A consistent, professional image catalog is one of the most effective ways to boost your online store’s credibility. Whether you’re starting a new store or cleaning up an existing one, this guide takes you through every step – from shooting to background removal to final editing.
Step 1: Plan your image strategy
Decide on the number of images per product, the angles you’ll capture, and the overall style. Will you use a pure white background (recommended) or a lifestyle look? Consistency across your entire catalog is key.
Step 2: Shoot with editing in mind
Place your product on a plain, contrasting surface. Use even lighting and a tripod. The better your original shot is, the less time you'll spend fixing shadows or stray pixels later.
Step 3: Crop to a consistent aspect ratio
Before processing, crop all images to the same ratio - 1:1 for most platforms, or 4:5 for fashion. This creates a smoother browsing experience and makes your catalog look professionally produced.
Step 4: Remove the background (batch process if possible)
Use BG Erasers to strip away the background. If you have multiple images, process them one after another – the tool is so fast that batch processing isn't a chore. For a truly consistent result, apply the same output format and resolution to every image. Use BG Erasers to remove the background. If you have multiple images, process them one by one – the tool is so fast that batch processing is a breeze. For truly consistent results, set each image to the same output format and resolution.
Step 5: Adjust exposure and colors
With the background gone, minor changes become much easier. Brighten the product, correct the white balance, and make sure the colors match the real item. Many free online editors can do this without having to re-add the background.
Step 6: Resize and compress for the web
Large, uncompressed images slow down your store. Resize to the desired maximum displaysize (typically 1200–2000px wide) and compress using tools like TinyPNG or Squosh. Aim for less than 200 KB per image without sacrificing quality.
Step 7: Add alt text and SEO metadata
Each product image should have descriptive Alt text. This improves accessibility and helps search engines understand what you're selling. Include your primary keywords naturally - for example, "white ceramic coffee mug on a plain background."
A polished image catalog isn't a one‑time task – it's an ongoing commitment. But by following this workflow and automating the hardest parts (like background removal), you'll keep your store looking fresh with minimal effort. A polished image catalog isn’t a one-time job it’s an ongoing commitment. But by following this workflow and automating the hardest parts (like removing backgrounds), you’ll keep your store fresh with minimal effort.