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How to Change the Featured Image of a Collection on Shopify

Last updated: September 01, 2024
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

You’ve just added a stunning new collection to your Shopify store, but the featured image doesn’t capture the attention it deserves. That first impression is everything, and you know an eye-catching image could be the key to drawing customers in. 

If you’re looking to refresh your collections with a striking new look, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to change the featured image of a collection on Shopify.

Changing the Featured Image Of a Collection On Shopify: Step-by-step

The process to add or change the featured image is straightforward, as follows:

Step 1: From your dashboard, head over to the Products section and select Collections.

Step 2: Find and click on the name of the collection you want to update.

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Step 3: Add or change the image:

  • If the collection currently doesn’t have a featured image, click on Add Image to upload one.
  • If you’re replacing an existing image, click Edit, followed by Change image to select a new one from your computer.
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Step 4: Optional: Edit alt text for the featured image.

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Step 5: Once you’re satisfied with the image, click Save to apply the update.

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3 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Featured Image For Your Shopify Collection

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Choosing the right featured image can make all the difference in grabbing attention and setting the tone for your content. Here are 3 key tips:

  • Cohesive Visuals: The featured image should visually represent the products within the collection and establish a cohesive theme or mood. For instance, if you have a collection of summer dresses, the image could showcase someone enjoying a sunny day at the beach.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Use high-resolution images that are sharp and clear, even when displayed at larger sizes. Shopify recommends images of at least 1024 x 1024 pixels for optimal display on various devices.
  • Consider Text Overlays: If you add text to your image, keep it minimal and ensure it's easily readable.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

We have collected some specific issues that users may face when changing the featured image of a collection. 

1. Image File Format or Size Not Supported

Issue: The featured image doesn’t display or appears distorted. This typically happens when the file format is unsupported, or the image resolution does not match Shopify’s recommendations.

Troubleshooting:

  • Ensure that the image is in a Shopify-supported format (JPG, PNG, GIF).
  • Check the image size; a 1:1 aspect ratio works best for collection images. Adjust your image’s dimensions if necessary to avoid distortion.
  • Use image optimization tools to reduce the file size without compromising quality.

2. Theme Compatibility

Issue: The featured image doesn’t display correctly, or the design doesn’t seem to update. This can be due to your theme not supporting the image specifications.

Troubleshooting:

  • Check if your Shopify theme is up-to-date. Older or custom themes might not display the featured image properly.
  • Test switching to a different Shopify theme, particularly one known for better visual support, to see if the issue persists.
  • Contact the theme developer or Shopify support to inquire about the compatibility issue.

3. Image Not Reflecting Changes (Cache Delay)

Issue: The new image does not immediately show on your live store. This delay is often caused by caching issues.

Troubleshooting:

  • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
  • Use an incognito window or another device to test whether the changes have been updated.
  • If changes are still not visible, wait a few minutes for Shopify’s system to process the image update.

4. Unable to Update Featured Images in Automated Collections

Issue: Shopify automatically generates collection content based on set conditions, so you can’t update the featured image.

Troubleshooting:

  • Switch the collection from “automated” to “manual”
  • After switching, try updating the featured image again, and it should save properly.

5. Featured Image Is Blurry or Low-Quality

Issue: The featured image looks pixelated or low-resolution, which can be caused by poor image quality or improper scaling.

Troubleshooting:

  • Upload a high-resolution image that is at least 1024 x 1024 pixels to ensure quality on all screen sizes.
  • Use an image editing tool to export the image with proper resolution settings that match Shopify's requirements.

Bottom Line

With just a few clicks, you can change the featured image of a collection on Shopify. The right image can improve customer engagement, create a stronger brand presence, and ultimately drive more sales, so choose carefully!

FAQs

The frequency of changing your collection featured images depends on your store's activity and marketing goals. Ideally, update them:
  • With each new product launch to reflect current offerings.
  • During seasonal promotions or sales to align with campaigns.
  • When rebranding or updating your store’s aesthetics to maintain consistency.
Regularly refreshing these images keeps your store visually appealing and relevant, but avoid changing them too often to prevent confusing customers. A good rule of thumb is to review them every 1-3 months.

Yes, but it’s essential to choose images that are:
  • High-quality to ensure a professional look.
  • Relevant to the products in the collection to create a cohesive theme.
  • Optimized for web (proper dimensions and file size) to maintain fast loading times and a responsive design.

The recommended dimensions for collection featured images on Shopify are at least 1024 x 1024 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1:1. For optimal performance, aim to keep image file sizes below 1 MB to ensure fast loading times without sacrificing quality.

Yes, but make sure it aligns with the following guidelines:
  • Relevance: The product should represent the entire collection and give customers a clear idea of what to expect.
  • Quality: Ensure the product image is high-resolution and visually appealing.
  • Consistency: The style of the product image should match your store's branding to maintain a cohesive look.

Using a product image can be an effective strategy, especially if the product is a bestseller or a key highlight of the collection.

To crop or adjust images in Shopify, access the media editor via the admin panel. From there, you can crop, resize, rotate, or adjust the image's background. Choose from preset aspect ratios or customize your crop. After editing, save the changes, and the image will update in your store.
For detailed steps, refer to the official guide here.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.

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