Back to Error Guides
Error
Field:
image_linkUnsupported Image Format in Google Shopping Feed
Your product image uses a file format that Google Shopping doesn't support. Only JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, and WebP formats are accepted.
Use our free Feed Validator to check for this and other errors automatically.
What This Error Means
Google Shopping only accepts specific image file formats. When you submit an image in an unsupported format, your product will be disapproved.
Supported formats:
- JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg) — Best for photographs, smaller file sizes
- PNG (.png) — Good for images needing transparency
- GIF (.gif) — Supported but not recommended (limited colors)
- BMP (.bmp) — Supported but large file sizes
- TIFF (.tif, .tiff) — Supported but large file sizes
- WebP (.webp) — Modern format with good compression
Unsupported formats include SVG, HEIC/HEIF, RAW camera formats, PDF, and animated formats. Understanding feed management fundamentals can help you ensure your source data is in the correct format before export.
How to Fix It
- Convert to JPEG or PNG — These are the most reliable formats. Use JPEG for photos and PNG for images needing transparency.
- Update your image URLs — After converting images, update your feed to point to the new file URLs.
- Check file extensions — Ensure your URLs end with the correct file extension (.jpg, .png, etc.).
- Verify MIME types — Your server should return the correct Content-Type header for image files.
- Avoid format mismatches — Don't rename file extensions without actually converting the file format.
Examples
Incorrect
<!-- Unsupported SVG format: -->
<g:image_link>https://example.com/images/product.svg</g:image_link>
<!-- HEIC format from iPhone: -->
<g:image_link>https://example.com/images/product.heic</g:image_link>
<!-- PDF file: -->
<g:image_link>https://example.com/images/product-spec.pdf</g:image_link>Correct
<!-- JPEG for product photos: -->
<g:image_link>https://example.com/images/product.jpg</g:image_link>
<!-- PNG for images with transparency: -->
<g:image_link>https://example.com/images/product-transparent-bg.png</g:image_link>
<!-- WebP for modern compression: -->
<g:image_link>https://example.com/images/product.webp</g:image_link>Additional Tips
- JPEG is recommended for most product photos — good quality with small file sizes
- Use PNG only when you need transparency or crisp text/graphics
- WebP offers excellent compression but has slightly less universal support
- Batch convert images using tools like ImageMagick, Photoshop, or online converters
- Set up your CMS/e-commerce platform to automatically convert uploads to supported formats
Related Issues
Validate Your Feed Now
Use our free Google Shopping Feed Validator to check for this and other common errors before uploading to Merchant Center.
Open Feed Validator