Zalando Image Guidelines

Portrait ratio, plain background, and a minimum set of views.

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Zalando is a fashion marketplace, and its image rules reflect that. The minimum is 1000 × 1000 px on a plain white or light neutral background, but the ratio matters more than the floor: a 3:4 portrait format such as 1200 × 1600 px is preferred and performs better in Zalando search. Square and landscape are accepted but disadvantaged.

Zalando distinguishes two image types. A packshot shows the article alone, typically on white. A model shot shows it worn, giving buyers a read on fit and drape. Body cropping in model shots is allowed as long as the article stays recognisable, and multiple model views are permitted.

There is a minimum set rather than a single hero image: at least one compliant catalogue view (a primary packshot or front crop) plus a minimum of two further compliant images such as back, side or detail shots.

Category guides differ meaningfully between apparel, accessories and electronics, so check the guide that matches what you sell before processing a season's worth of photography.

Zalando image requirements

Minimum resolution1000 × 1000 px
Preferred ratio3:4 portrait, e.g. 1200 × 1600 px
BackgroundPlain white or light neutral
Image typesPackshot (article alone) and model shot (worn)
Minimum set1 catalogue view + at least 2 further views
Accepted formatsJPEG preferred; PNG, GIF, TIFF also accepted
Maximum file size5 MB

Source: Zalando Partner University: Image guidelines, Zalando Partner University: Apparel image guide

Typical result: A 20 MB studio TIFF exports to roughly 400 KB at 1200 × 1600 px JPEG, the preferred portrait ratio, comfortably under the 5 MB cap.

How to do it

  1. 1Open the bulk resizer and add your packshots and model shots.
  2. 2Set 1200 × 1600 px and choose "Pad to exact size" with a white pad colour to hit 3:4.
  3. 3Export as JPEG, which Zalando prefers, keeping each file under 5 MB.
  4. 4Upload a catalogue view plus at least two further views per article.

Frequently asked questions

What image size does Zalando require?

A minimum of 1000 × 1000 px on a plain white or light neutral background. The preferred format is 3:4 portrait, commonly 1200 × 1600 px, which performs better in Zalando search than square or landscape.

What is the difference between a packshot and a model shot?

A packshot shows the article on its own, usually on white. A model shot shows it being worn, so buyers can judge fit and drape. Zalando expects both, and body cropping in model shots is fine as long as the article stays recognisable.

How many images does a Zalando listing need?

At least one compliant catalogue view (a primary packshot or front crop) plus a minimum of two further compliant images such as back, side or detail views.

What file format and size does Zalando accept?

JPEG is preferred, with PNG, GIF and TIFF also accepted. Files are capped at 5 MB, which JPEG stays under easily even at full portrait resolution.

Are Zalando image rules the same for every category?

No. Zalando publishes separate guides for apparel, accessories and electronics, and the model and framing requirements differ between them. Check the guide for your category before a bulk upload.

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