Short answer: Amazon requires main product images on a pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255) with the product filling most of the frame. Shopify has no strict rule, but consistent white or transparent backgrounds make catalogues look professional and load cleanly on any theme.
Common marketplace requirements
- Amazon: pure white main image, product fills about 85% of the frame, no added text or watermarks. Longest side of at least 1,000px is recommended so zoom works.
- Google Shopping: plain white, grey or light background preferred; no promotional overlays.
- eBay & Etsy: no strict colour rule, but clean, consistent backgrounds perform better.
Always check each marketplace's current guidelines, as they update them periodically.
Fast workflow for white backgrounds
- Shoot products in even, diffused light. A window on a cloudy day works well.
- Upload up to 20 photos to the product photo background remover.
- Choose the white swatch — it fills exactly #FFFFFF.
- Download each in HD (one credit per image).
- For larger catalogues, automate with the API using
bg_color=#ffffffandcrop=true.
Why not just use a white backdrop?
Even a white sweep photographs as light grey with shadows. Marketplaces' automated checks can flag that. Removing the background and filling pure white guarantees the colour.
