Take great photos

Maximise your chances of getting the sale with these essential photo tips

Your photos make a big difference

Get found

High quality photos are key to showing up in searches on eBay and external sites like Google Shopping.

Boost sales

Give buyers confidence to make a purchase by showing them exactly what they’re getting.

Reduce returns

When your photos show all the details, buyers are more likely to be happy with their purchase.

Photo basics

By following a few simple guidelines, your photos can help you enhance the visibility of your items on and off eBay:

More is more when it comes to photos. Add up to 24 to each listing.
Your first photo appears in search results. Make it your best shot, with your item centered and fully visible.
Your items are unique – your photos should be too. Photograph each item you’re selling individually to capture its unique details.

A woman using a mobile device to photograph a pair of tea cups.

Get your best shot

You don’t need expensive equipment and hours of time to get great photos. You just need to know a few essentials.

Use high-quality images
Make sure your photos don’t appear blurry or pixelated. Images need a minimum resolution of 500 x 500 pixels, but we recommend at least 1600 x 1600.
Keep your background uncluttered
Photograph your items in an uncluttered space, against a white/neutral background to make them stand out.
Use natural lighting
Take your photos in an area with bright overhead lighting. Avoid using flash or adding filters.
Make your item the focal point
Center your item and fill up the frame as much as possible. For items with multiple variants, only show the variant that’s being sold.
Avoid graphics or watermarks
Don’t add text, artwork, logos, or watermarks to your photos. It can prevent your images from showing up in third-party search results.
Capture several angles, including all wear and tear
Show off all sides of the item, including full-view and closeups of textures, tags, labels and other key details. Include closeups of blemishes, damage, or wear.

Choose the right background

No studio backdrop? No problem. Our in-app photo tools give you multiple options to replace your photos’ backgrounds to help your items stand out.

White background

A plain white background is always a safe choice. It lets your item take center stage without any distractions.

Studio background

Choose from a range of solid colored studio-inspired backgrounds. This might be the best option if your item is a light color that won’t stand out against a white background, or if you want to help your item’s colors pop.

AI-generated background image

Choose from a variety of AI-generated scenes. This can help you showcase the environment your item might be used in. Try to only use this option for a few photos, and make sure the background doesn’t distract from your item.

How it works

From the Selling tab in the eBay mobile app, select List an item (or edit an existing one). Then, upload your product photo.
Use the background removal tool to delete the original backdrop, isolating your item.
Browse and select from a variety of colors or AI-generated backgrounds.
Apply your chosen background to create a professional-looking image that highlights your item.
Review your photo and then proceed with the rest of your listing as usual.

Seller Centre