Google Merchant Center Image Requirements 2026
Google Merchant Center rejects more product feeds for image quality than for price mismatches. The rules aren't hard, but the enforcement is strict. This page lists the current requirements and the specific things that get feeds disapproved.
Updated January 2026
Image requirements
| Placement | Aspect | Dimensions | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum resolution — apparel | Any | 250×250 min, 1600×1600 recommended | JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIF, WebP |
Minimum resolution — non-apparel | Any | 100×100 min, 1600×1600 recommended | JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIF, WebP |
Maximum file size | — | 16 MB | — |
Background Lifestyle backgrounds allowed only in additional_image_link, not the primary. | — | Solid white, gray, or light color | — |
Product coverage | — | Product must fill 75–90% of the frame | — |
Common mistakes
- 01Watermarks, logos, or promotional text overlaid on the image — instant disapproval.
- 02Lifestyle-only main image for apparel. Google expects a clean flat-lay or on-model shot on white.
- 03Multiple products crammed into one image. Each SKU needs its own hero.
- 04Images under 800×800. They technically pass, but ads render at reduced size in premium placements.
FAQ
Does GMC really require a white background?
The primary image must have a solid, non-distracting background — white is the safe default, but light gray, cream, and pale colors also pass. Lifestyle imagery belongs in additional_image_link, up to 10 per SKU.
Why does my feed get disapproved for 'image too small'?
You're likely below 100×100 for non-apparel or 250×250 for apparel. Even if it 'looks fine' in a spreadsheet preview, the actual pixel dimensions of the file are what Google checks. Re-export at 1200×1200 or larger.