What is image resizing?
Definition
Image resizing is changing the pixel width and height of an image. Making an image smaller removes pixels, and making it larger adds estimated pixels. Resizing is used to meet marketplace size rules, speed up pages, and keep a catalog consistent.
Why it matters for sellers
Every marketplace and store has preferred image dimensions. A photo straight from a phone is usually far larger than needed, and a photo that is the wrong size can be cropped by the platform in ways you did not plan. Resizing to the right size puts you in control of how the product appears.
Resizing also keeps a catalog consistent. When every product photo has the same dimensions, a category grid looks tidy and shoppers compare items easily. Smaller photos also load faster, which helps shoppers on mobile connections.
How to do it with Instasize
Instasize resizes images in the browser, with custom pixel sizes and presets for marketplaces and social platforms. Resizing is a free core tool.
- Open the Image Resizer and add your photo.
- Choose a marketplace or social preset, or enter a custom pixel width and height.
- Check the preview to see how the photo fits the new size.
- Download the resized image.
Related Instasize pages
Examples
Square listing photo
A seller shoots a handbag in portrait on a phone, then resizes the photo to a square canvas that matches the store's product grid.
New catalog upload
A shop owner has 80 product photos in mixed sizes. Resizing them all to one size makes the new collection page look uniform.
Slow product page
A page loads slowly because each photo is thousands of pixels wide. Resizing the photos to the width the page actually displays reduces the load.
Frequently asked questions
Does resizing reduce image quality?
Making an image smaller usually keeps it looking sharp. Making it much larger can look soft because new pixels are estimated. Start from the largest original you have.
What is the difference between resizing and cropping?
Resizing changes the pixel dimensions of the whole image. Cropping removes part of the image and keeps the rest at its original pixel density.
Will resizing change the shape of my photo?
It can if the new width and height have a different aspect ratio than the original. Keep the ratio locked, or crop first, to avoid a stretched look.
Can I resize many photos at once?
Yes. Use the Bulk Image Resizer to apply one size to a set of photos.