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Guide · File formats

JPG, PNG or PSD: Which format for what?

Which files you need for shop, marketplace, social media and print, and why the right format saves loading time and quality.

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Butterfly ear plug in Bicolour with light stones

If you are planning the recordings for your assortment, you will find the process and the services at jewellery photography in Berlin.

In short:JPG for shop, marketplaces and social media. PNGif the product is intended to be transparent without background on banners or coloured surfaces. PSDIf you or your agency want to edit the images later with layers. For web always in the colour space sRGB.

After shoot, the question often arises: In which format do we actually need the images? The answer depends on where the images are used. Here is the overview.

Overview of the formats

FormatTransparencyLevelsFile sizeIdeal for
JPGnonoSmallShop, Amazon, Etsy, Social Media, Newsletter
PNGyesnoLargeProduct images on white background without background for banners and graphics
PSDyesyesVery largeFurther editing, campaigns, catalog
WebPyesnoVery smallFast charging times in your own shop
TIFFyespossibleVery largePrint and archive in the highest quality

Format Finder

JPG: the standard for shop and marketplace

JPG compresses images so that they remain small and still look sharp. For product pages, marketplaces and social media this is just right, because small files load quickly, and fast pages sell better. Product images on white background are almost always delivered as JPG.

Good to know: Each re-save as JPG costs a little quality. Therefore, always edit the original file and then re-export.

PNG: when you need a transparent background

PNG can be transparent. The product then has no background and can be set to any colour, banner or graphic. For the normal product page PNG is usually too large and does not bring any visible advantage.

PSD: for further editing

PSD is Photoshop's working format. It contains layers, for example a separate shadow, an exemption path or colour corrections. If your agency builds campaigns or you want to customize pictures yourself later, the PSD file is worth gold. For the shop, a JPG is then exported.

WebP and TIFF

WebP is a modern web format with very small files. Many shop systems like Shopify convert your images automatically into WebP, you usually don't have to do anything for it. TIFF is a lossless format for printing houses and archives.

With or without shadow?

A subtle shadow under the jewel of course makes it stand on the surface. Without shadow, the image cleaner works and can be used more flexibly. With me you get product images on white background with or without shadow at the same fixed price of €20 per image and view. In the PSD file, the shadow can also come as its own level.

What the platforms require

PlatformFormatImportant
AmazonJPEG recommended, including TIFF, PNG, GIFMain image on a pure white background, zoom from about 1000 px on the longest side
EtsyJPG, PNG, GIFRecommended are about 2000 px at the shortest page
ShopifyJPG, PNG, WebPSquare images around 2048 × 2048 px work well in most themes
InstagramJPGPortrait 4:5 takes the most place in the feed

As of October 2026. The platforms change their specifications occasionally, therefore check the current help page before uploading.

All specifications in detail can be found in the guide Jewellery Photos for Amazon, Etsy and Otto.

Image size and colour space

  • Size: For Web mostly reach 2000 to 3000 px on the long side. Larger files make the page slower without seeing the difference.
  • Colour space: For screens always sRGB. Other colour spaces often appear pale or wrong in the browser, especially with gold.
  • Pressure: For catalogues, the printer usually needs high resolution and makes conversion to CMYK itself. Ask your printer what it prefers.

Frequently asked questions

Which file format is the best for an online shop?

For most online shops, JPG is the best choice in the sRGB colour space: good quality with small file size. Many shop systems also convert images automatically into WebP for delivery.

When do I need PNG?

You need PNG if the product is to be set to coloured surfaces, banners or graphics without background, i.e. transparent. For normal product pages, PNG files are usually unnecessarily large.

What is a PSD file and what do I need it for?

PSD is the Photoshop format with layers, for example a separate shadow or exemption path. It is worth it if your agency or you yourself want to continue editing the images later, for example for campaigns or catalogs.

What format does Amazon require?

Amazon accepts JPEG, TIFF, PNG and GIF among others, where JPEG is recommended. The main image must have a pure white background, and from about 1000 pixels on the longest side the zoom function is possible.

Do I get different formats at HB Photography?

Yes. Product images on white background are fixed for €20 per image and view, with or without shadow and as JPG or PSD as you need it.

Your images in the right format

Tell me where you use the pictures, and I deliver them appropriately: with or without shadows, as JPG or PSD. Product images on a white background cost a fixed €20 per image and view, including editing.

Learn more about my jewellery photography in Berlin.

No time to take your own product photos?

Product cutouts for €20 per image and view, including editing. Simply send your jewellery to me by post from anywhere in Germany & Austria.

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