Shopify Image Sizes – The Ultimate Guide (Expert Tips Included)

Founded in 2006, Shopify earned $1 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV) in 2013. In 205, Backlinko stated that 4.61 million live websites use Shopify, and 675 million people bought from stores on Shopify. So, what’s the big deal to grab a large number of buyers’ attention? Shopify product image helps you present your product in the best light and build brand awareness. But to upload high-quality product images you also need to know Shopify image sizes on different platforms and how to optimize them to increase sales. 

That’s what this complete guide where you’ll explore:

• Shopify product image sizes,
• Best image file formats,
• Mobile vs. desktop display details,
• Expert tips to optimize Shopify images,
• Common Shopify image mistakes & how to fix them.

Why Shopify Image Sizes Matter

Shopify image size matters most in establishing a positive user experience, faster loading times, and better search engine rankings. Large or unoptimized images slow down your site, while poorly sized images can appear blurry and lead to lost sales. Here’s why Shopify image size matters:

Impact on Store Performance & Loading Speed

In 2024, a study from Business Dasher reported that 75% of customers judge a business’s credibility through its website design. High-resolution and proper-size Shopify images improve Shopify store performance and loading speed. Large files slow down page loading speed, leading to poor user experience, abandoned carts, and decreased sales. 

Product images are your business’s digital billboards that convert visitors into potential customers. Images that are too small or big impact on the site’s overall performance – product images that are all different sizes can ruin a customer’s shopping experience. So, maintain a proper balance between an image that’s large enough and allow customers to zoom in for more details. 

Mobile vs. Desktop Display Considerations

Mobile phones have become the go-to choice for shopping online worldwide. In 2023, Statista reported that 30% of global internet users made weekly purchases via mobile phones. Though Shopify automatically resizes images as per screen sizes, choosing the right dimensions can prevent distortions. 

• Responsive images: Mobile screens are smaller, and large images may cut off or shrink, reducing proper product visibility.

• Fast loading speed: Mobile or desktop users both expect fast page loads. Try to upload images fulfilling Shopify image requirements.

• Aspect ratio matters: Square or vertical images work better for mobile, ensuring visibility without excessive scrolling. 

• Wider image display: Landscape or rectangular images are more effective for full-width banners and hero images. 

• More visual space: Desktop layouts allow for larger product images, giving users a detailed product view. 

SEO Benefits of Properly Sized Images

Properly sized images on several online platforms ensure top ranking in search engine result pages (SERPs). Optimized images are essential to reduce hosting costs, consume less bandwidth, improve site performance, etc. Search engine bots can crawl and index pages efficiently when they are lightweight. Here, large and unoptimized images slow down crawling and Google indexing. 

You might have an idea that Google uses a host of metrics to determine which web pages rank at the top of their search results. The quality of images is likely an important factor in Google’s Algorithm.

Shopify Image Size Requirements & Best Practices

Shopify Basic users can add up to 250 product photos, 3D models, or videos using Shopify Basic. Other image limits as per Shopify account categories are: Shopify plan is 1000 files, and for Advanced Shopify users, you can upload up to 5000 files.

General Image Guidelines for Shopify

Shopify has no absolute image size guidelines because of its different themes and customizable options for businesses or brands. But you can follow the standard Shopify product image recommendations that are highlighted below:

• Maximum image resolution: 72 DPI
• Maximum image file size: 4472 x 4472 pixels or 20 MB
• Square image dimensions: 2048 x 2048 pixels
• Minimum dimensions for zoom: 800 x 800 pixels

Before going through in-depth details, let’s take a look at additional Shopify product image sizes below:

Shopify’s Recommended Image Sizes for Different Uses

Shopify suggested sizes for different images vary on responsive website design. Let’s discover Shopify’s most common image size guidelines! There are five types of images you’ll notice, such as –

• Background images
• Hero images
• Banner images
• Blog images
• Logos

Along those, we’ll discuss different types of image size requirements for a better understanding. 

Product Image Size

Square product images (2048 x 2048 pixels)

Shopify product image can break or build your brand. So, aim to upload high-quality product images to your Shopify store, allowing buyers to zoom images and give them an in-store shopping experience. 

Maximum image size: 4472 x 4472 pixels

Ideal image size: 2048 x 2048 pixels

Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square images) or 3:1 (rectangular photos)

Maximum File size: 3 MB

Hero Image Size

Shopify hero images are similar to backgrounds but tend to be smaller in height (about half the size). Do you want to showcase more text (i.e., product features, brand name, etc.) on the screen? The hero image is the best choice for you. Take a look at VERVE, the coffee retailer adorns their home page with a horizontal hero image, providing a strong first impression on store visitors.

Recommended image width: Between 1280px to 2500px 

Recommended image height: Between 720px to 900px

Aspect ratio: 16:9

Maximum File size: 10MB

Collection Image Size

Collection images showcase groups of products and work as cover pictures that help customers see product categories or variations in one image. These images are effective and make it easier to explore and find items consumers are interested in.

Maximum image size: 4472 x 4472 pixels

Ideal image size: 1024 x 1024 pixels

Aspect ratio: 1:1 (Square)

Maximum file size: 20 MB

Banner Image Size

Shopify banner images can be different sizes and shapes, depending on the website layout and your wish (what you want to show your visitors) – for example, banner ads, Google Ads, and others. Must follow Google’s sizing guidelines for submitted images. For more details, you can check out the Tallow Ash banner image. Visitors first notice banner images when they land at your store. The image will always be in landscape orientation. Check out the Tallow Ash banner image.

Recommended image width: 1200-2000 pixels

Recommended image height: 400-600 pixels

Aspect ratio: 16:9 (4:1 or 3:1 for collection banner images)

Logo & Favicon Size

The logo or favicon size will be the smallest image on your website. Generally, the logo should be either rectangular or square aspect ratio. Most logos lend to a square (1:1 ratio). However, rectangular ratios work well for longer brand names or where words are used rather than a graphic. Shopify’s own website logo uses a longer 4:1 ratio.

Recommended image width: 100 pixels

Recommended image height: 100 pixels

Aspect ratio: 1:1 2:3, 4:1

Maximum File size: 1 MB

Blog & Featured Image Size

The best image size for the Shopify blog varies on the Shopify theme and screen space. However, there are two types of blog images: blog featured images and the pictures within the blog post. Images within your blog should usually be around 600 pixels. Features images appear as thumbnails or at the top of the blog post. The featured image required size: 

Maximum image size: 2240 x 1260 pixels

Ideal image size: 1800 x 1000 pixels

Aspect ratio: 16:9 

Maximum File size: 3 MB

Background & Full-Width Image Size

Background images are the largest images on your Shopify site and work as a backdrop to a homepage or other landing page. So, when selecting the perfect one prioritize simplicity not a busy one. Remember, Shopidy resizes background images automatically so that the image can fit smaller screens too means the image might appear different across devices. You can check out famous brand background images to get ideas, such as Bruvi, uses motion media to tell a story about its product.

Recommended image width: 2560px

Recommended image height: 1400px

Aspect ratio: 16:9

Maximum File size: 20MB

Other Shopify Image Sizes

• Social Sharing Images

Shopify Facebook social sharing images’ recommended size is 1200 x 628 px, Instagram stories is 1080 x 1920 px, and more others. However, the size varies on the social platform you’re sharing it. 

• Newsletter

The ideal newsletter image on Shopify is 1600 x 300 px. If you add an image to the newsletter pop-up, maintain a 425 x 575 px image size. However, the right image size depends on whether it’s a simple square one or a full-screen popup. 

• Slideshow Image Size

Like banners, Shopify slideshow images are in landscape orientation (1600 x 500 pixels) or between 1200-2000 x 400-600 pixels with a 5:2 aspect ratio. The smaller the image, the better the view of the menu dropdowns. 

Mobile image size guidelines

Try to balance between image size and file size when uploading images considering mobile screens. From desktop to mobile, online buyers prefer to zoom product images for more details. So, it’s ideal to upload high-resolution images with great zoom capabilities. 

Keep the aspect ratio similar to images to maintain a uniform design across the page. However, the square and vertical images fit well on mobile screens. 

How to Optimize Shopify Images for Faster Loading & Better SEO

You can optimize Shopify store images by following 4 best practices: choosing the right file format, compressing images without losing quality, using lazy loading, and optimizing alt test & file names. For more details, check out below:

Choosing the Right File Format

The right image file format is essential for high-quality images and keeping the file size manageable for better website performance. Shopify’s most common image file formats and best use cases are mentioned as follows:

JPEG

JPEG (or JPG), Joint Photographic Experts Group, lossy compression method is one of the most used digital image file formats, balancing file size and image quality. This file format is popular worldwide, from photographs to complex images showcasing many colors.  

• Offer a good balance between image quality and file size.
• Ideal for product photos, banners, and general website images.
• Adjustable quality levels allow Shopify users like you to optimize for specific needs.

PNG

PNG or Portable Network Graphics, is a raster image file format that supports lossless compression by preserving image quality. It is used for web graphics due to its ability to handle transparency and a wide range of color palettes. 

• Suitable for detailed logos, icons, and graphics with intricate designs.
• Complex images can be larger than JPEG, leading to slower loading times.

SVG

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a vector-based image format. It is used in mathematical equations and geometric shapes rather than pixels, allowing polished, scalable graphics without losing quality.

• SVG file size is lightweight, leading to faster page loading times.
• SVGs are used for different purposes, like logos, icons, illustrations, and animations.
• This file format can be resized to any size unlike pixel-based images (PNG, JPG) without compromising quality.

HEIC

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) is a file format used by Apple devices to store high-quality and small-size file images compared to JPEG. However, this image file format is not universally supported on non-Apple devices.

• HEIC file size is smaller than JPEG.
• Better image quality compared to JPEG when it comes to preserving fine details and colors.

WebP

Another popular image file format is WebP which was developed by Google. It is popular for its lossless compression on the web (reduced by  30% file size compared to JPEG or PNG). The ratio is quite satisfactory to improve website load times. Reminder: WebP is not yet universally supported by all browsers.

• 25-34% smaller than JPEGs at the same SSIM quality index.
• Supports alpha transparency, similar to PNG.
• Supports animation, similar to GIF.

GIF

GIF is a bitmap image file format popular for its simple animation support. It uses lossless compression and reduces images to a maximum of 256 colors, resulting in smaller file sizes. 

• It uses lossless compression means no image data is lost during compression.
• Suitable for simple graphics, animations, logos, and memes.
• GIFs are raster images.

TIFF

TIFF, or tagged image file format, is a high-quality, lossless format supported by image editing applications. This file format is ideal for storing images for professional printing due to its high resolution and color depth. 

• Store high-quality images with minimal data loss. 
• Supports both lossless and lossy compression.
• Store multiple layers and support transparency, suitable for complex images.
• Store extensive metadata like camera settings and copyright information.
• TIFF supports different color spaces, including RGB, CMYK, and LAB.

Compressing Images Without Losing Quality

Compressed images load faster, improving page speed and user experience.

Tools for Compression:

• • TinyPNG/TinyJPG: Free online tools for compressing PNG and JPEG files.
  • Squoosh: A Google tool for advanced compression and format conversion.
  • Photoshop: Use the “Save for Web” feature to optimize images.

• Shopify Apps: Crush.pics, Image Optimizer, etc. 

Best Practices:

• Aim for a balance between file size and quality. Use tools that allow you to preview the compressed image.
• Compress images before uploading them to Shopify to reduce server load.

Using Lazy Loading for Faster Performance

Lazy loading delays the loading of offscreen images until they’re needed, reducing initial page laid time. Here are some best practices you can follow:

• Test lazy loading to ensure it doesn’t negatively impact user experience (e.g., images loading too late).
• Combine lazy loading with placeholder images or low-quality image previews (LQIP) for a smoother experience.

Optimizing Alt Text & File Names for SEO

Alt text and file names help search engines understand your images, improving your store’s SEO and accessibility.

Best practices to add Alt Text

• Add descriptive alt text to all images in the Shopify admin. For product images, include the product name and key features. For example: Instead of “img1234.jpg,” use “blue-winter-jacket-waterproof.jpg.”

• Rename image files to include relevant keywords before uploading them.

• Use hyphens to separate words (e.g., “red-running-shoes.jpg”).

Best SEO Practices:

• Avoid keyword stuffing in alt text and file names. Keep them descriptive and natural.
• Use alt text to describe the image’s content and context, not just for keywords.

Expert Tips for Shopify Image Optimization

In 2024, Business Dasher reported that high-quality product photos earned a 94% higher conversion rate than low-quality photos. Optimizing product images is essential for your Shopify store to provide consumers with a clean, professional storefront, improve load times, and enhance the overall shopping experience. Here are 4 expert tips for Shopify image optimization you can follow:

• Ensuring Consistent Aspect Ratios for a Clean Storefront

A consistent aspect ratio provides a professional product visual across your Shopify store that attracts potential buyers. Here are some best practices you can follow to achieve it:

• Choose a standard aspect ratio – Shopify recommends using 1:1 (square) or 3:2 (rectangle) for product images.
• Use the same dimensions for all images – A standard size like 2048x2048px (for high-resolution images) or 1024x1024px (for faster loading) ensures uniformity.
• Use Shopify image resizer – Shopify automatically adjusts images, but for better control, manually resize before uploading. Or, you can use Photoshop, Canva, or other photo editing tools to resize images to the desired aspect ratio. 
• Edit images in bulk – Use tools like Canva, Photoshop, or TinyPNG to batch-resize images before uploading.

• How to Test Image Load Speed & Performance

Slow-loading images impact sales and SEO. Here are 4 best image loading speed and performance testing software that eases your analysis work:

• • Google PageSpeed Insights – Identifies slow-loading images and suggests optimization details.

• GTmetrix or Pingdom – Analyzes page load time and image bottlenecks.

• Shopify Analyzer – Shopify-specific performance analysis tool. 

• Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools) – Run Lighthouse audit to identify image-related performance issues. 

Other effective tips are:

• Use Webp format that is 30% smaller than JPEG/PNG
• Enable lazy loading via Shopify’s built-in settings or apps.
• Compress images using TinyPNG, ImageOptim, or Shopify apps.

• Leveraging Shopify Apps for Image Optimization

Shopify apps help you to automate image compression, resizing, and format conversion. The 5 best Shopify apps for image optimization are:

• SEO Image Optimizer Pro – Automatically compresses images, offers bulk optimization for existing images, and adds SEO-friendly alt tags.
• TinyIMG SEO & Image Optimizer – Bulk compresses images and serves them in WebP format.
• Crush.pics – Reduces file sizes without losing quality and supports WebP format.
• LoyaltyHarbour Image Optimizer – Automates compression and renaming for SEO.
• Lazy Load by Rocket Apss – Delays loading of offscreen images to improve page speed. 

• Using SVG for Logos & Icons for Scalability

As we mentioned earlier, the SVG is a vector format that is suitable for logos and icons because it retains quality at any screen size. Other reasons are:

• SVGs remain sharp on all screen sizes.
• Compared to PNG/JPG, SVGs load faster.
• Change colors and styles automatically; no need to edit the file.

Common Shopify Image Mistakes & How to Fix Them

High-quality product images play a crucial role in attracting potential customers and boosting efficient leads. But some common mistakes can break Shopify store owners’ reputation with their product images, such as –

Images Appearing Blurry or Pixelated

Shopify or other e-commerce platforms suggest store owners upload high-resolution, polished, and professional-looking product images that help to build consumer trust in their product. If you upload blurry, pixelated, or low-resolution images makes the store look unprofessional and reduces customer trust. 

Solution: 

• Upload high-resolution images (at least 2048 x 2048 pixels).
• Invest in professional product photography or click photos using a high-quality camera.
• Optimize images through TinyPNG or Shopify’s built-in image compression for web use to avoid slow loading times. 

Oversized Images Slowing Down the Site

Uploading large, uncompressed, or inconsistent aspect ratio images slows down loading speed, leading to higher bounce rates. 

Solution: 

• Standardize image dimensions for all products (i.e., 1:1 aspect ratio for square images).
• Use editing or conversion tools to change the file size of your images.
• For graphics or logos, consider using SVG and for other images use WebP to compress large files. 

Inconsistent Product Image Sizes Affecting Store Layout

Broken or using images with varying dimensions and aspect ratios, affect store layout issues. 

Solution: 

• Organize product images maintaining an order – standardize image dimensions and aspect ratios.
• For product images, use 2048×2048 pixels. 
• For banners use 1800 x 1000 pixels.

Mobile Display Issues & Cropped Images

Images that look great on desktops may appear too large or distorted on mobile devices, leading to poor user experience. 

Solution:

• Use responsive images that automatically adjust as per different screen sizes.
• Enable Shopify’s built-in image optimization using the “srcset” attribute in your theme’s code.
• Test your store on multiple devices to ensure image quality is perfect or use Shopify’s mobile preview tool in the theme editor. 

Advanced Image Optimization Strategies for Shopify Experts

Shopify image optimization partially relates to Shopify site speed optimization. The 5 advanced image optimization strategies for Shopify experts are mentioned below:

• Use direct image names.

Avoid uploading default file names because it impacts image SEO. So, use relevant keywords to help your web page rank on search engines. To do this:

• Create descriptive, keyword-rich file names (i.e., 2012-Ford-Mustang-LX-Red.jpg).
• Consider your target audience searching for products like what naming patterns do they use to search specific products? For example, car shoppers may search terms like:

• 2012 Red Ford Mustang LX
• Ford Mustang LX Red 2012
• Red Ford Mustang LX 2012

Research your website analytics to get ideas about keywords, common naming patterns, and so on.

• Optimize image alt attributes carefully.

Alt attributes work as text alternatives to images when a browser won’t properly load them. They’re also used for web accessibility. If you hover over it, you’ll see the alt attribute text. The alt attribute adds SEO value to your Shopify store. So, try to add alt attributes with relevant keywords that help to rank better. Here are some alt attributes rules:

• Set an image alt attribute like your image file names.
• If your product has model numbers or serial numbers, use them in your alt attributes.
• Avoid stuffing your alt attributes using keywords like alt=” Ford Mustang muscle car buy now cheap price on black Friday sale.”
• Avoid using alt attributes for decorative images because search engines may give a penalty for over-optimization. 
• Remember, to recheck the source of your web pages that the alt attributes are still relevant. 

• Choose image dimensions and product angles wisely.

Though your store is filled with amazing products, a slow loading speed may distract audiences. The main reason is the slow loading speed because of image file sizes. Remember, Shopify doesn’t permit uploading images larger than 4472 x 4472 pixels. Also, the platform has a file size limit (20MB). So, before uploading your product resize images by maintaining the required sizes as per theme.

• Use image sitemaps.

Does your site use Javascript galleries, image pop-ups, or other “flashy” to improve buyers’ overall shopping experience? Image sitemaps help you to get noticed by Google. Remember, web crawls can’t crawl those images that are not called out specifically in the webpage source code. If you’re a Shopify Merchant, you’ll get an automatically generated sitemap that includes all your product images. 

• Use a good image content delivery network (CDN).

With Shopify’s image CDN, your product image file size is automatically optimized when you upload your image. Though the changes may not be noticeable to the human eye but will improve page load time. Also, CDN automatically detects client-side supported file formats and offers dynamic editing solutions like crop and transform without losing the original file.

Conclusion

Shopify Image Size is a key factor in enhancing user experience, converting them into potential customers, and boosting search engine rankings. Adding too large or too small product images affects page loading time distracts online buyers and gives a negative vibe about your brand or business. From first-time sellers to global retailers – all follow and maintain Shopify image guidelines to give users an amazing and flexible shopping experience. 

Upload your product images flawlessly!