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How To Add Pictures To Product Variants On Shopify

Last updated: September 27 2024

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

Adding images to product variants on Shopify is essential for showcasing the different options available to your customers. A clear and detailed image for each variant helps improve the shopping experience and boosts conversion rates. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to easily add images to your product variants on Shopify on desktop and mobile devices.

Important Notes When Adding Pictures To Product Variants

When adding images to product variants on Shopify, it’s essential to keep the following key points in mind to ensure a smooth and effective process:

  • Each product variant can only have one image assigned to it. 
  • Shopify only allows images for product variants. Other media types, such as 3D models or videos, are not supported.
  • If you’re a Shopify Plus merchant, you can use the Combined Listings feature to combine individual products into a single listing, providing more flexibility with additional images for different product options.

Step-by-Step Guide to Add Images to Product Variants on Shopify

To add images to product variants on Shopify, follow these steps:

On Desktop:

  • Step 1. In your Shopify admin, go to Products.
Add Images to Product Variants on Shopify
  • Step 2. Click on the name of the product you want to edit.
Add Images to Product Variants on Shopify
  • Step 3. Under the Variants section, click the image icon next to the variant you want to update.
Add Images to Product Variants on Shopify
  • Step 4. Choose an existing image or click Add Image to upload a new one from your device.
Add Images to Product Variants on Shopify
  • Step 5. Click Done and then Save.
Add Images to Product Variants on Shopify

On iPhone:

  • Step 1. In the Shopify app, go to Products > All products.
  • Step 2. Tap the product you want to edit.
  • Step 3. In the Variants section, tap XX variants.
  • Step 4. Tap the variant you want to update.
  • Step 5. Tap the + icon.
  • Step 6. Select an image from your existing images.
  • Step 7. Tap Save.

On Android:

  • Step 1. In the Shopify app, go to Products > All products.
  • Step 2. Tap the product you want to edit.
  • Step 3. In the Variants section, tap XX variants.
  • Step 4. Tap the variant you want to update.
  • Step 5. Tap the + icon.
  • Step 6. Select an image from your existing images.
  • Step 7. Tap the icon to save.

Adding Images To Product Variants In Bulk on Shopify

To add images to product variants in bulk on Shopify, follow these steps:

  • Step 1. In your Shopify admin, go to Products.
Adding Images To Product Variants In Bulk on Shopify
  • Step 2. Click on the name of the product you want to edit.
Adding Images To Product Variants In Bulk on Shopify
  • Step 3. In the Variants section, select the variants you want to update by checking the boxes.
Adding Images To Product Variants In Bulk on Shopify
  • Step 4. Click , then choose Edit Images.
Adding Images To Product Variants In Bulk on Shopify
  • Step 5. Click Add Image to upload from your device.
Adding Images To Product Variants In Bulk on Shopify
  • Step 6. Click Done, then click Save.
Adding Images To Product Variants In Bulk on Shopify

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to consider when adding pictures to product variants on Shopify:

  • Use High-Resolution Images: Ensure that your images are high-quality and high-resolution. Clear, detailed images help customers make confident purchasing decisions and can reduce return rates.
  • Maintain Consistent Image Dimensions: Keep your images uniform in size and aspect ratio for a consistent look across your store. This helps maintain a professional appearance and enhances the browsing experience for customers.
  • Optimize for Mobile Viewing: Many customers shop on mobile devices, so make sure your images are optimized for smaller screens. Check how your product images appear on mobile to ensure they are clear and load quickly.
  • Name Your Images Properly: Use descriptive and SEO-friendly file names for your images. This can improve search engine optimization (SEO) and make it easier to organize images within Shopify.
  • Test Image Load Time: Large image files can slow down your site’s load time. Compress your images to reduce file size without compromising quality. Shopify automatically optimizes images, but using additional tools like TinyPNG can help further improve load speed.
  • Highlight Variant-Specific Features: When adding images for specific variants, make sure the image clearly shows what makes that variant different (e.g., color, size, material). This helps customers visually distinguish between options.

Bottom Line

By following these steps, you can efficiently add images to your product variants on Shopify, making it easier for customers to explore their options and make informed purchasing decisions. Remember, high-quality images tailored to each variant can significantly enhance your store’s visual appeal and boost sales. 

FAQs

Can I add multiple images to a single product variant?

No, Shopify only allows one image per product variant. This ensures that when customers select a specific variant, they see a single, clear representation of that option. If you want to display more angles or details, you’ll need to include those in the main product image gallery.

What image file formats are supported on Shopify?

Shopify supports JPEG, PNG, and GIF formats for product variant images. It’s important to use high-resolution files in these formats to maintain image quality, but keep in mind that larger files can affect page load times.

Can I use videos or 3D models for product variants?

No, Shopify currently only supports images for product variants. However, you can still use videos or 3D models in your product’s main media gallery. 

How can I protect my product images from being copied?

Shopify doesn’t offer a native feature to prevent users from saving your images. However, you can use third-party apps from the Shopify App Store to add watermarks to your product images, discouraging unauthorized use. While this won’t stop users from saving the image, it can serve as a deterrent and add a layer of protection for your visual content.

What if my theme doesn’t display variant images correctly?

Some themes might have specific requirements or limitations for displaying variant images. Consult your theme’s documentation or contact the theme developer for assistance.

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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.