What is the minimum image size for Google Merchant Center?

Google requires main images to be at least 100 x 100 pixels (250 x 250 for apparel). Recommended size is 800 x 800 pixels or larger. Images smaller than 500 pixels on any side cannot use the zoom feature.

Can I use images with text overlays in Google Merchant Center?

No. Promotional text, watermarks, borders, or logos overlaid on the main product image are not allowed and will cause the product to be disapproved. Additional images (not the main image) may have more flexibility.

Does my product image need a white background?

White or light backgrounds are strongly recommended for apparel and some other categories. For other product types, any clean background that clearly shows the product is acceptable. Generic stock photos or lifestyle images as the main image can cause disapprovals.

Google Merchant Center Image Requirements Guide 2026

Product images are among the most common sources of disapprovals in Google Merchant Center. Getting them right is straightforward once you know the rules. This guide covers everything you need to ensure your images are approved.

Minimum and Recommended Image Sizes

The minimum size for non-apparel products is 100 x 100 pixels. For apparel, the minimum is 250 x 250 pixels. However, these minimums are too small for good Shopping ad performance. Smaller images look poor on high-DPI screens and cannot use Amazon's zoom feature.

Google's recommended minimum is 800 x 800 pixels. The ideal size for maximum quality is 1200 x 1200 pixels or larger. There is no maximum size limit, but files above 16 MB may have processing issues.

Accepted File Formats

Google Merchant Center accepts: JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg), WebP (.webp), PNG (.png), GIF (.gif, static only), BMP (.bmp), and TIFF (.tif, .tiff). JPEG is the most widely supported format and the safest choice. PNG is useful for products that benefit from transparent backgrounds (though Google renders transparency as white). Animated GIFs are not allowed for main product images.

Image Content Rules

The main image must show the product clearly on a clean background. Specific rules:

No promotional text: Text such as "Sale," "Free Shipping," "New," or price callouts on the image are not allowed. This includes watermarks with text.

No borders: Decorative borders, frames, or colored outlines around the product image are prohibited.

No logos or brand overlays: Your brand logo should not appear overlaid on the main product image.

Product must be the main subject: Lifestyle images where the product is a small part of a larger scene are not accepted as the main image. The product should be clearly visible and fill most of the image.

No placeholder images: Generic "image not available" placeholders, colored squares, or non-product graphics will cause immediate disapproval.

Background Requirements

A white or very light background is required for apparel. For other categories, any clean, non-distracting background is acceptable. The background should not compete visually with the product. Google's system can detect low-quality or confusing images and may disapprove them even if they technically meet the size requirements.

Checking for Image Disapprovals

In Merchant Center, go to Products > Diagnostics and filter by image-related issues. The most common image disapproval codes are "Invalid image," "Image too small," and "Promotional overlay on image." Fix the affected image and update your feed. Products with corrected images typically reprocess within 24-48 hours.