Asset Preparation·3 min read

Product Image Naming & Folder Guide

How to automatically organize and name product photography for automated bulk import and gallery matching in Fillman.

Fillman links product photos directly from your local desktop folder to Shopify listings without requiring spreadsheet image URLs.

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For products with multiple photography angles (front, back, model view, close-up details), name files using the product Handle followed by a numeric index:

  • Standard format: {Handle} ({Number}).jpg
  • Examples:
    • linen-summer-shirt (1).jpg (primary cover photo)
    • linen-summer-shirt (2).jpg (second photo in gallery)
    • linen-summer-shirt (3).jpg (third photo in gallery)

Supported numbering styles:

  • Parentheses: product (1).jpg, product (2).jpg
  • Two-digit suffixes: product-01.jpg, product-02.jpg
  • Underscores: product_1.jpg, product_2.jpg

The image with index 1 is automatically set as the primary product cover photo on Shopify. Remaining numbers follow in sequential order.

2. Variant-Specific Photos (Color & Swatch Matching)

To link an image directly to a specific product option value (so the photo switches when a shopper selects a color swatch on your store):

  • Format: {SKU}_{OptionValue}.jpg
  • Examples:
    • SHIRT-BLK-M_Black.jpg (assigned to the Black variant)
    • SHIRT-WHT-L_White.jpg (assigned to the White variant)
    • SHIRT-NVY-S_Navy.jpg (assigned to the Navy variant)

Fillman automatically assigns this photo as the dedicated variant preview in Shopify, ensuring instant swatch switching on your theme.

3. Folder Structures

Choose whichever folder structure matches your workflow:

Place all product photos in a single folder. Files are automatically matched by their names:

my-product-photos/
  ├── silk-evening-dress (1).jpg
  ├── silk-evening-dress (2).jpg
  ├── DRESS-SLK-RED_Red.jpg
  ├── DRESS-SLK-BLK_Black.jpg
  ├── wool-winter-coat (1).jpg
  └── wool-winter-coat (2).jpg

Option B: Subfolders by Product

If your photos are stored in separate subfolders for each product:

catalog/
  ├── silk-evening-dress/
  │     ├── 01_front.jpg
  │     ├── 02_back.jpg
  │     └── 03_detail.jpg
  └── wool-winter-coat/
        ├── 01_front.jpg
        └── 02_back.jpg

When you drop the root catalog folder, Fillman recognizes the subfolder names as product handles and attaches all files inside to that product.

Option C: Shared Category Assets (Size Guides & Care Cards)

For general graphics that belong on all products of a given type (e.g. size charts or care instructions):

catalog/
  ├── static/
  │     └── shirts/
  │           └── global/
  │                 ├── size_guide.jpg
  │                 └── care_instructions.jpg
  └── variants/
        └── common_variant_images/
              └── fabric_swatches.jpg

Files inside static/*/global/ or common_variant_images/ are recognized as shared assets and attached across matching products without duplication.

Smart Media Matching: Clean Shopify Media Library

Traditional import workflows re-upload photos repeatedly on every catalog update, cluttering your Shopify Files library with identical copies (photo_1.jpg, photo_2.jpg).

Fillman eliminates this clutter through smart media verification:

  • No Redundant Re-Uploads: When importing, if a photo has already been uploaded previously, Fillman links the existing store asset rather than uploading an identical file again. Your Shopify Files library stays clean and organized.
  • Visual Update Detection: Fillman verifies the actual image content, not just the file name. If you retouch, color-correct, or optimize a photo (even while keeping the exact same filename), Fillman detects the updated visual asset and publishes the fresh version smoothly during your next import.

Supported Formats & Automatic Processing

  • JPG / JPEG: Web standard photography format.
  • PNG: Transparency is automatically preserved.
  • WEBP: Modern high-efficiency format.
  • iPhone Photos (HEIC / HEIF): Converted automatically to web-ready high-resolution JPEG directly in your browser before upload.
  • Color Standardization: Standardized to sRGB for consistent color rendition across mobile and desktop displays.
  • Privacy Protection: Camera metadata and location tags are safely removed prior to upload.