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How to Crop Image on Shopify - A Step-By-Step Guide

Last updated: November 18 2024

Written and researched by experts at Avada Learn more about our methodology

Cropping images on Shopify helps highlight key product details and eliminate distractions. With Shopify's built-in tools, you can easily adjust aspect ratios and crop images directly on the platform without using external apps. In this guide, we’ll show you how to crop an image on Shopify for a professional-looking store.

Understanding Image Aspect Ratio

An image’s aspect ratio is simply the ratio of its width and height. For example, an image with dimensions of 200 px by 400 px has an aspect ratio of 1:2, while an image with dimensions of 150 px by 450 px has an aspect ratio of 1:3.

Different-sized images can still share the same aspect ratio. To check if two images have the same ratio, divide the width by the height for each image and compare the results. 

Understanding Image Aspect Ratio

Using consistent aspect ratios helps ensure that your images look uniform when displayed side by side, such as in product collections on Shopify. Shopify’s media editor allows you to crop your images to achieve the same aspect ratio, making your online store look more polished and professional. 

If you’re using Shopify's product camera, you can capture images with the ideal aspect ratio directly within the app. This consistency is key to making your product images look great, no matter where they’re displayed in your store.

Benefits of Cropping Images

Benefits of Cropping Images

Cropping images on Shopify offers several advantages that can significantly improve the look and feel of your online store. Here’s why cropping is essential:

  • Enhance composition: Refine the overall appearance of your images by highlighting key elements, making your product photos more appealing and professional.
  • Remove distractions: Eliminate unwanted details and visual clutter, allowing customers to focus on what matters most.
  • Reframe the subject: Adjust the framing of an image, giving you more control over the balance and focus of your photos.
  • Change orientation: Easily switch between landscape and portrait orientations to better suit the layout of your store.
  • Adjust aspect ratio: Align your product images to the correct aspect ratio, giving your store a clean, cohesive look.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Crop an Image on Shopify

Cropping images on Shopify is simple and can be done directly from your Shopify admin. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step 1: First, log in to your Shopify admin, go to Content, and click “Files.” Then, open the image file you edit.

 go to Content > click Files > open the image file

Step 2: In the media editor, click “Crop and transform” to access the cropping options.

Click Crop and transform

Step 3: Choose the area you want to keep

  • Freeform crop: Click “Freeform” to use a custom aspect ratio. Moreover, you can drag the corners or edges of the image to select the position you want to keep.
Click Freeform to use a custom aspect ratio.

  • Original aspect ratio: Click “Original” to maintain the image’s original aspect ratio. Drag the corners of the highlighted area to resize it, but the aspect ratio will stay the same. 
Click Original to maintain the image’s original aspect ratio.

  • Square crop: Click “Square” to crop the image. Drag the corners to resize the square. 
Click Square to crop the image.

Step 4: Once you’ve framed the image you want, click “Apply” to make the crop.

 Click Apply to make the crop.

Step 5: After making all your edits, click “Save” to finalize the cropped image.

Click Save to finalize the cropped image.

Best Practices for Cropping Images

Best Practices for Cropping Images.

To make sure your product images look their best on Shopify, follow these key practices when cropping: 

  • Focus on key product features: Choose and crop the most essential parts of your products to ensure that they are clear and visible to your customers.
  • Maintain consistent aspect ratios: Your product images line up perfectly when displayed side by side on your store.
  • Avoid cropping too closely to prevent pixelation or blurring: Leave enough space around your product to maintain clarity and sharpness.
  • Consider different devices: Ensure your cropped images look good on all screen sizes by leaving enough margin and ensuring key details aren’t lost when resized.

Bottom Line 

Cropping images on Shopify is a quick and easy way to enhance your store’s visuals by focusing on key details. By following these simple steps, you can improve the look of your product photos and create a more professional online presence.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.