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eBay image requirements checker
eBay's picture policy is short but strict: at least one photo of 500+ px on the longest side, no watermarks, borders or text, and real photos for used items. Check any listing photo locally in your browser before you list.
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How to use it
The policy is about trust
eBay's picture policy exists so buyers can judge the exact condition of the item, which is why the rules read like a list of what not to do: no watermarks, no borders, no text or artwork, no placeholder images, and no stock photos for used items. The measurable parts — 500+ px longest side and 12 MB per file — are what this tool checks. For the visual rules, look at your photo with a buyer's eye: is it the actual item, shot face-on, whole item in frame, on a neutral (usually white) background? If it passes that test and the size rows above, your image is in good shape for eBay.
Real numbers
eBay image specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum photo size | At least 500 pixels on the longest side (required) |
| Photo count | At least 1 photo; up to 24 photos per listing |
| File size | Up to 12 MB per photo |
| Main photo | The first photo added — shown next to the title in search results |
| Background | Neutral, usually white; face-on shot showing the whole item |
| Banned elements | Watermarks, borders, text, artwork, placeholder images, stock photos for used items |
Source: eBay Help — Picture policy & Adding pictures to your listings, verified 2026-09-20 — ebay.com/help
Practical guide
Common eBay photo mistakes
- Reusing manufacturer stock photos for used items. eBay's policy explicitly bans stock photos for used, damaged or defective items. Photograph the actual item, including any flaws, to protect yourself in disputes.
- Watermarking out of fear. Sellers watermark to stop image theft, but eBay prohibits watermarks of any type, including attribution. Use the platform's protection instead of risking listing removal.
- Adding text and borders. Badges like "Free shipping" or colored frames are banned. eBay wants clean photos, and search placement can suffer when images carry graphics.
- Forgetting the main photo is the ad. The first photo you upload is the one buyers see in search. Lead with a clean, face-on shot of the whole item, not the most flattering angle.
eBay enforces the picture policy with real consequences: listings that violate it can be removed, and repeated violations escalate from warnings to account restrictions and suspension. The policy's purpose is trust — photos are how buyers judge the exact condition of an item, which is why inaccurate photos and stock photos for used items are banned outright. The safest routine is to photograph every item individually with a clean background, keep the photos free of text and marks, and verify the technical numbers (500 px minimum, 12 MB per file) before opening the listing form. Sellers who follow the policy rarely deal with image-related removals or disputes.
FAQ
Common questions
What are eBay's image requirements?
Every listing needs at least one photo at least 500 pixels on the longest side. You can add up to 24 photos, each up to 12 MB. The first photo becomes the main photo shown in search.
Does eBay require a white background?
eBay recommends a neutral background, usually white, and the main photo should be face-on showing the whole item. A white background is not a hard upload requirement but improves the listing.
Can I add watermarks to eBay photos?
No. eBay's picture policy prohibits watermarks of any type, including ownership attributions, plus borders, added text, artwork and placeholder images.
What photo size does eBay recommend?
eBay's minimum is 500 pixels on the longest side, and around 1600 x 1600 pixels is recommended for the best quality and zoom experience.
Do used items need real photos on eBay?
Yes. Stock photos are not allowed for used, damaged or defective items — buyers must see the actual item's condition.
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