Replacing Product Images

Overview

If you need to replace all existing images on products, you can do so using this CSV template and the Import Type = Replace Existing Complex Data.

Often this method is used for the following reasons:

  • To delete the images on your products and replace them with new ones
  • To re-sort your product image galleries
  • To fix issues from previous imports

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IMPORTANT - THIS IMPORT TYPE WILL DELETE DATA - BACK-UP YOUR DATA

It is important to note that running this import can and will delete images from your product. Please be sure to have a back-up CSV of your product data before performing this import. Navigate to Advanced > Import & Export > Export and export all products/all attributes.

Create Your CSV File

Since you will be replacing data, it's best to start with an export file from your store. Otherwise, please ensure you have all necessary columns and rows for what you are trying to accomplish.

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Be Sure EVERY Image you want on the Product is listed in the CSV before Importing.

Running this import will delete all images from any product who's SKU is in the CSV. This is true even if you are simply looking to replace the Main Image. It will delete all gallery images as well. The same is true for replacing Gallery Images, it will delete your main image as well.

Columns

HeaderDescriptionRequired
skuSKU of the product you are adding images toYes
imageMain Image URL or Path (depending on Image Location - see Image Locations section of this tutorial)Yes
_media_imageAll Images (1 per row - see below for CSV structure) *should include main image too.No
_media_labelAlt tag for each listed ImageNo
_media_positionSort position of the Images.No

CSV Structure

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Note that multiple gallery images are handled with new rows.
Note that the Main Image is repeated in the image and media_image columns and the Main Image's Alt Tag is put in the media_label column

Notes on above:

  • Image - Full URL Path used because this image is stored externally and will be downloaded during the CSV import.
  • Media_image - Relative path used because image was uploaded onto Zoey server using Import & Export > Product Images (see below)
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Sample File

Download A Sample File

Import The CSV File

Once your CSV has been Created, proceed to Import & Export > Import Products

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  • Entity Type = Products
  • Import Type = Replace Existing Complex Data
  • Upload your CSV file
  • Click "Check Data" button in top right of screen
  • If everything looks good, you will have a green bar with a button to import

If you encounter errors during the check data step, please read our KB article on Import Errors

Refresh & Review

Often after running imports you may need to Flush Cache and Re-Index (from the "Refresh" menu in the blue sidebar) to see your changes live. to see your changes live.