Many cross-border sellers say they need more images. A closer look often shows that what is missing is not a single good image, but a complete set of images for the platforms they use. The same product needs images for marketplace listings, storefront product pages, ads, and packaging or merchandise. Each placement has different requirements, and one image cannot serve them all. Understanding the image types and creating each for its intended use can save you unnecessary work.

Below are four common image types and where to use each.

1. White-background images: marketplace listings and requirements checks

White-background images are commonly used as the primary image in marketplace listings. Their job is straightforward: to show the product clearly to buyers and marketplace reviewers.

Key points:

  • Center the product, keep its edges clear, and use a clean background.
  • Before listing, check each requirement for main images on your target platform. For example, Amazon requires a pure white background, with the product occupying approximately 85% of the frame and no text, logos, borders, or watermarks. For other platforms, follow the current requirements in their seller dashboards.
  • Rules can change. Check the seller dashboard before generating images rather than relying on memory.

2. Scene images: help buyers picture the product in use

Scene images place the product in a real-world setting. Buyers cannot see the physical item, so the setting helps them judge whether its use and context fit their needs. Show dimensions through a size image or a reference object.

Key points:

  • Choose a setting that reflects everyday life in your target market. For example, put kitchen products in a kitchen rather than against an arbitrary attractive background.
  • The setting should support the product, which remains the main subject.
  • These images work well on product pages, storefront homepages, social media, and in ad creative.

3. Transparent-background images: posters and product page layouts

Transparent-background images retain only the product, so you can freely layer it onto different backgrounds.

Key points:

  • For posters, promotional graphics, and long-form product page visuals, start with a product image on a transparent background, then build the layout. This makes it easier to change backgrounds and color schemes.
  • When you need multiple campaign visuals for the same product, a transparent background saves you from repeatedly cutting out the product.

4. White-border stickers: printed and die-cut products

Contour-cut stickers and badges often have a white border around the artwork. It provides room around the cut line and is also a finished design style.

Key points:

  • Match the border width to the production process. In the AAUGE Image App, you can adjust the white border from 0.1–10 mm. Set the width based on the factory's cut-line requirements first.
  • Confirm the finished dimensions before starting to avoid rework.
  • Bleed is the artwork extending beyond the cut line. It is different from a white border. Confirm bleed requirements separately with the factory for packaging and standard printed materials.

Choosing between two starting points

You can start generating images in two ways: with a sentence describing what you want, or by uploading an original image.

  • Start with a sentence: This suits new products or concepts without a photo of the physical item, or situations where you only need a scene or mood. Specify the product, material, color, and setting. The more specific, the better.
  • Upload an original image: This suits existing physical products, especially those whose appearance needs to stay consistent. After uploading the image, select "Change environment only". The system will try to preserve the product's original appearance while changing the background or creating a scene around it. You can also cut out the product onto a transparent background.

A simple guide: if the product's appearance is already defined, start with the original image. If you are still exploring a visual direction, start with a description. You can also combine both approaches: explore a few scene directions with descriptions, choose a style, then use the original image to produce the final set.

Selecting and checking images after batch generation

The system lets you queue 1–9,999 images at a time and keeps running in the background. Generating images is straightforward; selecting them is the harder part. A two-step review is useful:

  1. Make an initial selection: Group images by type and remove those with clearly unsuitable compositions or incomplete subjects.
  2. Compare against the original product: Place candidate images beside the physical product or original photo. Check color, shape, proportions, and details that can be distorted, such as logos, text, stitching, and connectors.

Before listing, someone needs to check the images against the original product. An image with inaccurate details may lead to returns and negative reviews, which can cost far more than having one fewer image.

After selecting your images, name and organize them by use. For example, keep separate folders for main images, scene images, and transparent-background images so you can find them quickly when changing campaigns or platforms.

Summary

First decide what image each placement needs. Then choose the image type and starting point, review the batch manually, and check platform requirements before listing.

If you would like to complete this workflow in one system, take a look at the AAUGE Image App (aigc.aauge.com).