What is a SKU?
Definition
A SKU, or stock keeping unit, is a short code a seller assigns to one specific product variant, such as a single size and color. It is used internally to track inventory, match listings to stock and link each product to its photos.
Why it matters for sellers
Photos belong to variants, not just products. A shirt in three colors has three SKUs, and each color needs its own photo set. If photos are mixed up, buyers see a blue shirt on a red listing, which leads to returns and bad reviews.
A clear SKU habit also saves time later. When you name each image file with its SKU before you edit it, you can find, replace and re-upload the right photo without opening every file. This matters most once a catalog grows past a few dozen items.
How to do it with Instasize
Instasize does not manage SKUs or inventory. It edits the photos, so name your files with the SKU first and then apply one consistent edit to the whole set.
- Name each original photo file with its SKU, for example MUG-BLUE-01.jpg, before you upload.
- Open the Batch Photo Editor and add the photos for the products you want to edit together.
- Choose one recipe, such as background removal on white and a marketplace size preset.
- Run the batch and download the finished set as a zip.
- Check that each file still matches the right SKU in your catalog before you upload it.
Related Instasize pages
Examples
A candle in four scents
Each scent is its own SKU, so the shop needs four matching photo sets. Naming files by SKU keeps the lavender photos from landing on the cedar listing.
A reseller with mixed inventory
A reseller photographs 60 items in one afternoon. Using the SKU as the file name lets them edit the whole lot together and still know which image belongs to which item.
Frequently asked questions
What does SKU stand for?
SKU stands for stock keeping unit. It is a code chosen by the seller, so it differs from one store to another.
Is a SKU the same as a barcode?
No. A SKU is an internal code you create. A barcode such as a UPC or EAN is a standard number that identifies a product across stores.
Does Instasize track SKUs?
No. Instasize edits product photos and does not store inventory data. Use your file names or your store platform to link photos to SKUs.
Should each SKU have its own photos?
Usually yes when the variants look different, such as different colors. Variants that look identical, such as sizes, can often share images.