How do I make good eBay product photos?
eBay's size and photo rules, and how to make listing photos with AI that stay within them
Updated
Quick answer
Use square photos of at least 1600 x 1600 pixels (eBay's minimum is 500 on the longest side), start with the whole item centred on a plain background, and never add text, borders or watermarks. AI scenes are fine as long as they show your actual item accurately; eBay has no AI-specific rule. With Lume, a 2K square image (2048 x 2048) costs 2 credits, about 30 cents on Pro.
eBay photo requirements at a glance
| Minimum size | 500 pixels on the longest side |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | About 1600 x 1600 pixels |
| Shape | 1:1 or 16:9 look best (advice, not a rule) |
| Photos per listing | 1 to 24 |
| File size | Up to 12 MB |
| Formats | JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, WEBP, HEIC, AVIF |
| Background | Not required; plain white recommended |
| Banned | Added borders, text, artwork, marketing material, watermarks of any kind |
| AI images | No AI-specific rule; every photo must accurately represent the item |
From eBay's picture policy and photo help, read 9 November 2026.
A photo set that sells on eBay
- First photo: the whole item, centred, on white. It shows in search results. Use Remove background in Lume's Refine with the White fill, free with a daily allowance on every plan.
- Two or three real photos. Other angles, labels, serial numbers and any wear. For used items these must be your own photos, not stock or generated scenes.
- One or two lifestyle scenes. The item in use or in a room, so buyers see scale and quality. Make these with Lume from your item photo.
- Close-ups of details. Stitching, stones, ports, texture. Real photos are best here.
Before you upload a Lume image, compare it with the real item: colour, logos and text, size next to props, and any flaws. If anything differs, generate again.
Related
Frequently asked questions
- What size should eBay photos be?
- eBay requires at least 500 pixels on the longest side and recommends about 1600 x 1600 pixels so buyers can zoom. A Lume square image at 2K is 2048 x 2048, which clears the recommendation.
- Does eBay need a white background?
- No. eBay does not require one, but says plain white is always a safe choice and is generally best. Darker backgrounds can suit shiny items like jewellery.
- Are AI product photos allowed on eBay?
- eBay's picture policy does not mention AI. It requires every photo to accurately represent the item, and bans stock photos for used, damaged or defective items. eBay's own photo tool even offers AI backgrounds. So an AI scene around a real photo of your item is fine; an image that changes the item is not.
- Can I add text or a logo to eBay photos?
- No. eBay bans added borders, added text, artwork or marketing material, and watermarks of any kind. Use Lume scenes without text overlays.
- How many photos can an eBay listing have?
- Up to 24, and at least 1. Files can be up to 12 MB each in JPEG, PNG, WEBP, HEIC and several other formats.
- Which shape works best on eBay?
- eBay says photos in 1:1 or 16:9 look best. Square (1:1) is on every Lume plan; 16:9 is on Growth and Studio.
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