Image too small, placeholder image or promotional overlay: how to fix

By Kai · Updated Oct 19, 2026 · 2 min read

Image issues and fixes

• Image too small: at least 100 x 100 pixels for non-apparel and 250 x 250 for apparel. Maximum 64 megapixels and 16 MB. Do not scale images up or submit thumbnails. The product should fill about 75% to 90% of the frame.
• Generic or placeholder image: the main image must clearly show the principal product. Logos and images that say “No image available” are not allowed.
• Promotional overlay: remove retailer logos, calls to action and watermarks from the image. Turning on image improvements can fix some images automatically.

Check list for every product photo

1. Is the file big enough for its category, and not upscaled?
2. Does the main image show only the product, on a clean background, with no text or badges?
3. Is the product 75% to 90% of the frame?
4. Does each variant have its own image, so a colour or size choice does not point to the wrong picture?
5. Do the file names and alt text describe the product?

AI-edited images

Google notes that some regions require ads with certain AI-generated or edited assets to be labeled, and Merchant Center has an AI label setting. A label does not break the text overlay or watermark policies, but the setting does not guarantee regulatory compliance. My rule on stores I work on: the product, print and logo are never redrawn or recoloured, so what the buyer receives is what the picture shows.

Sources

• Google Merchant Center Help: product data quality violations

Questions people ask

Keep reading

• Missing GTIN, brand or identifier errors: how to fix them
• Apparel feed attributes: size, color, gender and age group done right
• Merchant Center fix checklist: from screenshot to evidence table