The ultimate guide: Etsy listing photo size
Do you know those mesmerizing window displays at shopping centers? You know, the ones that make you stop, gaze, and get lured into the store? Imagine walking through a mall where every store has a window display, but some are too small, blurry, or oddly cropped, making it hard to see what's inside. You will likely walk past these stores and visit the ones with better window displays.
On Etsy, your listing images are the window displays. They're the first thing a potential buyer sees, and a captivating photo can be the magnet that draws them into your store. Ensuring your Etsy listing photos are sized correctly is crucial as a well-sized and clear photo not only showcases your product in its best light but also instills confidence in the buyer, making them more likely to click and purchase. Keep reading to learn everything about listing photos on Etsy and its requirements.
What is the best size for my Etsy listing photo?
According to Etsy, the recommended photo dimension is:
2,000 pixels for the shorter side
As for resolution, aim for 72 PPI (pixels per inch)
Use an aspect ratio of 4:3
We recommend making the longer side 2000 or 3000 pixels. This gives your picture a perfect square or rectangle format and ensures your product fits perfectly on desktop and mobile views.
It is important to keep the picture size under 1 MB. Larger pictures might not upload quickly or completely. They also take a longer time to display, and potential buyers can scroll past them. As far as file types go, Etsy is flexible. Your listing photos can be in JPEG, PNG, and GIF file types (transparent PNGs and animated gifs are not allowed).
Requirements for uploading your listing photo
How you upload photos to your listings, as well as the sequence in which you arrange them, can significantly influence how shoppers perceive your products.
The first listing image will be the thumbnail image, which will be displayed on the Category pages. It is essential that these images have enough border and that the product is more centered in the middle since Etsy automatically crops these images depending on the device (mobile web, app or on a laptop). You want to avoid that your product is cut or only seen in half.
Additionally, the shape of your first listing photo sets the precedent for subsequent images. Consistently using the same format for all listing photos fosters a more unified browsing experience.
How to resize Etsy listing photos on your PC
Your PC already comes with built-in tools that allow you to resize images. The downside is that you have to resize all your photos one by one.
With Mac’s preview tool
For Mac users, follow the steps below to resize any image:
Open your Finder and double-tap the picture you want to edit to open the Preview tool
Select Tools in the menu bar at the top of your screen
Click on “Adjust size," and a pop-up box will open on your screen
Uncheck the “Scale proportionally” field so you can enter your desired measurement
Fill in the width, height, and pixel/inch (PPI)
With a Windows PC
If you are using a Windows PC, these are the steps you should follow:
Double-tap your image to open it with the Photos app
Click on the three dots at the top to open a list of options and select "Resize”
Click on “define custom dimensions” to enter your required width and height
Save the resized image in a folder of your choice
Note that the resulting image might not be as great as you want for your Etsy listing. Platforms like Adobe Photoshop also allow you to resize images, but there is a learning curve if you are not already familiar with these tools. You can also use an application like Photoroom to resize your images, if you are looking for a solution that is fast and does not require any prior knowledge.
PRO TIP: Using a batch photo editor allows you to resize multiple product photos for an entire collection in seconds and gives your Etsy store a consistent look. It also makes it easy to update product photos for special reasons, e.g., discounts and seasonal sales.
How to take the perfect Etsy listing picture
Capturing the perfect Etsy photo is about presenting your product in its best light, quite literally, and ensuring potential buyers can appreciate its value and uniqueness. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Use natural lighting
Natural light is often the best choice for shooting product photos. While studio lights have their place, nothing beats the soft, diffused glow of natural light. It brings out the true colors of your product and eliminates harsh shadows. Try to photograph near a window or outdoors, but avoid harsh, direct sunlight. If natural light isn't available, consider using soft artificial lighting.
2. Use a neutral background
A simple, neutral background ensures that your product remains the focal point. A white background is a popular choice, but light grays or beiges can also work well. A black background might be a good choice, too. This doesn't mean you can't get creative; just ensure the background complements and doesn't overshadow your product.
3. Showcase different angles
Buyers can't physically touch or inspect your product, so offer them something that comes close. The Rule of Thirds, where you place the product at the intersections of an imaginary tic-tac-toe grid, is a good starting point. Capture your product from various angles, ensuring potential buyers get a comprehensive view. Close-ups of intricate details can also be beneficial.
4. Use props sparingly
Props can add context to your product, helping potential buyers visualize its use. However, ensure they don't distract from the main product. If you're selling a handmade mug, for instance, a gentle steam or a spoon can enhance the image, suggesting warmth and use.
5. Keep it steady
A blurry photo can be off-putting. Use a tripod or a steady surface to ensure your photos are sharp. If you're using a smartphone, many have built-in stabilizers that can be pretty effective.
6. Enhance, don’t alter
While it's essential to get the shot right, a little post-production can enhance your photo. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and sharpness can make your product pop. But remember, the goal is enhancement, not alteration. Keep edits minimal to ensure product authenticity.
7. Use generative AI to create background images
To bring more variety into your images without buying numerous expensive props, can be by using new technology such as Generative AI. Intelligent tools can identify your product and propose suitable background images, which you can also modify by adjusting the prompts.
Test generative AI with Photoroom Web.
Importance of sizing your Etsy listing photos accurately
An accurately sized photo that fits Etsy's guidelines ensures that your product is presented clearly and professionally. Resizing your Etsy listing photos is not just about fitting them into a frame. Your photos are the silent salespeople of your store—prep them well, and they'll speak volumes.
Your photos are the first thing potential buyers see.
Photos that are too large can slow down page load times and frustrate your potential buyers.
Uniformly sized photos across all your listings also create a visually harmonious and professional storefront. It also ensures your product photos are responsive, i.e., they look as good on a smartphone as on a desktop. There will be no unexpected cropping, zooming, or distortion that can ruin the shopping experience.
Upgrade your Etsy listing photos with smart tools
Either as a professional or hobby Etsy seller, we understand that time is precious and if you have to resize and edit many images, it can be painful to do all of it manually. If you are looking for a tool that can not only resize your Etsy listing photo, but also comes with some practical bulk editing features, then Photoroom could be the tool for you. It is a comprehensive photo editing app designed with precision and efficiency in mind. The user-friendly interface ensures that even those new to photo editing can achieve professional results without a steep learning curve.
As an (intending) Etsy seller, one of Photoroom’s features that can make listing super easy is the option to batch edit your images and combine it with AI-generated background images. There is no need anymore to create 100 different backgrounds at home in your living room, or to buy stock images. You can generate backgrounds with prompts in the app (mobile or desktop, add text to your photo and create unique and beautiful Etsy product photos.
Start your free trial with Photoroom Web or download Photoroom from the App Store or Google Play Store to use the mobile app.
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