Making Perfect Product Images for Shopify Using Canva

Selling products on Shopify starts with strong visuals. Whether you’re an author showcasing your eBooks or a seller with other digital products, having the right images can make or break your listing. Luckily, tools like Canva make it simple—and free—to create optimal, professional-looking product images. In this post, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to use Canva to design 1080 x 1080 images that shine.

Why Canva is a Great Choice for Authors and Sellers

If you’re new to creating images or want an easier alternative to other design programs, Canva is a fantastic option. It’s simple to use, requires no prior design knowledge, and best of all, it’s free! While premium tools like Book Brush exist, you can accomplish nearly the same results in Canva without spending a dime.

The 1080 x 1080 size is perfect for Shopify because it aligns with many standard social media formats like Instagram, ensuring your product images look polished no matter where they’re seen.

If you’re using Canva for the first time or switching from Book Brush, keep reading. I’ll guide you step by step through creating your first Shopify product image.

Setting Up Your Canva Design

Getting started in Canva is quick and easy. Follow these steps to prepare your image:

1. Create a new design – In Canva, select “Custom Size” and set the dimensions to 1080 x 1080 pixels. This is a square format, ideal for Shopify product images.
2. Name your project – Always give your design a clear name, such as “eBook Image 1080 x 1080.” This makes it easier to find later.
3. Choose a blank canvas – Once created, you’ll see a plain square space ready for your creative touch.

Pro tip: If you prefer, you can also use Canva’s preset Instagram post template, as it has the same square dimensions.

Designing Your Product Image

Adding Frames and Device Mockups

Frames allow you to “mock-up” your eBook or product on different devices. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to Canva’s Elements tab.
2. Search for frames such as “eReader,” “tablet,” or “cell phone.” These frames mimic popular devices, making your product look professional.
3. Adjust frame size and position – Select a frame, resize it, and place it where you want on your canvas. Canva keeps everything proportionate by default, so resizing is hassle-free.

If you’re struggling to find a frame that matches, don’t worry. Some frames may not fit perfectly depending on your book’s format, but options like tablets or phones tend to be the most versatile.

Uploading Your Book Cover

1. Go to the Uploads tab in Canva and upload your eBook cover.
2. Drag and drop the image onto the frame. Canva automatically fits it into the space.
3. If the image doesn’t align perfectly (e.g., if the frame is designed for a different device), resize the cover to better suit the frame.

For products like books, longer rectangular frames often work best. Canva doesn’t always have specialized frames for every device, so use what suits your branding best.

Fine-Tuning Your Design

Add some final touches to make your image stand out:

• Adjust colors, backgrounds, or shadows to create contrast.
• Keep the design simple and clean to let your product stand out.
• Duplicate the design for consistency if you have multiple books or products to showcase.

Advanced Tips for Batch Designing

Efficiency is key when working on multiple product images. Once you’ve set up your initial design, you can easily replicate and edit it for other items in your catalog.

1. Duplicate your design – Use Canva’s duplicate feature to create multiple copies of your layout.
2. Switch out the covers – Drag a new book or product image into the frame, and Canva replaces the old one automatically.
3. Download everything at once – Once you’ve created all your images, use the Share button to download them. For Shopify, save your images in both JPEG (with a white background) and PNG (transparent background) formats.

By planning ahead and working in batches, you’ll save tons of time. Canva even allows you to organize designs into folders to keep your projects tidy.

How to Create Audiobook Images in Canva

Audiobooks are another popular product for authors. Here’s a quick tutorial to create a mock-up for an audiobook listing:

1. From the Elements tab, search for “headphones” and drag them onto your canvas.
2. Combine the headphones with a book frame or plain background to suggest audio content.
3. Upload your existing book cover and place it within the arrangement.

Pairing visual cues like headphones with your book cover instantly communicates what you’re selling, making it user-friendly for potential customers.

Why 1080 x 1080 is the Optimal Size

This size isn’t arbitrary—it’s versatile. Square images display beautifully across Shopify, Instagram, and other platforms. Maintaining consistency across your platforms keeps your branding cohesive and professional.

By sticking to 1080 x 1080, you ensure your images look good no matter where they’re used.

Wrapping Up: Start Designing Today

Designing product images for Shopify doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With Canva, you can create professional visuals for your books, audiobooks, or any other products quickly and without stress. Remember, the goal is to keep things simple and save time wherever possible. Once you’ve got your process down, you can batch-create stunning images in minutes.

Got questions about creating product visuals? Need help setting up your Shopify store? Drop your questions in the comments or visit Finding Your Indie for more tips.

Now grab your book cover, jump into Canva, and start creating those standout Shopify images!