Shopify image sizes: 2024 guidelines & tips

You're spending countless hours perfecting your Shopify store, curated products, the aesthetic, and the branding. But is your store's imagery spot-on?

In this digital age, where visuals often lead to conversions, it's crucial to ensure that your images are top-notch. On top of that, the images must meet precise size guidelines for optimal display.

In this Guide to Shopify image sizes, we will discuss the image size guidelines for 2024, and we'll share some useful tips to optimize your images for a stellar Shopify store.

• Understand the significance of optimized image quality and sizes on your Shopify store and how it directly impacts user experience and conversions.

• Get familiar with Shopify's 2024 guidelines for various image types, including collection, product, banner, logo, slideshow, blog, background, and text overlay images.

• Learn to pick the most suitable sizes for your Shopify images while considering factors like product features, consistency, and compelling online presence.

• Discover tips to further optimize your Shopify images for better conversions, such as using high-resolution images, mobile optimization, consistency, experimentation, CDN usage, as well as alt tags and descriptive filenames.

• Explore how integrating with Gelato can boost your Shopify store's look and greatly enhance the quality of your product images.

Imagine navigating a Shopify store with blurry, poorly sized images. Not a great experience, right? An optimized image - one with the right size and quality - enhances your Shopify store's overall aesthetic. It draws the customer’s attention and creates a lasting impression, thereby driving engagement and conversions.

Moreover, properly sized images result in faster page load times and a smoother user experience. It's no surprise that these factors can significantly influence your store's search engine ranking.

The rules of engagement for Shopify image sizes have evolved to enhance your online store's experience. Here's your essential guide to the latest Shopify image size guidelines, packed with must-know information for optimizing your ecommerce visuals.

1. Shopify collection image size

As a Shopify store owner, you're probably well aware of the critical role that appealing, high-quality images play in attracting customers and boosting sales.

For the collection images, the recommended size is 1024 x 1024 pixels, providing a perfectly square aspect ratio (1:1) that works well across various devices and Shopify themes.

However, Shopify allows flexibility with a maximum size of a whopping 4472 x 4472 pixels, offering you an opportunity to showcase your products in pristine detail.

But remember, the file size shouldn't exceed 20 MB as it could impact site speed and user experience.

2. Shopify product image size

Let's talk about achieving the perfect image size for your Shopify product. The goal is to get the sharpest and most appealing picture without sacrificing site performance.

The ideal size to aim for is 2048 x 2048 pixels. You can go up to a maximum size of 4472 x 4472 pixels, but keep in mind that larger files could slow your site down.

Something else to consider is your image's aspect ratio - you'll have the best results with a 1:1 ratio for square images or a 3:1 ratio for rectangular photos.

The maximum image file size is 3MB, so keep your images lightweight and avoid anything that goes over this limit.

3. Shopify banner image size

Shopify recommends banner dimensions of 1200-2500 pixels in width and 400-600 pixels in height. However, understanding your audience's device preference can be a game-changer.

For mobile users, consider sizes like 300 x 200 px, 300 x 50 px, 300 x 100 px, 250 x 250 px, or 200 x 200 px, maintaining clarity while reducing loading times.

For those accessing your store via desktop, options like 300 x 250 px, 250 x 250 px, 970 × 90 px, 300 x 600 px, 160 x 600 px, or 336 × 280 pixels will work.

Investing time and effort in image optimization can enhance your Shopify store's performance and keep it attractive to visitors.

4. Shopify logo image size

Your Shopify store's logo serves as the face of your brand, and it's critical that it appears crisp and legible on all devices.

With the ideal size being 200 x 200 pixels, ensure your logo image is a perfect square for the best display.

Images can go up to a maximum size of 450 x 250 pixels, but remember to keep the aspect ratios in either 1:1 (square), 2:3, or 4:1 (rectangular) to maintain the image clarity. 

Also, bear in mind that the file size should not exceed 1MB, with smaller sizes preferred for quicker loading times.

5. Shopify slideshow image size

The visual excellence of your Shopify store revolves around choosing the ideal image sizes. When it comes to slideshow images, you'll want to aim for an image size of 1200-2000 pixels in width and 400-600 pixels in height.

This sizing range optimally caters to a 16:19 aspect ratio. The recommended maximum image size, however, peaks at 4472 x 4472 pixels. Thoughtfully positioning your slideshow to either saturate the above-the-fold space or to enable additional sections below it without necessitating scrolling can significantly elevate your site's user experience.

Exceeding the maximum file size limit of 20MB could harm your store's performance, so keep this in mind.

6. Shopify blog image size

Image sizing is paramount when managing a blog on your Shopify store. The maximum image size that can be utilized is 2240 x 1260 pixels.

However, the ideal image size for an optimal display is 1800 x 1000 pixels, offering a 1.8:1 aspect ratio which is pretty close to the 16:9 ratio that perfectly balances display across devices. This keeps your visuals crisp and clean, leading to enhanced readability.

The maximum file size should not exceed 3 MB to help maintain your site's speed and performance. 

7. Shopify background image size

Your Shopify store's atmosphere and overall tone are greatly influenced by the background image you choose; therefore, picking the right size is key.

Aim for the ideal dimensions, which are 1920 x 1080 pixels. If needed, you can upload larger images, up to a maximum size of 2500 x 1406 pixels. Remember to keep the aspect ratio at 16:9 to ensure your image fits perfectly and looks its best on every device.

Also, keep your file size under 20 MB to maintain smooth loading times and a seamless user experience.

8. Shopify text overlay image size

Typically, the most recommended size is 1800 x 1000 pixels. This size is not random but is designed to provide the perfect balance between clarity and load speed.

It is also a versatile size that can be used across your website, not just for overlay images but also for featured blog images and particular banners.

By maintaining this consistency, you can ensure a visually appealing and streamlined look for your shop, which in turn can boost customer engagement and sales.

Optimizing your store involves understanding the accepted image file formats on Shopify. Here are the top image formats Shopify accepts. 

1. JPEG

The JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format commonly suits photographic images and intricate visuals due to its capability for a wide range of colors. Its flexibility in compressing images makes it a staple in Shopify's appearance.

2. Progressive JPEGs 

Progressive JPEGs excel in delivering high-quality images while maintaining lower file sizes. This format progressively loads images, which is ideal for large files and slow internet connections, providing customers with a better user experience on your Shopify store. 

3. PNG

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is optimized for graphics with fewer colors and transparency. PNG files provide clear, sharp images, making them perfect for logo or text overlay images in Shopify. 

4. GIF

The GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is best for simple, less colorful images and animation. This format supports transparency and can generate small file sizes, which is apt for Shopify stores with promotional banners or pop-up animations. 

5. HEIC

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) provides superior compression ratios while preserving high image quality. Developed by Apple, HEICs are ideal for high-resolution photos but may face compatibility issues with certain devices or browsers. 

6. WebP

WebP (Web Picture format) is a modern image format that provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images. It excellently maintains image quality, even at lower file sizes, thus improving site load speed and user experience on Shopify.

Choosing the best image sizes for your Shopify store is an essential step in overall store optimization. The right-sized images not only make your products look their best but also help enhance your store's aesthetics while ensuring faster loading times. 

Here's how you can choose the best sizes for your Shopify images: 

• Understand Shopify's image size guidelines: These guidelines provide a great starting point for determining the optimal image size for each element of your store, such as collection images, product images, logos, banners and more. 

• Consistency is key: Make sure your collection images align with your product image sizes, as consistency is crucial for a cohesive look and feel of your store. Ensure all your images are of the same size and aspect ratio to maintain a sense of balance and symmetry across your store.

• Optimize for mobile: With most online shoppers using mobile devices, it's vital your images are optimized for mobile viewing. Consider using larger images with higher resolutions, as they can scale down for smaller screens without losing quality.

• High resolution for clarity: High-resolution images bring out the details of your products, helping customers make informed purchasing decisions. But remember, larger image files might slow down your site, so finding the right balance between size and quality is crucial.

• Keep load time in mind: Heavy image files slow down your Shopify store, affecting its performance and user experience. Use compression tools to keep your image sizes small without affecting their quality.

If your Shopify store is doing everything it can to attract more customers but still falling short on conversions, it might be time to consider how your images are impacting your site's performance. 

Here are some effective tips to help you optimize Shopify images for higher conversion rates. 

1. Use high-resolution images 

High-resolution photos are not just about clarity; they are vital for instilling trust and confidence in your brand. When customers can see detailed, clear pictures of your products, they are more likely to trust the quality of your products and, in turn, more likely to convert. 

2. Optimize images for mobile 

In this digital era, a substantial proportion of online shoppers are shopping from their mobile devices. Ensuring your Shopify images are optimized for mobile is crucial. They should load fast, look great, and offer a smooth experience on smaller screens too. 

3. Consistent imagery 

Consistency is key to establishing your brand's identity and driving conversions. Make sure all your images maintain a consistent style, tone, and quality. This creates a unified shopping experience and reinforces your brand's identity in customers' minds. 

4. Experiment with different angles and zoom levels 

Give potential customers multiple views of your product by utilizing images from different angles and offering zoom functionality. This allows the shopper to have a comprehensive understanding of your product, bringing them a step closer to conversion. 

5. Use a CDN (Content Delivery Network) 

Shopify utilizes a CDN to deliver your images, which reduces loading times and increases page speed – a significantly influential factor in SEO. Make sure you take advantage of this feature, as faster load times can also lead to better conversions. 

6. Alt tags and descriptive filenames 

Alt tags and filenames are not visible to customers, but they play a considerable role in SEO, which ultimately leads to conversions. Always add accurate and descriptive alt tags and filenames to your images to improve their SEO organics.

Modernizing your Shopify store's visual appeal doesn't have to be a puzzle, thanks to Gelato. With its mockup studio, you can create and edit high-quality images that truly accentuate your store's potential. 

Gelato provides an array of subscription plans, allowing you to select one that fits your unique needs. Additionally, utilizing Gelato's API, you can easily integrate these graphics into your store. 

Now, enhancing your store's image setup to meet Shopify's 2024 standards can be a hassle-free experience. Sign up for Gelato today.

Does Shopify automatically resize images?

Yes, Shopify has a built-in image resizer that automatically adjusts your images to fit your store's theme and layout. It's designed to be user-friendly and doesn't require any technical skills or image editing knowledge. This tool saves time, allowing you to optimize your store's aesthetics effortlessly.

Why are my images different sizes on Shopify?

Different images may appear varied in size on Shopify due to discrepancies in their aspect ratios or original dimensions. To maintain consistency in the display, consider resizing or cropping your original images to align with Shopify's recommended image size for each specific type of photo.

How do I resize an image to fit in Shopify?

To resize an image for Shopify, use Shopify's Image Resizer tool by uploading your image, selecting the desired size option (Compact, Medium, or Large), and clicking "Resize." Download the resized image and upload it to your Shopify store, ensuring it meets Shopify's recommended dimensions for optimal website performance.

What is the ratio of images in Shopify?

The ratio of images on Shopify varies depending on the image type and placement. However, a common ratio is 1:1 for product images for a balanced, square look. For blog images and banners, a widescreen 16:9 ratio is recommended, with 1800 x 1000 pixels being an optimal size.

What format are Shopify product images?

You can upload images to Shopify in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, TIFF, and HEIC. However, JPEG (JPG) and PNG are recommended for product images due to their high quality and compatibility with most devices and web browsers.

What is too big for Shopify product image size?

For Shopify, an image larger than 4472 x 4472 pixels or with a file size exceeding 20 MB is considered too big. Shopify prevents uploading images surpassing this limit to ensure optimal site performance and preserve the overall aesthetic and visual appeal of the store.

How do I specify image dimensions in Shopify?

To specify image dimensions, first open the Image Editor, click "Resize," and then input the new width. "Lock aspect ratio" is on by default, adjusting the height to keep the image's proportions. If you wish to change only height or width, deselect this option, though it may distort the image. After resizing, click "Done," then "Save" to finalize edits.