)
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Amazon Main Image Requirements by Category
Some categories have additional rules beyond the standard requirements.
Apparel and Clothing
| Product Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Adult clothing | Must use standing human model |
| Kids/Baby clothing | Must be photographed flat (off-model) |
| Multi-pack apparel | Must be photographed flat |
Models must be standing—no sitting, kneeling, leaning, or lying down. Mannequins and dress forms are not allowed for main images (save those for secondary images using ghost mannequin technique).
Shoes and Footwear
- Show a single shoe only (not a pair)
- Shoe must face left at a 45-degree angle
- The entire shoe must be visible
- Show the sole if it has notable features
Books, Music, and DVDs
- Must fill 100% of the frame (not 85%)
- Front cover only
- No jewel cases, stickers, or shrink wrap visible
Common Image Rejection Reasons
These are the mistakes that get listings suppressed most often.
Off-White Background
The most common violation. Sellers photograph against what looks like white, but it's actually RGB 252,252,252 or similar. Amazon's system catches it.
Fix: Use a photo editing tool to replace the background with exact RGB 255,255,255. Verify with a color picker before uploading.
Text or Badge Overlays
Adding "Best Quality" or "Top Rated" badges seems like smart marketing. It's actually a policy violation that triggers immediate suppression.
Fix: Remove all text and graphics. Use secondary images for feature callouts.
Product Too Small
Images where the product appears tiny in the frame—surrounded by white space—fail the 85% fill requirement.
Fix: Crop the image so the product occupies at least 85% of the frame while remaining fully visible.
Low Resolution
Uploading phone photos or compressed images results in blur, pixelation, and disabled zoom functionality.
Fix: Use images at least 1,600 pixels on the longest side. Shoot with a proper camera or hire a product photographer.
How to Create Compliant Main Images
DIY Photography Setup
For sellers on a budget:
- Lightbox or white sweep — Creates even lighting and pure white background
- Tripod — Eliminates camera shake
- Natural or diffused lighting — Avoids harsh shadows
- Smartphone or DSLR — Modern smartphones work if lighting is good
Post-Processing Checklist
After shooting:
- Remove background or adjust to RGB 255,255,255
- Crop to show product filling 85%+ of frame
- Verify no text, logos, or graphics remain
- Check resolution meets 1,600px minimum
- Save as JPEG under 10 MB
Professional Photography
For serious sellers, professional product photography typically costs $15-50 per image. The investment pays off in click-through rates and compliance peace of mind.
Amazon Main Image Compliance Checklist
Before uploading any main image, verify:
Do This
- Use exact RGB 255,255,255 pure white background
- Fill 85%+ of the frame with your product
- Show the complete product (no cropping except necklaces)
- Upload at least 1,600 pixels on the longest side
- Use actual product photography, not mockups
- Follow category rules (standing models for apparel, single shoe for footwear)
- Maintain 1:1 aspect ratio when possible
Avoid This
- Text, feature callouts, or promotional language
- Badges, stickers, or award graphics
- Watermarks or photographer logos
- Amazon-style branding (never mimic Amazon badges)
- Mannequins in apparel images
- Props or accessories not included in the sale
- Illustrations, graphics, or AI-generated product images
- Off-white or colored backgrounds
Troubleshooting Suppressed Images
Check Your Error Code
| Error Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 18027 | Text, logo, graphic, or watermark detected |
| 100238 | General image standards violation |
Resolution Steps
- Open Seller Central's "Suppressed Listings" report
- Identify the specific violation
- Fix and re-upload the image
- Submit for review
- Allow 24-48 hours for reinstatement
Repeat Violations
Frequent image violations can trigger account-level reviews. Amazon may restrict your ability to add new listings or escalate to suspension discussions. Take compliance seriously.
Optimizing Your Complete Listing
Your main image gets clicks. The rest of your listing closes sales.
For maximum visibility, pair compliant images with an optimized product title, well-structured bullet points, and a solid backend keyword strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum image size for Amazon main photos?
The absolute minimum is 500 pixels on the longest side, but images need at least 1,000 pixels to enable the zoom function. Amazon recommends 1,600-2,000 pixels for optimal display across all devices.
Does Amazon require a pure white background for main images?
Yes. Main images must have an exact RGB 255,255,255 white background. Off-white, cream, or light gray backgrounds trigger automated suppression. Verify your background color with a picker tool before uploading.
Can I add text or badges to my Amazon main image?
No. Text, logos, badges, watermarks, and promotional graphics are prohibited on main images. Save these elements for secondary images where Amazon allows lifestyle shots, infographics, and feature callouts.
Why does Amazon keep rejecting my product images?
Common reasons include: background not pure white, text or graphics overlaid, product filling less than 85% of frame, resolution below requirements, or category-specific violations (mannequins in apparel, shoe pairs instead of singles). Check error codes in Seller Central for specifics.
What file formats does Amazon accept for product images?
Amazon accepts JPEG (preferred), PNG, TIFF, and non-animated GIF. Maximum file size is 10 MB. JPEG offers the best balance of quality and file size for most products.
How do I remove the background from my product photo?
Use photo editing software (Photoshop, GIMP, Canva) or dedicated background removal tools. Replace the background with exact RGB 255,255,255 white. Some professional photography services include background editing in their packages.
Get Your Images Right
Main image compliance is table stakes for Amazon success. Images are just one element—see our complete Amazon Listing SEO Checklist for the full optimization workflow.
ListingForge helps you create Amazon-compliant listings that pass automated checks and convert browsers into buyers.
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