Product Creation Services | Blank Products (2d) - Image Asset Requirements

Product Creation Services | Blank Products (2d) - Image Asset Requirements




Introduction

This article provides guidelines for the image assets that we request as part of our 2d Blank product creation services.  These will be used as the preview image of the Blank product which we refer to as an Aspect.

There are a number of factors which can influence the image asset requirements:

- The type of product
- The number of decoration areas
- The locations of the decoration areas
- The number of colours the product is available in (if this is planned to be selectable by the user)

The rules of thumb to follow for the preview images that you supply us with are:

1. The image(s) must be 1:1 in aspect ratio (min size: 800x 800 pixels)
2. The image(s) must be orthographic (ie: face-on) to each decoration area
3, The image(s) must be in either png or jpeg format
4. The image(s) must be less than 1mb in size (but we recommend as low as possible for performance reasons)
5. The image(s) should be 'blank' ie: without any personalisation or decoration
6. Use a lifestyle shot if available

Ensure that the product maximises the space in the image file so that the user's on screen experience is optimal.



General Thoughts to consider

An Aspect is simply a preview of the product from a certain angle.  The image used for the preview can be anything, in most cases it is a photograph but it could be a line drawing, a stylistic design or even just the print template (although we wouldn't recommend this).

The key thing to remember is that you are trying to make the product as enticing and attractive as possible to the online customer.  Studies have shown that live previews increase online sales so in a marketplace you want to make your products stand out against the competition.  Using good imagery will help you do this as its another opportunity to sell the quality of the product itself, in addition to the customisation or personalisation.

The best possible preview image is a lifestyle photo as it shows the product in its best light.

The image below is a great example of this, this particular product has various occasion designs and a personalisation message available on the slate.  If the cheese board was simply shown on a white background it would function OK and you'd know exactly what you were buying, but it wouldn't particularly stand out.  Having the additional elements in the photograph provides a much better user experience as it allows the customer to imagine the product in their home.



Single decoration area

If your product only has a single decoration area then you simply need to provide us with a single image which is face-on to the decoration area.

Important Note: We cannot use photography or images with perspective as the personalisation elements will not match the underlying perspective creating a poor user experience.


Checklist
- Image should be at least 800 x 800 pixels
- PNG or Jpeg format
- Face-on to the decoration area (no perspective)

Multiple decoration areas on different parts of the product

If your product has multiple decoration areas and these areas are on different parts of the product then we will require a separate image for each.

A typical example of this would be an item of clothing.  If it's possible to decorate the Front, Rear and Left / Right sleeves then we will would need a photo or image of the garment from each of those directions so that we can set the decoration areas face-on.


Checklist
- An image of the product from each angle
- Images should be at least 800 x 800 pixels
- PNG or Jpeg format
- Face-on to the decoration areas (no perspective)


Single decoration area and colours

If your product is available in multiple colours, and you wish this to be a selection for the user then we will require an image of the product in each colour available.

Each image should be identical so the product is identical in size and position so that the colour is the only difference.  This will ensure that when the user changes colour there will not be a 'jump' in the image. 


Checklist
- Separate image for each colour required
- Images should be at least 800 x 800 pixels
- PNG or Jpeg format
- Face-on to the decoration area (no perspective)

Multiple decoration areas and colours

This is exactly the same as the requirements for the single decoration above, you just need to remember that with multiple views of the product you need to supply us with an image of each colour for each view.


Checklist
- Separate image for each colour from each angle
- Images should be at least 800 x 800 pixels
- PNG or Jpeg format
- Face-on to the decoration area (no perspective)

Further information

A more detailed article discussing Aspects in depth can be found using the link below.