Remove the background for Google Shopping images
Google Merchant Center needs product images of at least 500 x 500 pixels and recommends 1500 x 1500 or more, with the product filling 75% to 90% of the frame. Images get disapproved for promotional text, watermarks, added logos, borders and placeholders. Google doesn't require a white background, but it does require a clean, unobstructed view of the item for sale.
Developers: one API callor drop a file, paste image Ctrl/⌘+V or
Processed on our servers. Previews are deleted right after.
No image?
Try one of these:
At a glance
| Size | At least 500 x 500 px; about 1500 x 1500 px or larger recommended |
|---|---|
| Limits | Up to 64 megapixels and 16 MB per file |
| Formats | JPEG, WebP, PNG, GIF, BMP or TIFF; the extension must match the format |
| Product fill | 75% to 90% of the full image |
| Disapproved | Promotional text, prices, watermarks, added logos, barcodes, borders, placeholders |
| AI-generated images | Keep the metadata that marks them as AI-generated, such as IPTC DigitalSourceType |
How to do it
- Upload the product photoUse one product, one variant, photographed whole. Google asks for a dedicated image per variant, so shoot each colour separately rather than a group shot.
- Pick a clean backgroundThe tool starts on white, a safe choice for every category. A light neutral works too. Avoid busy textures and anything that isn't sold with the product, since items not sold together with the main product aren't allowed.
- Download and leave a marginDownload HD or full size. Crop so the product takes up 75% to 90% of the frame, then export at 1500 x 1500 px or more. Keep the image URL stable when you update the file.
Tips and common mistakes
- Don't crop too tightGoogle's 75% to 90% range means a small margin all round. A product touching every edge is outside it, and so is a small product floating in white.
- Keep sales text in the feed"Free shipping", prices, "best" or "new" overlays and condition labels get images disapproved. Put them in your feed attributes and promotions instead.
- Use additional_image_link for extra viewsSend angles, close-ups and in-use photos as additional images. Keep the cutout as the main image_link.
- Turn on automatic image improvementsMerchant Center can fix some minor issues itself, such as removing promotional overlays. It is a backstop, not a reason to upload overlays.
- Avoid changing URLsGoogle asks for stable image URLs without timestamps or session IDs. Image changes can take 24 to 48 hours to show.
Questions
Does Google Shopping require a white background?
No. Google doesn't name a background colour, but the product must have a clean, unobstructed view, and borders, overlays and items not sold with it aren't allowed. White or a light neutral is the simplest way to meet that.
What size should Google Shopping images be?
At least 500 x 500 pixels, with about 1500 x 1500 or larger recommended. Files can be up to 16 MB and 64 megapixels.
How much of the image should the product fill?
Google recommends 75% to 90% of the full image.
Why was my Google Shopping image disapproved?
Common causes are promotional text or prices on the image, watermarks, added logos, barcodes, borders, placeholder graphics such as "Coming soon", or a generic image that doesn't show the actual product.
Can I upload a transparent PNG to Merchant Center?
PNG is a supported format, but Google doesn't say how transparency is shown. Upload a JPEG or PNG on a solid white background so you control what shoppers see.
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 24, 2026