Shopify Image Size Guide 2024
Your Shopify store is almost completed. You’ve got fantastic products, took good pictures of them, and designed all the pages. There’s one question yet to be answered – are there ideal Shopify image sizes?
Shopify image size matters. Photos placed and sized accordingly to guidelines enhance user experience in any device, avoiding pixelation, stretching, and long page loading times. This last factor also interferes with SEO.
Applying the right Shopify image size to the right element will improve trust, engagement, and conversions.
This article will provide you with the necessary information for Shopify image optimization. Learn what the recommended picture sizes are, how to format your images accordingly, and which tools to use.
In this Article:
Shopify Image Size Overview
There are three main factors to consider when optimizing Shopify images:
- Graphic elements say a lot about who you are and what you have to offer. They can convey confidence and create trust. Product images, collections, and slideshows decisively influence a buyer’s final decision.
Apply the ideal Shopify image size for clear and engaging visualization. Double-check the theme guidelines, as themes have recommended image sizes and may crop images differently.
- Use high-resolution pictures, but compress the files to the recommended Shopify image size for fast site loading speed.
Some small graphic elements like logos and favicons are small and, although they convey image and branding, don’t impact the website’s performance.
However, other element measurements – such as the Shopify banner dimensions – are crucial, affecting the page loading time, searchability, and SEO.
- Add alt-texts to the pictures to improve your Shopify SEO.
Give special attention to the products’ and collections’ alt-text and descriptions, as they are fundamental components of optimizing your SEO, visibility, and searchability.
General Shopify Image Size Recommendations
As a rule of thumb, a Shopify image should be large enough to be zoomed and small enough to be loaded quickly.
- The minimum Shopify image size recommended for square product photos and similar elements is 800 x 800 px, as less than this impedes zooming, and the main image will be pixelated or overstretched.
- Shopify's recommended size for square images is 2048 x 2048 px.
- Shopify accepts a maximum image file size of 20MB, with a maximum size of 4472 x 4472 px and a maximum resolution of 72 dpi.
- Shopify will automatically resize images larger than the allowed.
Shopify Banner Size
Sometimes referred to as a Hero banner image, the Shopify banner is usually displayed on the top of the page, below the header.
The Shopify banner size is one of the hardest parameters to fix, as it may vary according to the theme and devices.
Use clean, simple, high-resolution images for the banner, considering any additional graphic element which may be added on top of it. Consider the text and button colors, guaranteeing they will stand out from the background image.
Many themes, including Narrative, Testament, and Impulse, use a 16:9 ratio for the Shopify banner. This is not universal, however – popular themes, such as the Debut and EcomSolid, work better with a 3:1 ratio, while Brooklyn works better with 3:2. Always check the theme for specific measurement guidelines.
The most crucial dimension is the width, in smartphones it can be cut or stretched. Make sure it measures from 1200 to 2000 px, observe the focal point that should always be visible, and check how it displays on laptops and mobile devices.
- The ideal Shopify banner size is a width of 1800 px.
A Shopify banner can be created with one or two images, text, or a CTA button. The graphics elements will be arranged differently on desktops than on mobile devices.
Learn how to promote your shop, Shopify email marketing, and much more in our blog.
Shopify Banner Size and Options for Desktops
- If multiple images are used, they should be displayed side by side.
- A text box will partially cover the image. The text can be aligned to the right, center, or left.
Source: Debut Theme, Light style, Shopify Themes.
Shopify Banner Size and Options for Mobile Devices
- Two images can be displayed side by side or stacked in a column. This can be configured at “Theme settings,” “Image banner,” then “Stack images on mobile.”
- A text box will be displayed below the image. Just like in the desktop version, the text can be aligned to the right, center, or left.
Source: Debut Theme, Light style, Shopify Themes.
Shopify Product Image Size
The Shopify product image importance cannot be overstated. Photos are the only way for the customer to examine the product closely – remember that your clients cannot touch and feel what you’re selling and will have to trust the descriptions and images.
A non-optimized Shopify product image size can definitely drive customers away.
- It is recommended to use high resolution square images as much as possible, primarily due to most traffic coming from mobile devices. Smartphones resize images automatically, so square images placed at the center of the page will keep the correct ratio.
- Some themes may alter image sizes and proportions. If rectangular product images are needed, use a 3:1 ratio, as it is the most common in all devices.
- The maximum image size allowed is 4472 x 4472 px. Larger images will be automatically resized by Shopify.
- The optimal Shopify product image size is 2048 x 2048 px. This setting guarantees good loading page speed and high image quality.
Shopify Collection Image Size
Shopify collection images are product photos grouped side by side. They should have the same ratio and size. Otherwise, one product will appear more prominent than others, and the final result will look amateur.
The same limits that apply to an individual Shopify product image apply to collections – the photos should be sized no less than 800 x 800 px and no more than 4472 x 4472 px.
The optimal Shopify collection image size is 1024 x 1024 px, balancing the loading speed of several files with the use of high-quality images.
Source: Debut Theme, Light style, Shopify Themes.
Source: Debut Theme, Light style, Shopify Themes.
Shopify Slideshow Image Size
As in the case of collections, Shopify slideshow images should use the same size and proportion.
This feature allows highlighting specific products which will autoplay or pop up. It is advisable to use a high resolution, enhancing the products’ best features and using pictures with some space around the product, as the images will be cropped or resized on different devices.
Center the image and define its focal point, depending on the theme, to ensure the desired characteristic will be in the spotlight on any device.
The optimal Shopify slideshow image size will vary depending on the theme. The image’s width should be from 1200 to 2000 px, but we recommend a width of 1600 px for optimal display, while the height should be from 400 to 600 px.
Source: Debut Theme, Light style, Shopify Themes.
Source: Debut Theme, Light style, Shopify Themes.
You can get design ideas and inspiration from the best Shopify clothing stores in our blog.
Shopify Header Image Size
Adding an image to the header, such as a logo or even an upcoming promotion, is possible. That image will be displayed with the header on all pages and can be used, for instance, to highlight a major product.
As logos can vary in proportion, the most important measure, in this case, is the header height. Shopify allows a height of from 100 to 250 px. The optimal Shopify header image size, however, should be a height of around 120px.
Other Shopify Image Sizes
- For pictures with text overlay, such as background images, a featured blog image or even some banners, the recommended size is around 1800 x 1000 px, or close to a 9:5 ratio.
- Use square product images in galleries. The recommended Shopify picture size in this case is the minimum of 800 x 800 px to allow zoom.
- Try to fit your Favicon within 32 x 32 px.
- The Shopify Logo’s maximum size is 450 x 250 px, as the sidebar’s width is 250 px. Use the optimal Shopify header image size if you intend for your logo to be displayed on it.
Get ideas for what to sell on Shopify or how to create a Shopify dropshipping store in our blog.
What Image Format Is Best for Shopify?
The following image formats are supported by Shopify: JPEG, Progressive JPEG, PNG, GIF, HEIC, and WebP.
The most used image formats are PNG and JPEG.
- PNG format allows transparent images or backgrounds. It is particularly suitable for flat colors, images, and icons, without gradients. PNG image files are usually larger in size.
Shopify recommends using PNG images in logos, icons, borders, and trim.
- JPEG images have complex colors and gradients, such as photos from real products. This format can be resized with online image compressors without losing much of the original quality.
Shopify recommends using JPEG images for products, banners or slideshows, pages, and blog posts.
Shopify automatically compresses large images. It also provides “Imagery,” a tool that recognizes which format is supported in the user’s browsers. If modern formats like WebP are supported, Imagery automatically converts the compressed images to improve performance.
GIF (Graphics interchange format), popular for using animated images decades ago, is supported but not recommended for Shopify stores. The exception is if you intend to convey retro aesthetics in your online store. In that case, give preference to using the format in small files, such as logos and favicons, but avoid animated GIFs due to browser compatibility issues.
The Ultimate Shopify Growth Guide
How to Edit and Prepare Images for Shopify
- Define the image focal point. The focal point is the image area that should be visible in any setting and device. If some areas of the image are cropped, the focal point should be visible.
- If your theme doesn’t offer specific settings for the focal point of the images, use the image center as such.
- Do not add text or links to slideshows and background images. The images should be clean. Otherwise, any text addition may not be perfectly readable.
- If you want or need to add text or links, use the theme editor and do it as separate elements that will be positioned differently on mobile devices without the risk of being cropped or granulated.
- For images to be used as backgrounds, use simple pictures, so that any overlying text is readable. If you opt for stock images, check the visibility of elements placed on top of it.
Make an Impression With Your Images
Creating engaging pictures for your collection pages goes beyond just getting the Shopify product image size right.
Get inspiration in our blog with guides on how to take product photos for your online store and how to take pictures for Etsy. You’ll also find photography tips, tool recommendations, illumination, context, background, effects, and easy and creative product photography ideas to boost your sales.
While some pictures, such as product images, can be cropped on the Shopify dashboard, you will want a dedicated option for applying filters and effects, editing and customizing banners, slideshows, logos, and other elements.
The following are some of the best free and paid image editors for all platforms and operating systems.
Free and Freemium Editors
1. GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is one of the best image editors available. Full of features and suitable for professional usage, it is a direct competitor and alternative to Photoshop, but completely free and open source.
No subscription is required for additional features and filters, and the software is regularly updated.
This powerful editor has a steep learning curve, but it is worth it, allowing more than simply adjusting Shopify image sizes, from full image optimization to creating complex banner images.
GIMP is thoroughly documented with manuals, tutorials, and guides available in 15 languages. As open-source software, there is no official tech support but an active and engaged community, mostly in forums.
- Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
2. Canva
Canva is a popular, easy-to-use photo editor. Freemium and online, Canva’s focus is on designing graphic elements for the web. Still, it offers plenty of features for editing images.
It’s possible to adjust to the ideal Shopify photo size, upload, edit, apply filters and effects, save and share photos on social networks, add templates, pre-build, or use custom elements. Advanced filters and easy removing the background are available with premium accounts.
- Online, it works at the browser in Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Free plan
- 5gb of storage
- Hundreds of thousands of stock photos
- 250,000 templates
- Pro plan – $12.99 monthly or $119.99 yearly
- 1-5 people
- 100Gb of cloud storage
- Advanced features and filters
- Removes image backgrounds instantly
- 100+ million premium stock photos
- 610,000+ premium and free templates
- Enterprise – $30.00 monthly per person
- Minimum 25 people
- Unlimited storage
- 24/7 customer support
- Security features
- Brand management
3. Fotor
Fotor is a flexible and easy-to-use online photo editor suitable for quick edits and adjustments to your Shopify images. Even though the app is aimed more at enthusiasts and non-professionals, it offers plenty of resources and filters to make editing Shopify images easy and quick from anywhere.
It allows quick edits for pictures with resources such as the background remover or the hit-or-miss “one-tap enhance button.” Additional retouching tools such as red-eye and wrinkle removal are intended more for personal photos.
The highly-rated mobile app lets you adjust your Shopify photo size from anywhere and upload images to other Shopify marketing channels, like Facebook and Instagram.
- Free with built-in purchases.
- On-line, works in Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Check our blog for tips on free Shopify apps.
Paid Options
Adobe Photoshop needs no introduction. The industry-standard software for image drawing and editing for years, Photoshop is the most popular, and sets the resources and features the competition replicates.
Photoshop can perform any editing and adjustment required by a Shopify store – altering image quality and resolution, resizing files, converting file formats, or applying advanced features to banners or slideshow images.
Such a powerful tool has a steep learning curve, even though Adobe has improved its usability considerably.
- Price – $20.99 per month. Offers a 7-day trial.
- Available for Windows and macOS.
Corel PaintShop Pro is a true classic. The editor, created by JASC Software, has been around for decades but still has much to offer. It’s a budget alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
Corel PaintShop Pro is full of professional resources and can work with raster and vector image formats. Its latest edition added AI functions such as background replacement and support for HEIC and HEIF file formats.
Despite its complexity, the editor is considerably easier to operate than GIMP or Photoshop.
- Price – one-time payment of $69.99, or $89.99 for the Ultimate version.
- Available for Windows and macOS.
Photoshop Elements is a simpler alternative to Adobe Photoshop and Corel PaintShop Pro, for those interested in sticking to the Adobe ecosystem. It offers standard edition features and Quick and Guided modes for beginners.
The editor allows quick adjustments to banners and other Shopify images, such as altering picture quality, image dimensions, file sizes, or converting the image format.
It is available for a one-time payment. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include a Creative Cloud subscription.
- One-time payment of $99.99.
- Available for Windows and macOS.
Would you like to check Shopify alternatives? Compare other platforms, like BigCommerce vs Shopify or WooCommerce vs Shopify.
Ready, Set, Upload!
This article shows that the Shopify image size is relevant for improving SEO, user experience, and developing trust and engagement.
We explain the following optimized dimensions:
- Shopify Banner Size
- Shopify Product Image Size
- Shopify Collection Image Size
- Shopify Slideshow Image Size
- Shopify Header Image Size
- Other Shopify Image Sizes
Finally, we’ve listed tools and tips for optimizing your Shopify images.
Now, it’s time to start editing and uploading images to your Shopify online store. Get ready for success.
Make It Happen Today!
Written by
Andris Mucenieks
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