Need a new hero banner, a striking social graphic, or a quick logo? Shopify now lets you generate images directly inside the file picker — no external tools required.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What the new image generation feature is
- Why it’s useful for store owners
- How to use it step by step
- Use cases & creative ideas
- Best practices and tips
What Is Shopify’s Image Generation in the File Picker?
Shopify has rolled out a new enhancement: when you open the file picker (for images, media uploads, etc.), there’s now a “Generate Image” option.
Instead of needing to leave Shopify, open Canva or Photoshop, create something, then upload it — you can do it all in one place. The feature works just as image generation in Sidekick does.
Why This Feature Matters for Merchants & Marketers
This seemingly small addition unlocks a lot of benefits:
- Faster workflow
You don’t have to leave Shopify. Need a banner or graphic? Create and insert it immediately. - Lower design barrier
Even merchants without graphic design skills can generate visuals on the fly. - Consistency & context
Because you generate images in context (e.g. while editing a page or email template), you’re more likely to match styles/layouts properly. - Save time
You reduce “tool switching” overhead and speed up your content production. - Experimentation & iteration
Quickly test alternative visuals — generate new ones, compare what works, swap in better designs.
How to Use Shopify’s Image Generation in File Picker
Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- In Shopify Admin (theme editor, content section, email composer, etc.), open the file picker (media upload UI).
- Select “Generate Image” (a new option in the file picker).
- Enter your prompt or specify what you want (style, subject, layout).
- The image generation tool will create one or more visuals.
- Pick your preferred result, insert it into your content (theme section, banner, email, etc.).
- (Optional) Edit / refine further if Shopify provides editing controls (crop, resize, filter).
Use Cases & Creative Ideas
Here are practical examples of how you can use this:
- Hero banners & slides
Generate seasonal or campaign headers on demand. - Product promotion graphics
Make promotional visuals for sales, bundles, or limited editions. - Social media visuals
Create Instagram/fb graphics, stories, or ads without leaving Shopify. - Email header images
Generate email-specific imagery that matches your store’s style. - Placeholder images
While waiting for professional assets, generate placeholders to keep layouts intact. - Custom icons or accents
Small design elements, dividers, or mood illustrations.
Best Practices & Tips for Using Generated Images
To get good results and avoid pitfalls:
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Use clear descriptive prompts | The more context (style, color, subject), the better the output. |
| Match store aesthetic | Use your brand colors, moods, or themes in your prompt to maintain consistency. |
| Check resolution / size | Ensure generated images are adequate resolution for their use (hero, email, etc.). |
| Use for drafts & testing | Before locking in final assets, test button placement, visual balance, etc. |
| Refine after generation | If Shopify allows, crop, adjust brightness/contrast or overlay text afterward. |
| Don’t overuse | For major brand visuals, consider professional designs; use generation as augmentation. |
| Backup originals | Save generated images externally too, so you’re not locked in. |
Wrap-up
With Shopify’s new image generation in the file picker, store owners gain a powerful design tool built right into their workflow. It lowers friction, accelerates content creation, and brings design closer to your marketing & content tasks.