Pre-publish checklist
Four checks for every Etsy listing image set
Etsy recommends listing photos with width and height of at least 2000 pixels. The first photo must be at least 635 × 635 pixels to avoid reduced search visibility.
Use a horizontal or landscape first image, keep the product near the centre, and leave enough space around it for Etsy's square, portrait, and landscape crops.
Etsy accepts JPG, GIF, PNG, SVG, and HEIC listing images. Animated GIFs and transparent PNG backgrounds are not supported; transparent areas can appear black.
Use the correct garment or product blank, colour, print location, and scale. A polished image still needs to represent the finished item accurately.
Source: Etsy's current image requirements and best practices. Etsy may change its guidance, so recheck it before publishing.
Check Etsy's mockup exception before choosing your first image
If your original design is printed onto a base item by a production partner, Etsy says you may use a stock photo mockup to illustrate the end product buyers will receive.
For personalised or customised items, the first image must show a finished, customised item similar to what the buyer will receive. Computer-generated mockups may be used in additional images to show customisation options.
For items outside those exceptions, Etsy generally requires your own photo or video of the actual product. The official policy—not this guide—is the final authority.
Practical gallery plan
Give each image one useful job
Etsy currently provides up to 10 photo slots. You do not need filler: use each image to answer a question a buyer cannot answer by holding the product.
Clear hero image
Show the exact item being sold, centred with breathing room. Check the thumbnail at small size before publishing.
Closer design view
Make the print, texture, and important details easy to inspect without implying detail that will not exist on the physical product.
Scale or fit context
Help buyers judge size, placement, or fit with a useful reference, model view, or dimensions graphic.
Alternative colour
Keep design placement consistent while showing a genuinely available product colour.
Lifestyle context
Show how the product might look in use, while keeping the product and design clearly visible.
Answer buying questions
Use the remaining slots for additional angles, sizing, care, personalisation examples, packaging, or other details relevant to this item.
Final thumbnail test
Etsy recommends previewing the thumbnail in every crop it uses. Check these points at phone size before publishing.
- The product is recognisable without reading the title.
- The design remains readable and is not cut off.
- The item being sold is unambiguous—especially for sets and bundles.
- Colours, print placement, and proportions match the available product.
- The image remains clear after Etsy's compression and small-screen crop.
Etsy listing image questions
Can POD sellers use mockups as Etsy listing images?
Etsy allows a stock photo mockup when your original design is printed onto a base item by a production partner. Other categories have different rules, so check Etsy's current Listing Image Requirements for the exact item you sell.
Can I use a mockup as the first image for a personalised Etsy item?
Etsy says the first image for a personalised or customised item must show a finished, customised item similar to what the buyer will receive. Computer-generated mockups may be used in additional images to show customisation options.
What size should an Etsy listing image be?
Etsy recommends listing photos at 2000 pixels or more in both width and height. The first image must be at least 635 pixels in both dimensions to avoid reduced search visibility.
How should I crop the first Etsy listing image?
Start with a horizontal or landscape image, centre the product, and leave negative space around it. Then use Etsy's thumbnail adjustment tool to verify the product remains clear in square, portrait, and landscape crops.