Remove the background for eBay listing photos
eBay needs at least one photo per listing, at least 500 pixels on the longest side, and recommends about 1600 x 1600. Added borders, text, artwork and watermarks of any kind are not allowed. eBay says white backgrounds are generally best, though a darker one can suit shiny items such as jewellery. Your main photo should show the whole item face-on, because it is the one shown in search.
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At a glance
| Minimum size | 500 px on the longest side |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | About 1600 x 1600 px |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 or 16:9 look best |
| Files | Up to 12 MB each; JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, WebP, HEIC or AVIF |
| Not allowed | Added borders, added text, artwork or marketing, watermarks of any type |
| Background | Uncluttered and neutral; white is generally best, darker for shiny items |
How to do it
- Upload your main shotPick the photo that shows the whole item face-on, since it becomes your search result image. Use the original file, not a screenshot or a photo that has been compressed by a messaging app.
- Keep white, or go darker for shiny itemsThe tool starts on white. For chrome, glass, silver or jewellery, try a solid dark grey instead so the edges and reflections stay visible. Use the same background for every photo in the listing.
- Download a square HD JPEGDownload HD or full size as a JPEG. Crop to 1:1, aim for about 1600 px on each side, and check the file is under 12 MB.
Tips and common mistakes
- Don't add a border to make it squareAdded borders break eBay's picture policy. Crop the photo square, or extend it with the same solid background colour, so there's no visible frame.
- No logos, even small oneseBay bans watermarks of any type, including ownership marks. Badges, logos and copyright notices can also hurt your placement in search.
- Think about the 96 px thumbnailIn search results your main photo shows at a standard 96 pixels (up to 400 with Gallery Plus). A clean background and an item that fills the frame stay readable at that size.
- Show flaws, don't clean them awayRemoving the background is fine; hiding a scratch is not. Photos must accurately represent the item, so add clear close-ups of any wear.
- Used items need your own photosStock or catalogue photos aren't allowed for used, damaged or defective items. Photograph the actual item, then clean up the background.
- Bundles and single itemsFor a single item, keep variations out of the main photo. For a bundle, the main photo should show every item for sale.
Questions
What size should eBay photos be?
At least 500 pixels on the longest side. eBay recommends about 1600 x 1600 pixels, and the uploader takes files up to 12 MB each.
Does eBay require a white background?
No. eBay asks for an uncluttered, neutral backdrop and says white is generally best. For shiny or reflective items, a darker background may work better.
Can I put my logo or a watermark on eBay photos?
No. eBay's picture policy bans watermarks of any type, including those used to show ownership, as well as added text, artwork, marketing material and borders.
Can I use stock photos on eBay?
Not for used, damaged or defective items. For those, every photo has to be of the actual item you're selling.
Does eBay have its own background remover?
Yes. eBay's background enhancement tool replaces the background with solid white while you create a listing. A separate tool helps when you need HD files, other colours, or up to 100 photos at once before listing.
Try it on your own image
New accounts get 50 free credits. One credit per image, no subscription, and credits never expire.
Remove a backgroundSources
Updated October 23, 2026