Good product photos take more than a good camera. You also need to know each platform’s rules, how to cut out and clean a product, and how to export images that load fast and look right everywhere. This page collects the product image editing resources we find most useful, from official guidelines to step-by-step tutorials, so you can find what you need in one place.
1. Platform rules to check before you edit
Marketplaces and shopping platforms check images against technical rules, so start with the source.
- Google Merchant Center image_link guidelines: what Google expects for product feed images. Check this page for the current size requirements, since they change.
- Amazon’s image guidelines for clothing: an example of category-specific rules on top of Amazon’s general image requirements.
For a plain-language checklist, read our guide on product image requirements for Amazon and Google Shopping.
2. Tutorials for cutouts, masks and clean backgrounds
- Adobe’s Remove Background quick action guide: the fastest way to isolate a subject in Photoshop.
- Adobe’s tutorial on Select and Mask: refining soft edges such as hair, fur and fabric.
- Adobe’s guide to the Pen tool: drawing precise paths around products with hard edges.
Not sure which method suits your images? Hard-edged products such as bottles and electronics suit a path, while soft or fuzzy edges need masking. Our service pages for clipping path and background removal explain the typical use cases.
3. Software to edit product photos
- Photoshop: The industry standard for cutouts, retouching and layered files.
- GIMP: A free, open-source alternative, available from the official GIMP website.
If you are still choosing, browse our software and applications guides for comparisons.
4. Publishing images so they load fast and get found
Even a perfect edit can underperform if the file is too heavy or poorly described. Google’s image SEO best practices cover file formats, alt text, file names and page context. Pair it with sensible export settings: sRGB color, the right pixel size for the page, and a moderate JPEG quality setting.
5. A quick product image editing checklist
- Confirm the platform’s current image rules.
- Cut out the product cleanly and check the edges at 100 percent.
- Use a true white or consistent background, as the platform requires.
- Clean dust, scratches and distractions on a separate layer.
- Match color to the real product.
- Add a soft, natural shadow if the platform allows it.
- Export in sRGB at the right size, with a descriptive file name.
- Write alt text that describes the product in plain language.
6. When it helps to get an extra pair of hands
Editing a handful of images is manageable. Editing hundreds, with consistent results, is another matter. If that sounds like your catalog, see our e-commerce product photo editing page, or ask about your project through the contact page. You can also browse more e-commerce photography articles.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best product image editing resources for beginners?
Start with the platform’s own image guidelines, then follow a tutorial for the tool you use, such as Adobe’s guides for Photoshop or the documentation for GIMP. Practice on a few products before you edit a whole catalog.
Which software is best for editing product images?
Photoshop is the most widely used for cutouts and retouching, and GIMP is a capable free option. The best choice depends on your budget and how much editing you do.
How often should I check platform image rules?
Check them before every large upload. Requirements such as minimum image sizes change over time, and category rules can differ from the general guidelines.
