Etsy Product Photo Guide

Quick Answer Etsy recommends 2000x2000 pixel images in a 4:3 or 1:1 ratio. Use natural light (window light), lifestyle contexts that show the product in use, and consistent branding across listings. Unlike Amazon, Etsy shoppers expect warmth and personality in product photos, not clinical white backgrounds.

Etsy Image Requirements

Etsy allows up to 10 images per listing. Minimum resolution is 2000 pixels on the shortest side for the zoom feature. Recommended dimensions are 2000x2000 (square) or 2700x2025 (4:3). File formats: JPEG, PNG, or GIF. JPEG at high quality is standard. Maximum file size is 20MB per image. The first image is the thumbnail that appears in search results and category pages. It has the biggest impact on click-through rates. Remaining images show detail, scale, packaging, and the product in context. Etsy supports video: up to 1 minute, 100MB maximum, in 16:9 or 9:16 formats. Videos autoplay silently in the listing gallery and can show the product being made, worn, or used.

Shoot at high resolution

2000x2000 minimum. Shoot larger and crop. Higher resolution enables the zoom feature.

Use all 10 image slots

More images = more information = higher conversion. Use every slot available.

Consider adding video

A short video showing the product in use or being made adds trust and personality.

The First Photo (Thumbnail)

The first photo is everything on Etsy. It determines whether shoppers click your listing from search results. It competes against dozens of similar products on the page. Clean backgrounds with subtle styling work best. Unlike Amazon's pure white requirement, Etsy shoppers respond to styled, warm thumbnails that hint at the handmade nature of the product. The product must be clearly visible and identifiable at thumbnail size. Avoid busy backgrounds that compete with the product. Simple textures (linen, wood, marble) work better than patterned surfaces. Consistency is critical. When shoppers see your shop page with all listings visible, consistent thumbnails (same background, lighting style, and composition) look professional and trustworthy. Inconsistent thumbnails look amateur.

Make the product dominant

The product should fill 70-80% of the thumbnail. It must be instantly recognizable at small sizes.

Use a simple, styled background

Neutral backgrounds with subtle texture: linen, wood, marble. Not pure white (too clinical for Etsy).

Match your brand across listings

Same background, same lighting, same style across all listing thumbnails for a cohesive shop.

Lifestyle and Styled Shots

Lifestyle photos show the product in use and help buyers visualize owning it. On Etsy, these are especially important because buyers are choosing handmade and unique items. They want to see how the product fits into their life. Jewelry: show it being worn. Specify the model's clothing and styling to match your target customer. Layering multiple pieces together shows how they pair. Home decor: show it in a styled room setting. A candle on a nightstand, a print on a gallery wall, a mug in someone's hands. Context adds perceived value. Clothing: show on a real person, not a mannequin. Different angles and movement shots (walking, turning) show drape and fit. Include size reference (model stats in the description). Digital products: show mockups. Planners printed and on a desk, digital art in a frame, SVG files on products. Buyers can't visualize digital downloads without context.

Show the product in use

Being worn, being held, in a room, on a table. Buyers need to see it in real life.

Match your target audience

If your target is minimalist decor lovers, style accordingly. If it's bohemian, style that way.

Include human elements

A hand holding the product, a person wearing it. Human presence increases emotional connection.

Flat Lay Photography for Etsy

Flat lay (overhead photography) is Etsy's signature style. It works beautifully for small products, accessories, stationery, and anything that looks best from above. The setup: a flat surface (table, floor), a background (paper, fabric, wood), overhead lighting (window light from the side works), and your camera directly above. Composition rules for flat lays: use the rule of thirds, create visual flow with diagonal placement, leave breathing room between items, and keep the palette cohesive. Props should support, not compete. Raw materials (leather scraps near a leather wallet, yarn near a knitted item), tools of the craft, complementary items, and seasonal elements. Keep props to 2-3 items maximum.

Set up the background

Flat, textured surface: linen, kraft paper, weathered wood, marble tile. Choose based on product style.

Place the product first

Product goes slightly off-center. It's the star. Everything else supports it.

Add 2-3 props

Raw materials, tools, complementary items. Arranged at angles for visual flow.

Shoot directly overhead

Camera parallel to the surface. Use a phone on a tripod arm or hold directly above.

Brand Consistency Across Listings

When a shopper visits your Etsy shop page, they see a grid of all your listing thumbnails. Consistent visual branding makes your shop look professional, trustworthy, and curated. Choose one background style and stick with it. One lighting setup, one color palette, one composition approach. This doesn't mean every photo looks identical but they should clearly belong to the same family. Seasonal variations are fine. A holiday collection can use seasonal styling, but maintain the same quality and composition standards. Create a style guide for yourself: background color/material, prop colors, camera angle, distance from product, and editing style. Refer to it every time you photograph new products.

Pick one background style

Use the same background material and color for all listings. Switch only for seasonal collections.

Maintain consistent lighting

Same window, same time of day, same setup. Consistency in lighting = consistency in look.

Create a style guide

Document your background, props, angle, distance, and editing settings for future reference.

Editing Photos for Etsy

Etsy photos benefit from subtle editing that enhances without over-processing. The handmade, authentic feel should be preserved. Brighten and warm slightly. Etsy photos that feel warm and inviting perform better. 'Brighten the photo and make it feel warmer' gives the natural, daylit look Etsy shoppers expect. Background cleanup: 'blur the background slightly' creates depth, or 'clean up the background and remove distracting elements' for a polished look. Color accuracy matters for handmade items. 'Make the colors true to life' ensures customers receive what they expect. The #1 reason for Etsy returns is color mismatch.

Brighten and warm

'Brighten the photo and add a slight warm tone' for the inviting look that sells on Etsy.

Clean up backgrounds

'Remove distracting elements from the background' or 'blur the background slightly for depth.'

Ensure color accuracy

'Make the product colors accurate and true to life' to prevent returns and negative reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should Etsy product photos be?

Minimum 2000 pixels on the shortest side. Recommended 2000x2000 (square) or 2700x2025 (4:3). Larger images enable the zoom feature that increases buyer confidence. JPEG at high quality, under 20MB per image.

Should I use white backgrounds on Etsy?

Not necessarily. Unlike Amazon, Etsy shoppers expect warmth and personality. Styled backgrounds (wood, linen, marble) with the product as the clear focus work better than clinical white. That said, some categories (jewelry, supplies) can work well with white.

How many photos should an Etsy listing have?

Use all 10 available slots. Include: 1 clean product shot (thumbnail), 2-3 lifestyle/styled shots, 1-2 detail close-ups, 1 scale reference, 1 packaging shot, and 1-2 variation shots. More images increase time spent on the listing and conversion rate.

Do I need a professional camera for Etsy photos?

No. A smartphone with good natural lighting produces Etsy-quality photos. The lighting and styling matter more than the camera. Many top Etsy sellers shoot exclusively on iPhones with window light.

How do I photograph small items like jewelry?

Use a flat lay setup with a textured background. Get close using macro mode or a clip-on macro lens. Window sidelight shows sparkle and dimension. Style with 1-2 complementary props. Show the jewelry being worn for scale reference.

What's the best lighting for Etsy product photos?

Natural window light is the gold standard for Etsy. It's free, consistent on overcast days, and produces the soft, warm look that sells on the platform. Avoid direct sunlight (too harsh) and overhead room lights (orange cast).

Should I show packaging in my listing photos?

Yes, especially if you have nice packaging. Gift-ready packaging is a selling point on Etsy. Include one photo showing how the product arrives. This also sets expectations and reduces complaints about packaging.

How do I make my shop page look cohesive?

Use the same background, lighting, and composition style across all listings. When shoppers see your shop grid, consistent thumbnails look professional and trustworthy. Create a simple style guide and follow it for every new product.

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