A complete guide to using optimized Shopify product images for your store

Imagine you're browsing online for the perfect pair of sneakers. You click on a product, curious to see its details, but the image is blurry or poorly cropped. Instantly, you feel your interest wane. This common scenario highlights the impact of product images on your Shopify store design, where visuals can make or break a sale. Effective imagery showcases your products, builds trust, and enhances the shopping experience. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use product images to boost your store’s appeal, covering everything from guidelines to best practices.

To make this process even more efficient, Instant's Shopify product page builder can streamline your efforts, providing the tools you need to create stunning, professional-looking pages that captivate customers.

Table of Contents

• What is product photography?

• Why do product images matter for your Shopify store

• What equipment do you need for product images?

• Nine popular types of product images for Shopify store

• Nine image formats accepted by Shopify for product display

• Recommended Shopify product image size

• Optimizing product images for Shopify

• How to add images to your Shopify store?

• FAQs on Shopify product images

• Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page builder

What is product photography?

Product photography captures images of products to show them off, sell them, and highlight specific features. It's everywhere: 

• eCommerce sites

• Social media

• Even magazines

Whether it's the ads on Instagram or the clothes at your favorite store, you can't escape it. Sometimes, it’s minimal, focusing on key aspects like tech gadgets. Other times, it involves styling, like in fashion or home decor. It's also called commercial photography.

Product photography in eCommerce

In eCommerce, product images aren’t just about showing the product's appearance. They build trust, tell a story, and create a connection with customers. Shoppers can’t physically touch or try on products, so these images must convey everything a customer needs to know. 

High-quality images can significantly impact your store's success. When your product images are crisp, clear, and accurate to the product, customers are more likely to purchase.

Why do product images matter for your Shopify store

The power of product images

Product images are essential for your Shopify store. A Salsify study found that 30% of US shoppers will only buy if images are present or high quality. How often have you skipped a purchase because the photos were bad? It’s all about trust and making your store look professional.

Image optimization: Why it’s a game-changer

Optimizing images for Shopify isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for user experience. Blurry or stretched images can turn off potential buyers. You want your products to be clear and appealing on any device. This makes browsing enjoyable and helps customers imagine using your products.

Speed matters: Keep pages loading fast

Slow-loading pages are a big turnoff. Gen Z, the future of eCommerce, won’t wait around. Optimized images keep your site fast, ideally loading in under 3 seconds. This keeps visitors engaged and less likely to leave for a competitor’s site.

SEO boost: Rank higher with the right images

Optimized images contribute to better SEO. They improve load times and tell search engines that your site is user-friendly. This can help you rank higher, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

Want to take control of your store's design and create stunning product pages? Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today! With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can effortlessly craft high-converting pages to capture and convert your audience.

What equipment do you need for product images?

Start with the right camera

When taking product images for your Shopify store, you can begin with whatever camera you have, even your smartphone. Shopify recommends using a mobile phone with a 12-megapixel camera or more. A full-frame sensor DSLR camera is ideal but optional.

Use a rope for more control

Having a rope to connect your camera to your computer is useful for seeing the images on your computer screen as you take them. It’s super handy for adjusting things like your background, fill light, and products until everything looks perfect before taking the shot.

Light it up: Get an excellent light source

Shooting with natural light is a great option if you have a place to shoot with a window that has lots of natural light. Having some lighting options is nice if your shoot is scheduled on a cloudy day or you run out of daylight hours. 

A studio strobe could be a good source for product photos, helping you achieve the hard shadows that full natural light creates. Some fill light options, such as softboxes, can also soften those shadows, depending on the style your customers want.

Tripod: Your steady hand

Using a tripod when taking product photographs lets you keep your image framed as you like as you adjust different aspects of the scene. It will also allow you to shoot in challenging product photography lighting since you’ll be able to get away with a longer shutter speed.

Backgrounds: More than just white

Having a variety of background colors and textures that your customers can choose from will set your photography business apart. The background can be seamless:

• Paper

• Tile

• Painted plywood

• Textured wallpaper

• Fabric

The options are vast, and you can get creative with what you use.

Plinths and risers: Adding dimension

Having plinths and risers on hand is one of the best product photography tips because these small props can transform your photos from amateur to pro. They can be wooden or acrylic and are handy for adding dimensions and varied heights to your product photographs.

Nine popular types of product images for Shopify store

1. The classic: White background shots

White background photos are a staple of eCommerce. You've seen them on Amazon, eBay, and more. Their simplicity lets the product shine without any distractions. It’s like spotlighting your items, letting shoppers easily compare different products. Brands like Golde love using these for a clean and cohesive collection page.

2. Contextual photos: Real-life action

Contextual shots show the product in action. They’re perfect for helping customers imagine how a product fits into their world. Think of a coffee maker brewing that perfect cup or headphones on a nightstand. These images offer perspective and make your product relatable.

3. Lifestyle imagery: People in the picture

Lifestyle shots often involve people. While they do overlap with contextual images, here the focus is more on the human experience. Imagine a group enjoying a meal with your plates. Lifestyle photos evoke emotion and connection, showing the joy your product can bring.

4. Scale shots: Size matters

Have you ever wondered how big or small a product is? Scale shots give you that perspective. Shoppers can easily gauge a product's size by comparing it to a common object. This is crucial when dimensions alone don’t quite cut it.

5. Detailed shots: Up close and personal

Sometimes, the devil is in the details. Detailed shots highlight unique features, textures, or craftsmanship that differentiate your product. Luxury brands love this for showcasing the finer things. It’s the difference between seeing a bag and seeing the stitching up close.

6. Group shots: Strength in numbers

Group shots display multiple items at once, often related in some way. They could be a bundle deal or a set of matching items. It’s a convenient way to show variety or suggest combinations that enhance the shopping experience.

7. Flat lay: Creative and fun

Flat lays are like a bird’s-eye view of your products, arranged creatively. They’re trendy on Instagram for their aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s skincare products scattered or tools neatly lined up, flat lays add diversity and are visually captivating.

8. Packaging photos: What’s in the box?

Packaging shots are all about what your product comes in. These are crucial for in-person shoppers and can be essential to your branding. If your product’s packaging is unique or hides the item, showing it off can make a big difference.

9. User-generated content: Real people, real photos

User-generated content (UGC) is all about authenticity. These are photos taken by your customers and are great for social proof. While UGC isn’t usually your main product photo, it adds a genuine touch that resonates with potential buyers.

Nine image formats accepted by Shopify for product display

1. JPG: The go-to for Shopify product images

JPG, or Joint Photographic Group, is the most common image format you'll encounter. It’s perfect for Shopify:

• Product images

• Header images

• Logos

Why? JPGs beautifully balance size and quality. They compress well, so they won't slow down your site but still display your products crisply. Use JPGs where you need a good-quality image that loads quickly.

2. PNG: A high-quality alternative for digital art

PNG, short for Portable Network Graphics, is your best friend when you need images with lossless compression. Unlike JPGs, PNGs don’t lose quality when resized or compressed. This makes them ideal for digital artworks like logos. While they’re a bit heavier than JPGs, they keep your designs looking sharp and professional.

3. GIF: Bringing movement to your shopify store

GIFs, or Graphics Interchange Format, are unique because they support animations. This sets them apart from PNGs, which only handle static images. GIFs are a great option to add some movement to your Shopify store. Instead of uploading directly, Shopify recommends using a tool like Giphy to embed the GIF, which keeps your load times swift.

4. TIFF: High-resolution images without the loss

TIFF stands for Tagged Image File Format and is known for its high quality and lossless compression. TIFF can handle if you need to showcase high-resolution images or multiple pages in one file. Remember that these files are large, so they might not be the best for web use where speed is crucial.

5. PSD: Behind-the-scenes design work

Photoshop Document files, or PSDs, are mainly used in design. They hold layers and other design elements, making them perfect for collaboration and editing. You probably won’t use them directly on your Shopify store, but it’s good to know they’re accepted. Convert them to JPG or PNG before uploading to ensure compatibility.

6. BMP: A bit too much for web use

Bitmap Images, or BMPs, retain every pixel’s color data, providing excellent quality. They’re uncompressed and can be quite large. This makes them less ideal for web use, where speed and efficiency are key. Stick to formats like JPG or PNG for a smoother user experience on your Shopify store.

7. SVG: Crisp, clean graphics for your site

Scalable Vector Graphics, or SVGs, are perfect for logos and icons on your Shopify store. They’re small and can be scaled to any size without losing quality. This makes them ideal for responsive web design, ensuring your graphics look sharp on any device. Use SVGs when you need a polished, professional appearance.

8. HEIC: A modern format with limited compatibility

High-Efficiency Image Format, or HEIC, is great for compression and quality. Not all 

browsers and devices support it. If you use HEIC images, ensure your audience's devices can handle them. It’s often safer to convert HEIC images to more widely supported formats like JPG or PNG before using them on your Shopify store.

9. WebP: Fast-loading images for modern browsers

WebP is a newer image format developed by Google designed specifically for the web. It offers excellent compression and quality, making it perfect for fast-loading pages. While more browsers are starting to support WebP, it’s still a good idea to offer JPG or PNG alternatives for users with older browsers to ensure everyone can view your images.

Recommended Shopify product image size

Perfecting Shopify product images

To make your Shopify store stand out, you need stunning and efficient images. Aim 

for 2048 x 2048 pixels for sharpness, with a maximum of 4472 x 4472 pixels. Stick to a 1:1 ratio for squares or 3:1 for rectangles. Keep your files under 3MB to maintain speed.

Elevate your collection images

Your collection images need to impress, too. For a clean, square look, go for 1024 x 1024 pixels. If you want more detail, Shopify allows up to 4472 x 4472 pixels, but keep files under 20MB to avoid slowing things down.

Mastering banner sizes for Shopify

The right banner size can transform your store's appearance. For desktops, aim for a width of 1200-2500 pixels and a height of 400-600 pixels. For mobile, try smaller sizes like 300 x 200 px or 250 x 250 px. The goal is clarity without compromising speed.

Choosing the right slideshow image dimensions

Your slideshow images are crucial for engaging visitors. Shoot for a width of 1200-2000 pixels and a height of 400-600 pixels, following a 16:9 aspect ratio. While you can use up to 4472 x 4472 pixels, keep files under 20MB for optimal performance.

Want to make creating product pages a breeze? Instant is a user-friendly Shopify product page builder that lets you craft advanced pages without coding. Easily design high-converting pages and integrate seamlessly with tools like Figma. Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today!

Optimizing product images for Shopify

Boost loading speed with image compression

Fast websites make happy shoppers, and people prefer to wait for pages to load. Your images, though beautiful, can slow things down. Third-party apps like LitePix or TinyIMG are your friends here. They automate image compression, slashing file sizes without losing quality. These tools are like a digital diet for your images, keeping them lean and quick to load. Your store will thank you, and so will your search rankings.

Choose the right image formats

JPEG, WebP, PNG, and SVG aren’t just random letters. They’re your options for image formats. Real-world product photos? Stick with JPEG or WebP for smaller file sizes and good quality. Do graphics or logos? PNG and SVG are your go-tos. Just remember, SVG is not for photos; it’s a format that will make them look weird and blocky.

Speed up loading with lazy loading

Lazy loading is like letting your website take a breather. It only loads images as users scroll the page, making the first view snappy and fast. This is great for user experience and keeps Google happy. Plus, it’s a lifesaver for those long pages where folks don’t scroll down. Get lazy, and get loading.

Accelerate with CDNs

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are your secret weapon for speeding up image delivery. 

They spread your image files across global servers, bringing them closer to your site visitors. This means faster loading times, no matter where your customers are. It’s like having express delivery for your images everywhere, all the time.

How to add images to your Shopify store?

Log in to your Shopify admin panel to get started. Head over to the section where you want to add images. This could be a product page, collection, or blog post. Place your cursor where you want the image to appear. 

Look for the image icon in the rich text editor and click it. From there, you'll see the option to upload a file. Choose the image from your computer or Shopify Files. Select the appropriate size for your layout and add alt text to describe the image. This not only helps with accessibility but also boosts your SEO. Click "Insert image" to finish up. 

FAQs on Shopify product images

Do you need product images for your Shopify store? Start using a good camera or smartphone for high-quality shots that showcase your products. If you want to go pro, hire a photographer who specializes in product photography. 

You can also explore stock photo websites for images that fit your products. If you’re dropshipping or working with suppliers, they often provide high-quality images.

Creating the best product image for Shopify

What makes a top-notch product image on Shopify? Focus on high resolution, aim for 2048 x 2048 pixels for square images. Stick with a 1:1 aspect ratio for squares or 3:2 for rectangles. Opt for JPEG or JPG formats; they strike the right balance between quality and file size. Consistency is key. Keep your style and lighting uniform across all images to maintain a cohesive look for your store.

Shopify's automatic image compression

Shopify compresses your product images when you upload them. This ensures your site loads quickly while still delivering high-quality visuals. However, optimizing your images beforehand is wise to ensure they meet your quality standards.

Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page builder

Imagine having a tool that lets you shape your Shopify store’s product pages without needing a developer. Instant is a game-changer for eCommerce teams and agencies. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, Instant makes it simple to design and publish:

• High-converting landing pages

• Blog posts

• Custom Shopify themes 

You control your store’s look and feel without touching code. It’s a powerful way to boost conversions and improve the customer experience.

Integration with Figma and more

Could you bring your Figma designs directly into your Shopify store? Instant makes that wish come true. It integrates seamlessly with Figma, allowing you to import your designs without losing any detail. 

This means you can easily plan your pages in Figma and then bring them to life in Shopify. Instant also plays nice with other eCommerce tools, giving you the flexibility to use your favorite tools and workflows.

Empowering non-technical teams

Instant isn’t just for developers. It’s designed for everyone on your eCommerce team. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for anyone to create and customize pages. 

This empowers your team to be more flexible and responsive, allowing you to make changes and updates without waiting on a developer. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.