Checklist for Preparing Digital Assets for Ecommerce Product Customization
For merchants implementing product customization, preparing digital assets is often a significant hurdle. The customization experience can fall short of buyer expectations without the right assets. This checklist outlines essential steps to ensure assets are ready to support a successful customization process.
1. Inventory the Assets
A comprehensive inventory of digital assets forms the foundation of preparation. Key considerations include:
Comprehensive angles: Ensure images showcase all customizable areas, such as the front, back, and sides of the product.
Variants: Include assets for different sizes, colors, and material options.
High-quality files: Use high-resolution images to avoid distortion or pixelation.
Tip: A digital asset management (DAM) system can help organize and catalog files for efficient access.
2. Evaluate Image Quality and Accuracy
Image quality directly impacts the perceived professionalism of a customization experience. Key questions for evaluation include:
Are images high-resolution and free of shadows?
Are images captured straight-on or at an angle? Are they displayed flat or modeled?
Do images accurately reflect the product's colors and materials?
Pitfall to Avoid: Photos with wrinkles, glare, or inconsistent lighting which can compromise the accuracy of virtual proofs.
3. Ensure Consistency Across All Assets
Consistency across digital assets is critical for maintaining a cohesive brand experience and avoiding buyer confusion.
Match styles: Ensure lighting, angles, and dimensions are consistent across all images.
Standardize formats: Common formats include JPG, PNG, and vector files such as SVG or AI. Embroidery-specific formats, like EMB or DST, may also be required.
Optimize file sizes: Large files can slow down websites; ensure images are optimized for the web without losing quality.
4. Implement a Naming Convention and Folder Structure
A well-organized file structure reduces errors and streamlines the customization process.
Use clear, descriptive filenames (e.g., "Tshirt_Blue_Front.png").
Organize files into folders by product category, customization options, and variants.
Example Folder Structure:
Product Type (e.g., T-Shirts)
Color Variants
Angles (Front, Back, etc.)
Customization Layers
5. Account for Customization Layers
Product customization tools often layer elements such as logos, text, or patterns onto product images. Preparation for layering includes:
Providing images with transparent backgrounds for easy overlaying.
Ensuring scalable vector formats (e.g., SVG, AI) are available for logos or designs.
Supplying embroidery-ready files when required.
6. Prioritize the Buyer Experience
Digital assets play a vital role in the virtual proof or preview that buyers see. To enhance the buyer experience:
Test mockups: Testing ensures that customizations appear as intended.
Provide design guidelines: Visual placement guides or predefined customization areas can help buyers understand how designs will appear.
7. Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
Customization needs evolve as product catalogs change. Regular maintenance of digital assets is essential to keep the customization experience seamless.
Periodically review and update assets to reflect changes in products or branding.
Maintain backups of original files to simplify adjustments or reuploads.