Who this is for
Shopify store owners who want product photos that sell. Whether you're shooting with a phone or a DSLR, this guide covers what Shopify requires, what converts best, and how to optimize images for speed and SEO.
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The goal
Create product images that load fast, look professional, and drive purchases. By the end, you'll know Shopify's technical requirements, which photo types to include, and how to optimize images for both conversions and page performance.
Why photos drive sales on Shopify
Online buyers can't touch or examine your product. Photos are their only way to evaluate quality, size, color, and condition before buying.
Products with multiple images convert 30% better than single-image listings. Customers expect to see the product from multiple angles, in context, and in detail. Skimping on photos costs you sales. Photos work together with your product descriptions to tell a complete story.
Shopify image specifications
Technical requirements
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum dimensions | 5,000 × 5,000 pixels (25 megapixels) |
| Recommended dimensions | 2,048 × 2,048 pixels |
| Minimum for zoom | 800 × 800 pixels |
| Maximum file size | 20 MB |
| Recommended file size | 500 KB – 2 MB |
| Supported formats | JPEG, PNG, GIF, HEIC, WebP, AVIF |
| Images per product | Up to 250 (across all variants) |
| Best aspect ratio | 1:1 (square) for consistency |
What Shopify does automatically
- CDN delivery: Images are served from Shopify's global CDN for fast loading worldwide
- Format conversion: Automatically serves WebP or AVIF to supported browsers with JPEG fallback
- Responsive images: Generates multiple sizes via
srcsetfor different screen sizes - Lazy loading: Images below the fold load only when the visitor scrolls to them
You don't need to upload multiple sizes or convert formats—Shopify handles this. Focus on uploading high-quality source images.
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The 8 photos every product needs
1. Hero shot (main image)
Your main image appears in collection pages, search results, social shares, and Google Shopping. It makes or breaks the click.
Requirements:
- Clean, white or neutral background
- Product fills 80–90% of the frame
- Straight-on angle or slight 3/4 view
- Even lighting with no harsh shadows
- No text, watermarks, or logos
This is the most important image. Spend extra time getting it right.
2. Back view
Show the back of the product. Customers want to see the complete item, not just the marketing angle.
3. Side/profile view
Demonstrates depth, thickness, and proportions that front-and-back views can't convey.
4. Detail close-ups
Zoom into:
- Texture (fabric weave, leather grain, wood grain)
- Hardware (zippers, buttons, clasps)
- Labels/tags (brand authenticity)
- Stitching or construction details (quality indicators)
Close-ups communicate quality better than descriptions.
5. Scale reference
Show the product next to a common object or being held in a hand. Online buyers consistently misjudge size from isolated product shots.
6. Lifestyle/context shot
Show the product being used in a real setting:
- A wallet in a back pocket
- A mug on a desk next to a laptop
- A candle on a nightstand
Lifestyle photos help buyers visualize the product in their own life. They also perform well on social media and ads.
7. Packaging shot
If your packaging is notable (gift-ready, eco-friendly, branded), photograph it. Packaging shots set expectations and add perceived value—especially for gift purchases.
8. Variant comparison
If your product comes in multiple colors, sizes, or materials, include a shot showing all variants together. This helps buyers compare options without opening multiple product pages.
Photography setup on a budget
Smartphone photography
Modern smartphones shoot excellent product photos. Key settings:
- Use the main camera (not ultrawide or telephoto)
- Turn off flash — Always use external lighting
- Lock exposure and focus — Tap and hold on the product
- Shoot in natural light — Near a window, diffused with a white curtain
- Use a tripod or stand — $15–25 phone tripods eliminate blur and ensure consistency
DIY lighting setup
| Setup | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Window light + white foam board reflector | $5 | Small products, jewelry, accessories |
| Two-light softbox kit | $40–80 | Consistent results, any weather |
| Light tent/box | $25–50 | Small products needing even, shadow-free lighting |
| Ring light | $20–40 | Flat items, food products |
The most important principle: soft, even lighting from the front or side, with shadows filled using a reflector or second light. Avoid overhead fluorescents and direct sunlight.
Background options
- White seamless paper ($15 roll) — The industry standard for product photography
- White foam board ($5) — Works for small items
- Light gray or off-white fabric — Adds subtle texture without distraction
- Lifestyle surfaces — Wood, marble, concrete for contextual shots
Consistency matters more than background choice. Use the same background across all products for a professional, cohesive look.
Image optimization for Shopify
Before upload
- Crop to square (1:1) — Consistent aspect ratios across your store look more professional
- Resize to 2,048 × 2,048 pixels — Large enough for zoom, small enough for fast loading
- Compress to under 2 MB — Use tools like TinyPNG, Squoosh, or ImageOptim
- Name the file descriptively —
brown-leather-wallet-front.jpgnotIMG_4392.jpg
File naming for SEO
Shopify uses your filename in the image URL. Name files before uploading—you can't rename them after. File naming is part of image SEO—for complete product page SEO including alt text and structured data, see our Shopify product page SEO guide.
Pattern: product-name-variant-angle.jpg
Examples:
leather-bifold-wallet-brown-front.jpgleather-bifold-wallet-brown-open.jpgleather-bifold-wallet-brown-detail-stitching.jpg
These descriptive names help Google Image Search understand and rank your photos.
Alt text
Add alt text to every product image:
- Keep it under 125 characters
- Describe what the image shows — Not what you want it to rank for
- Include the product name — Natural keyword inclusion
- Vary alt text across images — Don't copy-paste the same text on every image
Example alt texts for a wallet:
- Main: "Brown leather bifold wallet closed on white background"
- Open: "Interior of brown leather wallet showing six card slots"
- Detail: "Close-up of hand-stitched edges on leather wallet"
- Lifestyle: "Man pulling brown leather wallet from front jeans pocket"
Common photography mistakes
Using stock photos
Stock photos look generic and appear on dozens of competing stores. Customers notice, and it erodes trust. Always photograph the actual products you sell.
Inconsistent styling
Mixing white backgrounds, lifestyle shots, and different lighting across your catalog looks unprofessional. Decide on a style and apply it consistently.
Too few images
One or two photos leaves too many questions unanswered. Aim for at least 4–8 images per product. Each additional image is an opportunity to address a buyer concern.
Uploading uncompressed images
A single 15 MB image can add seconds to page load time. Compress every image to under 2 MB before uploading. The visual difference between a 5 MB and 500 KB JPEG is usually imperceptible.
Hosting images externally
Some sellers host product images on Google Drive, Dropbox, or other services. This bypasses Shopify's CDN, resulting in slower loading and no automatic format conversion. Always upload directly to Shopify.
Ignoring mobile
Over 70% of Shopify traffic is mobile. Test how your images look on a phone screen. Details visible on a 27-inch monitor may be invisible on a 6-inch phone.
Product video
Shopify supports video on product pages. While not a replacement for photos, video adds value for:
- Products that move — Jewelry, clothing with drape, mechanical items
- Complex products — Items requiring assembly or demonstration
- Texture and quality — Video conveys material feel better than photos
Keep product videos under 30 seconds, shot in good lighting, and focused on the product (not your brand story).
FAQ
What size should Shopify product images be?
2,048 × 2,048 pixels is the recommended size. This enables zoom functionality and looks sharp on all devices. Maximum supported is 5,000 × 5,000 pixels, minimum for zoom is 800 × 800 pixels.
How many product images should I upload?
4–8 images per product is the sweet spot. Include a hero shot, back view, side view, detail close-ups, scale reference, and at least one lifestyle shot. Shopify supports up to 250 images per product.
What file format is best for Shopify?
Upload JPEG for photographs and PNG for images with transparency. Shopify automatically converts to WebP or AVIF for browsers that support them, so you don't need to worry about next-gen formats.
Do I need a professional camera?
No. Modern smartphones with good lighting produce product photos that are more than adequate for most stores. Consistent lighting and a clean background matter more than camera quality.
How do I enable zoom on product images?
Upload images at least 800 × 800 pixels (2,048 × 2,048 recommended). Most Shopify themes enable zoom automatically when images meet the minimum size requirement.
Can I use the same photo for multiple variants?
Yes. You can assign images to specific variants in the product editor. However, if variants look different (different colors, patterns), each should have its own photos to reduce returns.
Next steps
- Calculate your profit margins with our Shopify Profit Calculator — see your take-home after payment fees.
- Optimize your product page SEO with our Shopify product page SEO guide.
- Write descriptions that sell with our Shopify product descriptions guide.
- Understand your costs with our Shopify pricing plans breakdown.
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