How to Add Multiple Product Images in CSV File

Managing a Shopify store requires efficiency, especially when you’re handling a large inventory. One great way to save time is by adding multiple product images in a CSV file. This feature makes it easy to upload multiple images at once, allowing you to create a visually appealing store without the hassle of updating each product individually. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to add multiple product images in a CSV file on Shopify, streamlining your workflow and enhancing your customer’s experience.

Preparing the CSV File

When preparing a CSV file to upload multiple product images in Shopify, setting up the file correctly is important to ensure a smooth import. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the Shopify CSV Template

• Log in to your Shopify admin and navigate to Products.

• You can Export your product CSV or download Shopify's sample CSV template from the help center to start from scratch. If you choose Export, from the dialog box, choose the products you want to export:
  • You can export the current page of products, all products, or selected products.
  • You can also export products that match your filters.

Then, select the type of CSV file you want:

• Choose CSV for Excel or another spreadsheet software to edit the file in a spreadsheet program.
• Choose Plain CSV file if you plan to use a plain text editor.

Finally, click Export Products.

Caution: Sorting a CSV file in a spreadsheet program can sometimes break product variants or image URLs. This can cause issues when importing the file later. Be careful not to overwrite important product data by mistake.

2. Understanding the CSV File Structure

• Familiarize yourself with key fields like Handle (unique identifier for each product), Title, Body (HTML), Vendor, and others.
• Pay close attention to the Image Src column. This is where you’ll add URLs for the images you want to display with each product. Each image must have a unique URL, and the product’s handle will link them together.

By preparing your CSV file with the correct structure and understanding the necessary fields, you’ll be able to upload multiple product images easily in Shopify.

Steps to Add Multiple Product Images

Step 1: Insert Rows in Your CSV File

• Open your CSV file using Google Sheets or Excel.
• For each product you want to add images to, insert new rows corresponding to the number of images you wish to upload.
• Make sure to copy the product’s Handle into the Handle column for each new row you’ve inserted.

Step 2: Upload Images to Shopify

• In your Shopify admin, navigate to Content > Files.
• Upload your images by clicking the Upload Files button. Each image will generate a unique URL.

Step 3: Copy and Paste Image URLs

• Copy the URLs of the images you uploaded.

• Paste these URLs into the Image Src column in your CSV file for each corresponding row.

Step 4: Assign Image Positions

Next to each image URL, fill in the Image Position column. This specifies the order in which the images will appear on the product page (e.g., 1 for the first image, 2 for the second, etc.).

Step 5: Import the CSV File

• Once the file is ready, go to the Products section in Shopify, click Import, and upload your CSV file.

• Preview the import to make sure everything looks correct, then click Import Products.

Tips for Success to Add Multiple Product Images in a CSV File

• Use Correct Image URLs: Ensure all image URLs you enter are publicly accessible, start with “https://,” and are not password-protected. You can upload images to Shopify’s Files section to generate these URLs automatically​.
• Keep Your File Structure Clean: Add a new row for each image. Every row should contain the same Handle (the unique identifier for the product), while the Image Src column should contain different image URLs​.
• Set Image Positions Properly: In the Image Position column, specify the order in which the images should appear. For example, “1” for the main image, “2” for the second, etc. This helps you control the display of your product images in the desired sequence​.
• Avoid Overwriting Important Data: When re-uploading CSV files, avoid overwriting important product details like descriptions or variants. Make sure you’re only updating the images and related fields​.
• Test with a Small Batch First: Before importing images for many products, test with a few products to ensure everything works correctly. This will help you catch any formatting issues or errors early​.

In Conclusion

By following the outlined process, you can confidently add multiple images to your Shopify products using a CSV file. The key is maintaining a clean file structure, ensuring correct image URLs, and testing with a small batch to prevent issues. Stick to this method, and your store will benefit from well-organized and visually appealing product pages.