The hard limits Shopify documents
These are upload limits from Shopify's product media help page, read on 30 October 2026. Anything outside them won't upload, so check them before you batch-export a catalogue. [1]
| Media | Limit | Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Images | Up to 5000 x 5000 px or 25 megapixels; under 20 MB | PNG and JPEG recommended; TIFF, BMP, GIF, SVG, HEIC and WebP also accepted |
| Videos | Up to 10 minutes, 1 GB and 4K (4096 x 2160 px) | .mp4, .mov or .webm; Shopify converts and serves all videos as .mp4 or HLS. YouTube and Vimeo links can be embedded |
| 3D models | Up to 500 MB; files over 15 MB are optimised automatically | GLB and USDZ |
Recommended size, and a format conflict to resolve
For square images, Shopify's help page says 2048 x 2048 px "usually displays best". Shopify's image-size guide agrees and adds two practical numbers: the source must be larger than 800 x 800 px for zoom to work, and product photos should be "around 300 KB". [1][2]
The two Shopify pages differ on format. The help page names PNG as the best file type for most product images, followed by JPEG. The image-size guide says compressed WebP images are best for fast loading and, citing Google, that lossy WebP files are 24% to 34% smaller than JPEGs at equivalent quality. [1][2]
A workable reading: keep a high-quality master (PNG or high-quality JPEG) in your own archive and upload a compressed version that stays near the 300 KB target. If a PNG of a photograph comes out several megabytes, it will meet the 20 MB limit but miss the speed target.
Worked example: a 40-product catalogue
The numbers that matter are consistency and weight. The 20 MB cap is rarely the constraint; a page of 3 MB images is.
| Decision | Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas | 2048 x 2048 px, 1:1 | Shopify's recommended square size, well above the 800 x 800 zoom threshold [1][2] |
| Images per product | 4 (front, back, detail, in use) | Shopify suggests shooting multiple angles [3] |
| Total images | 160 | 40 products x 4 |
| Target file size | About 300 KB each | Shopify's image-size guidance [2] |
| Upload volume | About 48 MB in total | 160 x 300 KB; each file far under the 20 MB cap |
| Alt text | One line per image, 125 characters or less | Shopify's recommendation [4] |
Alt text that does its job
Shopify's alt text page says alt text appears when an image fails to load and is read aloud by assistive technology. It asks you to keep it "brief and descriptive". The maximum is 512 characters, but 125 or fewer is recommended. You can also upload alt text by CSV or accept suggestions from the media editor. [4]
A useful pattern is product name, colour or variant, and what the image shows: "Linen apron in olive, back view showing cross straps". Avoid repeating the same text on every image of a product, because the second and third images exist to show something different.
AI-generated and AI-edited images: an accuracy check before upload
AI image tools can produce scenes, mockups and model shots from a product photo. Rewarx, for example, lists an AI Photography Studio, AI Mockup Generator, AI Model Studio, AI Ghost Mannequin and an AI Product Page Builder that it says generates listing assets for Shopify. [5]
The upload limits are the easy part. The real risk is an image that looks good but shows the wrong product: a changed colour, a missing seam, an extra button or a logo that no longer matches. A buyer judges the item by the photo, so check every generated image against the physical product before it goes live.
- Compare colour, shape, proportions, materials, text and logos against a plain reference photo of the real item.
- Reject any image that adds features, accessories or contents that aren't included in the sale.
- Keep the reference photo in your files, in case a customer disputes what was shown.
- Apply the same size, ratio and background rules as your photographed images, so the catalogue stays consistent.
- Check the tool's terms on usage rights and watermarks before you publish.
Pre-upload checklist
- Every image is under 5000 x 5000 px, 25 megapixels and 20 MB. [1]
- Every image is at least 800 x 800 px so zoom works; ideally 2048 x 2048 for square products. [2]
- All images of similar products share the same aspect ratio. Shopify's guide says to keep similar images on the same ratio for a uniform design. [2]
- Backgrounds match. Shopify's photography page recommends a pure white background, so the product is the central focus. [3]
- Lighting and framing are consistent. Shopify suggests keeping the camera and tripod in the same position and rotating the product instead. [3]
- Files are compressed toward about 300 KB. [2]
- Each image has its own alt text of 125 characters or less. [4]
- Any AI-generated or AI-edited image has passed the accuracy check above.
Questions before you decide
What is the best Shopify product image size?
Shopify says 2048 x 2048 px usually displays best for square product images. Images must be larger than 800 x 800 px for zoom to work, and uploads can go up to 5000 x 5000 px or 25 megapixels.
What is the maximum image file size on Shopify?
Shopify's product media help says image files must be smaller than 20 MB. Its image-size guide suggests product photos of around 300 KB so pages load quickly.
How long can Shopify alt text be?
Shopify allows up to 512 characters of alt text but recommends 125 characters or less, kept brief and descriptive.
Should I upload PNG, JPEG or WebP to Shopify?
Shopify's help page calls PNG the best file type for most product images, followed by JPEG. Its image-size guide recommends compressed WebP for speed. Keep a high-quality master and upload a compressed copy.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Shopify Help Center: product media types Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Shopify blog: image sizes guide Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Shopify Help Center: product photography Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Shopify Help Center: adding alt text to media Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Rewarx: tools Accessed 30 Oct 2026
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