0%
Quick Overview
Since 75% of online shoppers rely on product images when purchasing, photography or images are crucial for e-commerce success. The number of images varies by product but most sites recommend at least 4–6 images per product.
Of course, each image must contribute to the shopping experience and comply with size requirements. The image size directly impacts how fast a page loads, how well the zoom feature works, and how well images display on different devices.
Knowing the image size for Shopify is key to a successful online store on the popular platform. Below, we talk about ways to conform to Shopify image sizes to ensure a better user experience, well-optimized performance, and a more profitable e-commerce business.
General Requirements
Shopify has different recommendations depending on how the image will be used, but the site has the following limitations:
- Images cannot exceed 4472 x 4472 pixels
- Square images should not exceed 2048 x 2048 pixels
- Image files cannot be larger than 20 MB
- Images should have a resolution of 72 dpi
The following sections discuss image requirements according to use. However, some Shopify themes may have different restrictions. Checking the Shopify theme documentation should be your first step in selecting and uploading images.
Product Images
As per product image size, Shopify recommends an aspect ratio of 1:1 for square images and 3:1 for rectangular. The Shopify product image size can be 20 megapixels or a maximum of 4472 x 4472.
For square images, the file size of 2048 x 2048 is best to allow for fast picture loading. After all, no matter how great the detail looks in high resolution, no shopper will ever see the product image if the loading speed is too slow.
Collection Images
Shopify collection image size should be square with a 1:1 aspect ratio. They can be as large as the maximums listed under general requirements. Square collection images deliver a more professional experience.
Header Images
Shopify collection header images can vary based on the theme. The usual header size has a 1:1 aspect ratio and a pixel size of 1600 x1600. Again, check the theme documentation before uploading images or consult with your Shopify UI designers.
Slideshow Images
Shopify slideshow image size should always have a landscape orientation. The recommended image size is 1600 x 500. However, different devices may crop the images automatically. To ensure the full image is displayed, check that:
- Images are centered.
- Image details can be viewed on a mobile device.
- Images are optimized for fast loading speeds.
Keeping Shopify slideshow images the same size creates a more uniform presentation and a better user experience.
Logo Images
Logo images are displayed in multiple locations on Shopify. They can appear on the home page, in footers, and menus. Different Shopify themes may have different requirements from the recommended sizes. Be sure to check your Shopify theme documentation for logo-specific recommendations.
As a rule, Shopify logo images should be square with 200 x 200 pixels in height and width. This recommended size is below the 450 x 450 pixel Shopify limit. The smaller size helps prevent the logo from becoming distorted as it shows on different devices and different page locations. A larger logo image size can also slow down a page's loading speed.
Background Image Dimensions
Background images can grow quite large, making for long load times. A good rule of thumb is to keep background image sizes to 1920 x 1080 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. By keeping the image size small, you should easily avoid any performance issues that can occur when a file exceeds 3MB. Feel free to use Shopify apps and image optimization tools to compress files for faster load times.
Blog Images
The best Shopify image size for a blog is 1800 x 1000 pixels with a 9:5 aspect ratio if it is displayed at the start of the post. The in-text image dimension of 1000 x 350 pixels is recommended. If the image size exceeds the maximum Shopify size, the images will automatically be reconfigured to meet the requirements.
Types of Image Files
Although Shopify can accept a range of file formats, the most common image file formats are JPG/JPEG, PNG, and GIF.
JPG/JPEG
For a Shopify store, JPG is the recommended image format for product photos. The format is easy to compress without sacrificing image quality. It combines a reasonable color range with a small file size for faster load times.
PNG
Customized designs often use PNG file formats. Because the format supports transparency, it gives designers more flexibility in creating graphics or logos. However, the file size can quickly grow if the image is complex. The PNG file format uses lossless compression, which retains the original quality but makes for a larger file size.
GIF
GIF is used to add animated images to web pages because most browsers recognize the format. GIFs can be massive, making them impractical for a Shopify store. However, Shopify will compress the GIF and reduce the displayed colors to 256.
Summary
To get a fast-performing Shopify online store that offers a delightful shopping experience, you should only upload images that stay within the recommended size and quality requirements. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided by your Shopify theme, consult with the official Shopify recommendations, or get in touch with Shopify experts.
With 7 years of experience in the IT industry, Yaroslav T. specializes in e-commerce solutions. He has developed approximately 15 online stores, ranging from medium-sized shops to large marketplaces, gaining extensive experience across various industries including financial services, retail & distribution, and life sciences & healthcare. Skilled in Adobe Commerce, he excels in frontend development solutions for this CMS.
Experienced SEO Specialist with a proven track record of improving website visibility and search engine rankings. Skilled in keyword research, on-page and off-page optimization, link building, and content strategy development. Passionate about staying updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes to ensure optimal online presence.
