Image sizes
Image guide
When it comes to image size, there are really two questions: how many pixels wide and how many megabytes? Answering these questions will help make sure that your images look great and load fast.
But the answer isn't about exact measurements: what matters is that your images are above a minimum pixel width and below a maximum file size. Shopify and Cornerstone will handle the rest and automatically optimize and re-size your images for your visitor's screen or device.
Two guidelines
For optimal image sizes, you can follow these two simple guidelines:
Use a minimum pixel width of
2500 pxfor optimal quality on all screens.You don't need very large pixel widths for high quality images. In fact, larger pixel widths rarely makes a noticeable difference in quality.
Use a maximum file size of around
2 mbfor optimal loading speed.You don't need to worry if images are a bit over or under the maximum file size.
Theme image recommendations
The best image size, shape, and orientation will depend on how it's used: background and hero images will need different dimensions than a logo or icon.
Our image guide for Cornerstone combines what we've learned about image size, image formats, and best practices for photos. Below you'll find recommendations for choosing and editing images for different sections and uses on you online store.
Product images
| Size | Min pixel width: 2500 px. |
|---|---|
Orientation | Square or Portrait (vertical) — choose one for consistency |
Format | JPG or WEBP |
Theme sections | Complementary products Featured collection grid Featured collection row Featured collection Featured product Product media Recommended products Shoppable image Shoppable feature |
Product images appear on Product pages, Collection pages, and product listings used in theme sections.
There are no specific required dimensions for product photography. However, we recommend choosing one shape and orientation for all your product images to maintain a uniform appearance in product grids.
Product pages display images added to your product inventory in the Shopify admin. You can customize the Gallery style in the theme editor. Select one of three layouts (Grid, List, or Thumbnails) and adjust the Gallery size.
Product listings (or product grids) appear on collection pages and in some theme sections. You can customize the aspect ratio and size of all product images in product listing theme settings.
Collection images
Collections images are used for Collection banners and collection listings used in theme sections.
There are no specific required dimensions. We recommend choosing one shape and orientation for all your featured collection images.
In the theme editor, you can choose to use the feature image added in Shopify admin or upload a custom image for sections with collection listings.
| Size | Min pixel width: 2500 px. |
|---|---|
Orientation | Square or Landscape (horizontal) |
Format | JPG or WEBP |
Theme sections | Collection list page Collection list grid Collection list slider Collection page banner |
Full-width feature images
Full-width feature images span the entire section or screen and are often added as section blocks.
Using landscape (horizontal) images can prevent unwanted cropping or needing to scroll down to see the entire image. We recommend avoiding portrait images, which may appear stretched or make customers scroll down to see the whole image.
| Size | Min width: 2500 pixels |
|---|---|
Orientation | Landscape (horizontal) |
Format | JPG or WEBP |
Theme sections | Grid Image compare Rich text Slideshow |
Feature block images
Size | Min width: |
Orientation | Square or Portrait (Horizontal) |
Format | JPG or WEBP |
Theme sections | Complete the look Gallery carousel Grid Image hero split Image with text Image with text split Multi-column |
Many sections include feature images with adjustable sizes, layouts, and positions. These sections often best highlight product and editorial photography.
Consider using Portrait (vertical) images in Image hero split, Image with text, and vertical blocks in Grid.
Hero images
| Size | Min pixel width: 2500 px. |
|---|---|
Orientation | Landscape (horizontal) |
Format | JPG or WEBP |
Theme sections | Image hero Video hero Slideshow |
Hero images are like full-width images but are typically shorter in height. Horizontal (landscape) images work best and you might consider using a wider aspect ratio like 16:9.
Hero images are often used with text headings, so simple images with minimal, well-positioned content are best.
The Image height and image focal point settings are useful for ensuring the whole image can be viewed without scrolling and its subject remains visible and centered.
Tip | You can enhance your image by following the "Rule of Thirds," which involves using your phone's grid setting to place the subject along one of the horizontal or vertical lines. This technique prevents unwanted cropping and makes for more interesting photos. For more information on the "Rule of Thirds," see Adobe's article on the rule of thirds.
Background and banner images
Size | Min width: File size: |
Orientation | Landscape (horizontal) |
Format | JPG or WEBP |
Theme sections | Countdown banner Newsletter Newsletter compact Promotion banner Promotion bar Sales banner |
Background and section banner images span the full width and height of a section. If the section is full-width, the image will span the full width of the browser window or screen.
Using landscape images can avoid unwanted cropping or making customers scroll down the page to see a full image. We recommend avoiding portrait images, which may appear stretched or make customers scroll down to see the whole image.
Logos and icon images
Size | Pixel width: 50px - 300px File size: 1 MB |
Orientation | Square or Landscape (Horizontal) |
Format | PNG (Transparent background) or GIF (animation) |
Theme sections | Header Information popup Product details Image with text |
You can add your store's Logo to the Header, among other sections like the Footer.
In the Header settings, we recommend setting the Custom width to the actual pixel width of your logo image (between 50px - 100px).
If you enable Cornerstone's transparent header, we recommend adding an alternate logo with different colors that contrasts with the background color or image.
Related links
Web-ready photography Image file formats Theme image settings
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