Icecat image requirements based on retailer needs

The minimum image requirements of major e-tailers, such as Amazon, Media Markt, Carrefour, and Bol.com, are constantly evolving. Therefore it is crucial to offer the best customer experience on e-commerce websites to improve conversion. Brands do not always meet these requirements, which implies that e-tailers cannot offer the shopping experience they wish. And in addition, products might not be listed for sales.

For this reason, Icecat has adopted minimum image requirements for brands to deliver, that meet the needs of all key e-commerce partners:

Image format and size requirements

• Formats accepted: JPEG/JPG, PNG, GIF
• Color modes: RGB, sRGB
• Minimum file size: 30KB
• Maximum file size: 10MB
• Preferable picture size range: 300 KB – 2 MB
• Aspect ratio 1:1 square (i.e. 2,000 pixels x 2,000 pixels)

Image resolution requirements

• Recommended image resolution: 4,000 x 4,000 px
• Minimum recommended image resolution: 2,000 x 2,000 px
• Accepted minimum image resolution: 500 x 500 px
• Maximum accepted image resolution: 10,000 x 10,000 px
• Pixels per inch preferred: 300 ppi

Although technically, the minimum image resolution that Icecat accepts is 500 x 500 px, we recommend providing images in 4000 x 4000 px to deliver the buying experience that advanced e-tailers prefer to offer, allowing users to zoom in to view the product’s details.

Main image quality standards

The main image on an Icecat datasheet is the first image in the gallery. This image is the first image a (potential) customer sees and pops up in search results. So, this image should be easily recognizable en highlight the product’s main features.

• Front view of the image is a must, unless it does not represent key benefits, in this case, a side view can be used.
• A white (or transparent) background is a must for a main picture. Preferred is a pure white background (RGB 255/255/255)
• No shading or light reflections.
• The image must show the entire product.

Main image restrictions

• The image should not contain copyright signs or watermarks.
• The image should not contain advertising language or text overlays.
• Multiple views of the same product in a single image is not acceptable. It may lead to confusion.
• The main image should not be a lifestyle image, the product in use, or a body part image (unless strictly necessary).
• There are no placeholders or broken images allowed as the main image.
• No image with accessories or products that are not included in the delivery.
• No image with website URLs, advertising, pricing, discount information, or QR codes.

Other image requirements

• The expected minimum amount of images is 3-5 per product. It is preferable to use different images for different locals.
• The main image requirements are not applicable for additional images in the photo gallery.
• If the picture has a local text, warning, signature, label or screen-fill, it has to be localized (language/country identification). The localization should be the same as the text on the picture.

360-degree imaging

360-degree product image is becoming more and more important for retailers.

Minimal image resolution requirements:

• Minimum number of pictures:  24
• Minimum image resolution: 400 x 400 px
• Pixels per inch preferred: 150 ppi
• Number for each of the images should be unique
• Elevation angle should be the same for the whole sequence
• Pictures should be taken in a counter clockwise sequence

Preferred image resolution requirements:

• Preferred number of pictures: 48
• Minimum image resolution: 900 x 900 px
• Pixels per inch preferred: 300 ppi
• Number for each of the images should be unique
• Elevation angle should be the same for the whole sequence
• Pictures should be taken in a counter clockwise sequence

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or comment below this post.

Feature image: Pixabay

Laura van der Blom