It is very competitive to sell on Amazon and the product images can be a deciding factor in a customer choosing to click on them or scroll past. Amazon has many strict guidelines regarding images, especially when it comes to the main product image. Because of this, using a clipping path is essential for having clean edges and a professional looking background which are two important things that Amazon requires.
In this guide you will learn:
- What Amazon’s image requirements are and how you can meet them
- The benefits of using a clipping path
- Best practices for creating images with high conversion rates
- What common mistakes can be made with images
📦 Amazon Product Image Requirements (Main Image Rules)
Amazon has a firm stance on their main image rules because of the benefits of improving the user experience.
The key rules for main product images are as follows:
- Your main product image should have a pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255)
- The product should occupy at least 85% of the image.
- Logos, watermarks and/or text overlays are not allowed.
- No props are allowed in your main image
- Images must be high resolution (minimum of 1000px)
Amazon has the right to reject or suppress products for failing to comply with these requirements.
✂️ Why Clipping Path Is Essential for Amazon Images
When it comes to preparing professional-looking Amazon-compatible images, using a clipping path provides the most precision when removing backgrounds from images. The use of manual clipping path allows:
- Edges that are smooth and have a natural look
- An accurate representation of the product
- No artifacts around the background of the product
- It will provide you with a perfect white background.
- Your product images have a consistent look in terms of lighting and color.
This becomes even more important when the products being photographed have sharp edges such as electronics, packaging, furniture or accessories.
👉 If your product edges appear rough or unnatural in your listing then your listing will automatically appear unprofessional.
💡 Best Practices for Amazon Product Images
You need to optimize your images for conversion, in addition to compliance.
Resolution: Use the highest resolution possible, preferably above 2000 pixels. Amazon recommends a minimum of 1000px.
Lighting: Use consistent lighting for all images - even in perfect cut-outs poor lighting will create the impression of a poor-quality product.
Natural Shadows: Create realistic depth by adding natural shadows to your product, this helps avoid the product floating, creating a far more realistic image.
Centre Product: Align your images so that they have good visual balance and appear professional.
Multiple Images: Although the primary image must be compliant with strict requirements multiple secondary images can be used to show your:
• Lifestyle usage
• Features
• Close Ups
👉 These all work together to increase the engagement and sales of a product.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Any error in cutout, no matter how small, can impact the performance of your listing negatively.
❌ Not Having a Solid White Background
An off-white or grey background may result in your listing being rejected by Amazon.
❌ Jagged or Rough Edges
A poorly clipped path will make your product appear to be of a lower quality.
❌ Over-edited colours
Unrealistic colours will decrease a customer's level of trust and increase the chances of return.
❌ Low Resolution Images
Blurry images will not capture the attention of customers.
❌ Automated Tools for Complex Image Creation
AI does not work well on complex images, such as those with detail, reflection, or transparency.
⚖️ Manual vs Automated Background Removal for Amazon
Hand Drawn Clipping Path
- More Accurate
- Creates softer (less jagged) Edges!
- This is the best method to produce a professional-looking result.
Automated Clipping Path Method:
- Much quicker than manually
- Less Accurate
- Should be used with a limited number of images.
For Amazon, the manual editing method is the most common method of editing photos.
🏢 Should You Outsource Clipping Path for Amazon?
When managing a variety of products, taking care of everything yourself can slip away from you over time! Using an outsourcing service allows you to:
- Save time
- Maintain consistent quality
- Handle large volume of image editing
- Concentrate on expanding your business
A professional clipping path service will make sure your images are Amazon compliant, polished, and ready to convert customers.
📌 When Should You Use Clipping Path for Amazon?
You should use a clipping path when:
- Preparing your main product images
- Creating images with a white background
- Editing bulk product images
- Ensuring compliance with Amazon's rules
As an Amazon seller, you need to have this!
❓ FAQs
Do all Amazon images need a white background?
The primary image must have a pure white background, while the secondary images may have white or gray solid backgrounds.
Can I use AI background removal for Amazon images?
Although, you could remove the image manually or utilize AI, using a clipping path is a more accurate method for removing the product image without damaging the photograph.
Why was my Amazon image rejected?
Most commonly, the reason for rejection is not adhering to Amazon's guidelines regarding size, background, or dimensions of the image.
🏁 Conclusion
An important part of making your product images conform to the Amazon standards is the use of a clipping path. A clipping path is what creates a clean background, a precise edge and a professional-looking product image which can have an effect on your sales. Images that have been edited by following the Amazon requirements and have used the proper editing techniques will not only be approved but will convert well also. If you want to achieve consistent and quality results at volume a professional clipping path service will give you an advantage over your competitors.
Asha is working as a Creative Director at Clipping Mask Asia. She has completed her Graduation from the University of Dhaka inFilm and Television Studies. She has vast knowledge in Photography, Videography, Video Editing, 3D Modeling, Rendering and Animation. She loves to explore the creative world with her academic knowledge, experience and creative mind. She writes creative blogs on design, illustration and editing for renowned brands like Clipping Mask Asia.