1. Determine the product category and image rule first
Etsy's Seller Policy requires the item to fit an eligible made, designed, handpicked, or sourced category and to be represented accurately.
If you use a production partner, disclose it on the relevant listing. Because image requirements can vary by item type, follow Etsy's current Listing Image Requirements.
2. Choose the first image for the item being sold
Etsy's policy guidance recommends showing the physical item the buyer will receive in the first image or video. For personalized commercial items, the first image must show a finished personalized example.
Additional images can explain angles, colors, scale, or personalization options, but do not use renders or stock imagery that misrepresent the real item.
3. Review every mockup surface separately
After applying the design to selected compatible mockups, review bleed, seams/folds, perspective, color, and safe area. Placement that works on one surface may fail on another.
If product color or scale can differ from the visual, state that clearly in the description and avoid false certainty.
4. Validate crop, resolution, and alt text together
Etsy recommends at least 2000 pixels in width and height; falling below 635 pixels for the first image may affect search visibility.
Confirm that the product remains visible in thumbnail previews. Write concise alt text that actually describes each distinct view.
Worked example: show your design on shirt mockups
This scenario explains the steps and is not presented as a real generation or customer result. Inputs: a design file you have rights to use, compatible mockups, and the product and color information you will sell. Use the same design throughout and keep its source separately.
Choose the design from the library, match compatible mockups, and review placement in the print area. Read the cost quote before starting image generation. The system prepares images for selected surfaces; generation is Beta and may require waiting or another attempt. Review every result for the same design, correct color, and consistent scale.
- Open the finished result; selected mockup count is not completed output count.
- Check edges, seams, folds, and print-area overflow.
- Attach images to the right draft in order; track publication separately.
Generation cost and common fixes
One design and four mockups do not mean an operation costs four credits. Cost depends on the generation method, amount processed, and AI operations you choose. Review listing preparation, image generation, and Etsy submission costs separately. A missing cost does not mean an operation is free. See the example on the pricing page.
Incompatible surface: choose a matching mockup or adjust placement. Blurry result: check source resolution. Pending generation: inspect that job's state. Error: record the message and operation time; do not repeatedly start generation before checking the result. Do not share passwords, access keys, or customer information with support.