There were around 875 million Shopify customers in 2024. It has 2.1 million daily active users on average. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it one of the best ecommerce platforms. Ecommerce businesses use this fully hosted and cloud-based e-commerce platform to create and manage online stores. Your product images are the key selling points for any ecommerce site. Preparing and editing the Shopify product photos appropriately is necessary. This article covers some Shopify product image editing best practices to stay ahead of your competitors.
Understanding Shopify’s Image Requirements
It is vital to understand Shopify’s image requirements, including format, dimensions, and various types of Shopify images.
Image Format
Shopify allows sellers to upload item pictures in different file formats. It can be JPEG, Progressive JPEG, PNG, GIF, HEIC, and WebP.
- JPEG and WebP: Smaller size and decent quality (optimized version)
- PNG: Pristine, sharp quality (graphics or logos)
Product Images
Shopify allows you to upload up to 250 images for a single item. It includes main images and additional images to provide customers with a comprehensive view of the goods.
- Recommended: 2048 x 2048 pixels
- Maximum Resolution: 4472 x 4472 pixels
- Square Product Images: 1:1 ratio
- Rectangular Product Images: 3:1 ratio
- Zoom Functionality: at least 800 x 800 pixels
- Recommended File Size: 3MB
Collection Images
Collection images are a group of items shown combinedly on the online store. These small-sized visuals give customers a brief idea about the item’s type.
- Desktop Version: Width: 1200-2500 pixels; Length: 400-600 pixels
- Mobile Version: Width: 250-300 pixels; Length: 200-250 pixels
Slideshow Images
Sellers mainly use media queries and custom coding to showcase slideshow product images. Slideshow photos can grab quick attention and impress customers.
- Dimension: Width: 2048 pixels; Length: 400-600 pixels.
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Maximum Dimension: 4472 x 4472 pixels
- Maximum File Size: 20MB
Hero Images
This type of image is shown at the top of the homepage. It is a large, eye-catching photo designed to grab the attention of viewers as they scroll down.
- Dimension: at least 2048 pixels wide
- Best Format: PNG and JPEG
- Maximum File Size: 20 MB
Core Shopify Product Image Editing Techniques
Background Removal and Replacement
Removing the background of Shopify items is essential to maintain the focus on the item. Use white, transparent, or very light colors for the Shopify background.
You can use the Shopify Magic tool to remove the background quickly. But if the product images have sharp edges or complex details, edit them manually or get professional background removal services.
Color Correction
Showing the actual color of items is vital. It helps you build trust with customers and reduce return rates. Adjust the white balance to represent the goods’ colors and keep them accurate.
A specific background color can shape your brand image. Use a consistent color palette to create a uniform look and distinguish your brand.
Tweak Brightness, Contrast, and Exposure
Adjust the brightness, contrast, and exposure level of your product images. It helps you correct or enhance its appearance.
Be careful while tweaking the bright and dark areas to avoid misrepresenting the goods. Create a real look without over-editing it.
Improve Sharpness
An appropriate sharpness level can help you highlight clean lines, true edge, and crips details of the item. It provides a detailed and defined view without any blurriness.
However, avoid over-sharpening. It will otherwise cause unwanted artifacts and look unnatural. Finding the optimal balance is the key.
Add A Watermark or Logo
Add a subtle brand mark on the product image. But make sure it doesn’t distract from the main item.
Apart from giving copyright protection, it sets you apart from competitors. Use a professional graphics editing program.
Product Category-Based Image Editing For Shopify
The following are the product category-based image editing practices to preserve important details.
Fashion and Apparel
- Correct the garment color accurately to present the fabric.
- Enhance the fabric texture to create a unique look, feel, and perception.
- Retouch the apparel carefully to maintain proper fitting and natural draping.
Electronics and Tech Items
- Add a clean graphic on the blank screen monitor to hide reflections.
- Add a subtle gradient overlay, like a soft shine, to make the screen look real.
- Use no or minimal background to focus on the main item solely.
- Edit important parts carefully, like LED indicator lights, ports, buttons, etc.
Home Appliances and Kitchenware
- Remove fingerprints, smudges, and reflections from the steel or glossy surfaces.
- Straighten all lines to correct perspective distortion.
- Add a realistic shadow to create an original and authentic feel.
Furniture Items
- Improve the wood grain texture and fabric weaves.
- Retouch and remove minor imperfections, such as dust and spots.
- Straighten lines and edges to create a clean and polished look.
Beauty and Cosmetics
- Remove dust, smudges, or scratches from the item or packaging surface.
- Adjust the shadow and reflection to highlight the item’s texture and shape.
- Add a simple and clean background to make the item stand out.
FAQs on Shopify Product Image Editing
How to maintain accurate color for Shopify product images?
Utilize appropriate lighting techniques and carefully edit product images to achieve true-to-life color.
Should you use compression tools for Shopify product images?
Compression tools are effective in reducing file size while preserving optimal quality. However, excessive lossy compression can compromise the overall image quality.
What is the best file format for Shopify product images?
PNG, JPEG, and WebP are the best choices to maintain standard quality without consuming excessive space.
How many product images should I include per Shopify product page?
5-8 high-quality product images from various angles are enough for a Shopify page.
Conclusion
Don’t think your job is done after taking perfect Shopify product images. Preparing them in the post-production is vital before uploading them to your ecommerce site. A clean, attractive, and professional look can boost your sales growth. We have already outlined the types of editing required for Shopify product images in different categories. If you don’t have an in-house post-production team, hire a professional image editing service provider to save you valuable time and money.
