Zalando Product Image Guidelines: Sizes, Views, Models and AI Rules

Zalando's image guidelines set a portrait aspect ratio of 1:1.44, width to height. The guide notes that the system rounds the ratio, so a value such as 1.445 is read as 1.45 and rejected. Crop to the exact ratio rather than close to it.

The minimum size is 762 x 1100 pixels and the best-practice size is 1801 x 2600 pixels. Designer brands have a higher minimum of 1800 x 2600 pixels. Files are JPG or JPEG, in sRGB, up to 20 MB. Size alone is not enough: the guide says a correctly sized but blurry image will lead to a rejection.

Every article needs a catalog view, the first image shown in the shop. It is either a primary packshot, a standalone product shot, or a front crop showing the complete product on a model. Catalog views show the full product from the front or at a subtle angle. Footwear needs the full side profile, and maternity wear is shown at 45 degrees with the belly facing left.

Zalando also sets a minimum number of compliant images per category. Multipacks need a primary packshot that shows every item in the pack, reversible and 2-in-1 articles need views that show every option, and electronics and toys need one image showing the CE label on the device or packaging.

The current guidelines say Zalando automatically applies a light grey background to primary packshots submitted on white. The older post-production guide says primary packshots must have a white background, and that model views on white are accepted but cannot be used as the front crop. Backshots and model views may use any background, setting or location. None of the three articles gives an RGB value, so we do not quote one.

For packshots, Zalando asks that the article cover approximately 80% of the frame, centered horizontally and vertically. Bag packshots sit in the lower third of the frame. Zalando says it may reposition packshots to its view grids, crop images to meet ratio and resolution rules, and adjust backgrounds to its color range. It says it does not apply filters, change saturation or lighting, or remove props.

Visible mannequins are not allowed in mandatory packshots or model views. The Apparel image guide says invisible mannequin and flat-lay images must include the inner back view. Children's nightwear, beachwear, swimwear and underwear must be shown as packshots only, never on child models.

For model shots, the apparel guide asks for the same model and styling across all views, except for unisex and size-inclusive presentations. Sleeves are shown full length, not rolled or folded. Plus-size articles go on plus-size models, minimum size 44. The post-production guide says permanent features such as scars, stretch marks and birthmarks need no retouching, while temporary spots and bruises should be retouched, and adult garments must be shown on models visibly over 18.

The image guidelines list the don'ts below. Their glossary adds that English text, logos and black-and-white images are permitted in additional views.

Zalando says synthetic and AI-generated content must meet its editorial and technical criteria, and it reserves the right to reject AI assets that break believability or misrepresent the product. It lists unnatural textures and materials, distorted text or logos, implausible lighting and shadows, and inconsistent model features across one image set as unacceptable.

Under visible labeling, required from August 2026, the guidelines say Zalando does not allow visible on-image labels such as watermarks or text overlays, other than overlays that show measurements. Under invisible marking, required by December 2026, they say you must embed identifying data in the file metadata or as an invisible watermark, and keep that metadata permanent so it is not stripped on upload.

Zalando accepts AI-generated images only when they meet its editorial and technical criteria, and it asks for identifying data embedded in AI files from December 2026.

Picmato plans listing images tailored to your product from your own photos, and you choose which to generate. It does not check images against Zalando's partner guidelines. AI renderers can alter fabric texture, stitching and color, which matters most in fashion, so compare every export with the garment itself and confirm Zalando's current image specification with your partner contact before you deliver. Check, too, that each AI file carries the identifying data Zalando's invisible-marking rule asks for.