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 are both high quality 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 Spark will handle the rest and automatically optimize and re-size your images for your visitor's screen or device.

For optimal image sizes, you can follow these two simple guidelines:

  1. Use a minimum pixel width of 2500 px for 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.

  2. Use a maximum file size of around 2 mb for 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 Spark 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

  • Collection images

  • Full-width feature images

  • Feature block images

  • Hero images

  • Logos and icon images

Product images

Setting
Description

Size

Min pixel width: 2500 px.

Orientation

Square or Portrait (vertical) — choose one for consistency

Format

JPG or WEBP

Theme sections

Product pages, Collection pages, Featured collection, Featured collection row, Featured Product, Shoppable image, Shoppable feature, Complementary products, Recommended products

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

Setting
Description

Size

Min pixel width: 2500 px.

Orientation

Square or Landscape (horizontal)

Format

JPG or WEBP

Theme sections

Collection list page, Collection page banner

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.

Full-width feature images

Setting
Description

Size

Min width: 2500 pixels

Orientation

Landscape (horizontal)

Format

JPG or WEBP

Theme sections

Mosaic grid, Slideshow, Shoppable image

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.

Feature block images

Setting
Description

Size

Min width: 1250 pixels, File size: 2 MB (max 20 MB)

Orientation

Square or Portrait (Horizontal)

Format

JPG or WEBP

Theme sections

Mosaic grid, Image hero split, Image with text, Image with features, Shoppable feature, Social proof, Text columns with images

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 the Image with text section and vertical blocks in the Mosaic grid.

Hero images

Setting
Description

Size

Min pixel width: 2500 px.

Orientation

Landscape (horizontal)

Format

JPG or WEBP

Theme sections

Slideshow, Video hero

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.

Logos and icon images

Setting
Description

Size

Pixel width: 50px - 300px, File size: 1 MB

Orientation

Square or Landscape (Horizontal)

Format

PNG (Transparent background) or GIF (animation)

Theme sections

Header, Footer, Info popup, Inline features, Logo list, Text columns with images

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 Spark'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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