An image URL in Shopify is a web address that links to an image file when hosted online. It is used for displaying images in email or marketing campaigns, and on social media to display images. Image URLs are an essential part of ecommerce business as these URLs allow users to display product and collection pictures in platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce.
Shopify requires image URLs for displaying variant images, theme customization, and for app integration as many marketing apps use these URLs to display products in the campaign to show customers your product and increase the chances of making a sale. In Shopify you can get image URLs via using multiple methods such as Upload or copy form files and get via theme assets.
What is an Image URL?
An image URL is a direct web address that links to an image file when hosted online and also used to find images online. It is essential for displaying images on websites, emails, and social media platforms. These URLs work the same way as other URLs, but instead of telling you which page to load, they specify which image to load. Additionally, when you download or share images online, you’ll often use the image URL.
Why do you need image URLs in Shopify?
Image URLs in Shopify are essential as they allow your store to reference and display images across different parts of the platform. Here are some reasons why you need image URLs in Shopify.
Product and Variant Images: Each product or variant in Shopify can be assigned an image via its URL. This is especially useful when importing products via CSV files or APIs.
Theme Customization: When customizing your theme such as homepage banners, slideshows, or icons, you often need image URLs for files not uploaded in the theme editor.
Marketing and Email Campaigns: You can use image URLs to add product photos in your emails, automations, or SMS marketing campaigns. This makes your messages look better and helps customers see what you're selling and boosts sales.
Apps and Integration: Many Shopify apps use image URLs to display product and collection images. Apps like upsell and email tools rely on these URLs to show the correct visuals.
Custom Code: Developers often use image URLs directly in Liquid templates or custom scripts for performing tasks like lazy loading, CDN optimization, or responsive design logic.
Methods to Get an Image URL in Shopify
You can get an image URL in Shopify using several methods. Here are the most common ones.
Method 1: Upload and Copy from the Files Section
- Login into your Shopify Admin Panel.
- Navigate to the Content and click File.
- Click Upload and select the file you want to upload.After upload find the uploaded file in the list.
- Click the Copy link icon next to the image to copy its URL.
Method 2: Copy from Product Image
- Go to your Shopify Admin Panel.
- Click on the Products option.
- Select the product that you want to edit.
- After this, right-click the image and choose Open image in the new tab or Copy image address.
Method 3: Access via Theme Assets
- Open your Shopify Admin Panel.
- Click on the Online store option and then select Theme.
- Click the Action button.
- Select Edit Code option.
- Now click on Assets.
- Now click Add new asset to upload image or you can open image from the list below assets.
- Once the image opens, right-click the image and select Open image in the new tab.
- Copy the image URL from the browser address bar.
