← All guides Magento guide

How to optimise Magento / Adobe Commerce product images

Magento gives every product image a role and resizes it per theme. Get the source right and assign roles consistently — then automate the rest so a large catalogue stays clean.

Updated June 2026 · ~5 min read

Sizes & image roles

Adding images

  1. Upload a square, high-res image on a clean background.
  2. Assign the image roles (Base / Small / Thumbnail / Swatch).
  3. Add alt text for accessibility and search.
  4. Automate via the REST API for catalogues at scale.

Automate it with Shelfshoot

The Shelfshoot Magento integration connects with an integration token and publishes finished images — background removed, cropped to a consistent square — straight onto the matching product by SKU, including product media. Scan, shoot, done.

Magento product images, automated

Connect with an integration token, then scan, shoot and publish by SKU. Try Shelfshoot free.

See the Magento integration

FAQ

What size should Magento product images be?

Upload square source images around 2048×2048 px. Magento resizes them for each image role (base, small, thumbnail, swatch) based on your theme, so a large, consistent source gives the best result everywhere.

What are Magento image roles?

Image roles tell Magento where each image is used: Base (main product image), Small image (listings), Thumbnail, and Swatch. Assign the same roles consistently across products.

How do I automate product images in Magento?

Use the REST API to attach images programmatically. Shelfshoot connects with a Magento integration token and publishes finished, background-removed images to the right product by SKU, including product media.