eBay
eBay listing images above the 500px floor
eBay sits between Amazon and Shopify: there are hard requirements, but they are mostly about size and about what you may not add. The floor is 500 px on the longest side — below that the image is rejected — and the recommendation is 1600 px, which is also the threshold that switches on eBay’s zoom and enlarge behaviour on the listing page.
The rules sellers trip over are the prohibitions rather than the dimensions. eBay does not allow borders, watermarks, seller-added text or graphics on listing photos, and it does not accept stock manufacturer photos for used items. A generated image that shows your actual item, without a promotional overlay, is the safe shape.
eBay listing image requirements
These apply to every photo on a listing, not just the first one.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Recommended longest side | 1600 pxEnables zoom and enlarge on the listing page. |
| Minimum longest side | 500 pxHard floor — smaller images are rejected on upload. |
| Maximum longest side | 9000 pxWell beyond anything you need in practice. |
| Maximum file size | 12 MBPer image. |
| File formats | JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, GIFJPEG is the practical default. |
| Photos per listing | Up to 24, freeMost categories. Use them. |
| Borders | Not allowedIncludes decorative frames and coloured edges. |
| Watermarks and text | Not allowedNo seller logos, price flashes, "free shipping" banners or promotional graphics. |
| Stock photos | Not allowed for used itemsUsed and refurbished listings must show the actual item. |
| Background | Plain, uncluttered; white or light neutral preferredNot mandated, but it is what the eBay gallery is designed around. |
Requirements reflect eBay’s published picture requirements and photo policy. Some categories (notably vehicles and trading cards) layer on extra rules — check the category before a bulk listing run.
How to prepare eBay listing images
Size it right, strip anything eBay treats as an overlay, and use the free slots.
- 01
Upload a photo of the actual item
For used and refurbished listings this is a policy requirement, not a preference — the photo has to be of the item you are shipping. Generate from your own shot rather than a manufacturer render.
- 02
Select the eBay preset
The preset targets 1600 × 1600 on a plain light background, comfortably above the 500px floor and at the size that turns on eBay’s zoom viewer.
- 03
Remove anything eBay reads as an overlay
No borders, no watermarks, no price or shipping text baked into the image. If your source photo has a logo on the backdrop or a sticker you do not want, brush over it and regenerate just that region.
- 04
Export and fill the gallery
Download at 1600 × 1600 and upload several angles — front, back, detail, any wear or defect on a used item. eBay gives you up to 24 free photo slots, and disclosed condition photos reduce returns and disputes.
Each image in the finished set costs one credit — 1 credit = 1 image. See pricing.
eBay image questions
What is the minimum image size on eBay?
500 px on the longest side. That is the hard floor for upload. It is not a target — 1600 px is the recommendation, and it is what enables zoom on the listing page.
Can I put my shop logo or a border on eBay photos?
No. eBay’s photo policy prohibits borders, watermarks, seller-added text and promotional graphics on listing images. Branding belongs in the listing description and in your shop profile, not burned into the photo.
Can I use the manufacturer’s stock photo?
Only for new items, and only if you have the right to use it. For used, refurbished or open-box listings, eBay requires a photo of the actual item you are selling.
How many photos should an eBay listing have?
As many angles as the item warrants — most categories include up to 24 free slots. For used goods, photograph every flaw you disclose; it is the cheapest protection against a not-as-described case.
Does eBay need a white background?
It is not mandated, but a plain, uncluttered background is strongly preferred and is what the search gallery is designed around. A clean light background also makes the same image reusable on other marketplaces.
Can I generate images of a used item?
You can clean up the background, lighting and framing of a photo of your actual item. Do not generate away genuine wear, damage or missing parts — misrepresenting condition breaches eBay policy and drives returns.
Other marketplaces
Start with one photo
Sign in with Google or an email address, upload a product shot, and see the set before you spend anything. 1 credit = 1 image — no subscription.
Eluvana product application opens at https://app.eluvana.com