Optimizing your images for different PickFu poll types ensures respondents see your content clearly and can provide accurate feedback. Different poll types have specific image requirements to deliver the best testing experience.
When to use this guide
Before uploading images to any PickFu poll
When testing product photography, designs, or marketing materials
When your images appear blurry or distorted in poll previews
When preparing images for specific poll types like Click Tests, SERP Tests, or 5-Second Tests
For general guidance on uploading and testing images in polls, see How to test images.
Image requirements by poll type
PickFu supports different image specifications depending on your poll type. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your images display correctly and respondents can evaluate them accurately.
Standard polls (Head-to-Head, Ranked, Single Select, Multi Select)
Recommended specifications:
Minimum width: 500 pixels
Recommended width: 800-1200 pixels for optimal clarity
File formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
Maximum file size: 10 MB per image
Aspect ratio: Keep aspect ratios consistent across all options in the same poll
Why this matters: Consistent aspect ratios prevent one option from appearing larger or more prominent than others, which could bias respondent choices. If one image is wider while another is taller, respondents might be influenced by the visual weight rather than the actual content.
Learn more about Single Select polls at How to use Single Select polls and Multi Select polls at How to use Multi Select polls.
Image Sets (2-9 images per option)
Recommended specifications:
Minimum width: 800 pixels per image
Recommended width: 1200 pixels for best quality
File formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
Maximum images per set: 9 images
Minimum images per set: 2 images
Maximum file size: 10 MB per image
When to use Image Sets: Image Sets are ideal when testing complete product photography (showing different angles), app user interface flows, or any scenario where a single image cannot adequately represent an option. For example, testing Amazon product listings where you need to show the main image plus up to 8 secondary images that highlight features, sizing, and usage.
Best practices: Ensure all images within a set are the same dimensions, maintain consistent aspect ratios across all sets being compared, and order images logically (e.g., main product image first, then detail shots). Avoid creating collages — use Image Sets instead to present multiple images professionally.
For complete guidance on using Image Sets, see Testing image sets with PickFu.
Click Tests
Recommended specifications:
Minimum width: 1000 pixels
Recommended width: 1200-1600 pixels for accurate heatmap generation
File formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
Maximum file size: 10 MB
Resolution: Higher resolution improves heatmap accuracy
Why higher resolution matters: Click Tests generate heatmaps showing where respondents click. Higher resolution images (1200px+ width) provide more precise click data, making it easier to identify exactly which elements attract attention. Lower resolution images may result in less accurate heatmaps.
Best practices for Click Test images: Use high-quality screenshots or renders, ensure text is readable at full size, and for UI testing include full interface context (navigation, headers, footers). For product packaging, show complete packaging design with all text legible. For SERP simulations, ensure all product titles, prices, and ratings are clear.
Shelf testing use case: Click Tests are particularly effective for retail shelf testing. Create a mockup image showing your product packaging displayed on a retail shelf alongside competitor products. Ask respondents to click on which product catches their attention first, or which they would pick up to examine. This helps validate packaging design, shelf positioning, and competitive visibility in physical retail environments.
Learn more about Click Tests at What is a Click Test?
5-Second Tests
Recommended specifications:
Minimum width: 1200 pixels (strongly recommended)
Recommended width: 1400-1600 pixels for maximum clarity
File formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
Maximum file size: 10 MB
Critical requirement: All text and visual elements must be clearly visible and readable
Why 1200px minimum is critical: Respondents see your image for exactly 5 seconds before it disappears. If text or details are unclear due to low resolution, respondents won't be able to accurately recall what they saw, compromising your results. This poll type requires the highest image quality.
5-Second Test use cases requiring high resolution:
Amazon secondary images: Testing individual product feature images where shoppers need to quickly understand the message (e.g., "Waterproof" or "2-Year Warranty")
Ad creative: Ensuring brand names, taglines, and calls-to-action are immediately visible
First impressions: Testing whether key elements are noticed within 5 seconds
Since respondents can't revisit the image after 5 seconds, any blurriness or unclear text will directly impact the quality of feedback you receive.
For complete guidance on 5-Second Tests, see How to Use 5-Second Tests in PickFu.
SERP Tests (Amazon search results mockups)
Recommended specifications:
Product images: 500 x 500 pixels minimum (Amazon standard)
Recommended: 1000 x 1000 pixels or larger for clarity
File formats: JPG, PNG
Maximum file size: 10 MB per image
Aspect ratio: Square (1:1) to match Amazon's display format
ASIN Import feature: If you're testing existing Amazon products, you can import real listings directly using ASIN codes. PickFu automatically imports the product image, title, price, ratings, and review counts from Amazon, ensuring authentic competitive benchmarking.
Manual entry for hypothetical testing: When testing products before launch or creating "what-if" scenarios (e.g., "How would my product perform with 4.5 stars vs. 4.0 stars?"), you can manually create listing mockups with any combination of images, titles, prices, ratings, and review counts.
Best practices: Use square images that match Amazon's thumbnail format, ensure product occupies 80-90% of frame (following Amazon's requirements), test on white background (Amazon's standard), and make sure product details are visible even at thumbnail size.
SERP Tests display products in a realistic Amazon search results layout, so your images will appear as thumbnails alongside competitor listings. Test how your image stands out in this competitive context.
For complete guidance on SERP Tests, see Test product listings in an Amazon SERP mockup.
Steps to resize images
Using Pixlr (free online tool)
Pixlr is a free, browser-based image editor that works well for resizing images to meet PickFu's requirements.
Go to Pixlr.com and click "Open Image" to upload your image
Once your image opens, click "Image" in the top menu, then select "Image Size"
In the Image Size dialog:
Check "Constrain proportions" to maintain aspect ratio
Enter your desired width (e.g., 1200 pixels)
The height will adjust automatically
Click "Apply"
To resize the canvas (if you need to add padding or adjust aspect ratio):
Click "Image" > "Canvas Size"
Enter new dimensions
Choose anchor position (center is usually best)
Select background color if adding space
Click "Apply"
Save your resized image:
Click "File" > "Save"
Choose JPG or PNG format
Adjust quality slider (80-90% recommended for good balance)
Click "Download"
Using Preview (Mac)
Mac users can use the built-in Preview app for quick image resizing.
Open your image in Preview (double-click the image file)
Click "Tools" in the menu bar, then select "Adjust Size"
In the Adjust Size dialog:
Check "Scale proportionally" to maintain aspect ratio
Enter your desired width or height
Ensure resolution is at least 72 pixels/inch (150-300 for print quality)
Click "OK"
Save your resized image: "File" > "Save" or "File" > "Export" to choose a different format
Using Windows Photos app
Windows 10 and 11 users can use the built-in Photos app.
Right-click your image and select "Open with" > "Photos"
Click the three dots (...) in the top right corner and select "Resize"
Choose a predefined size or select "Define custom dimensions"
Enter your desired dimensions
The app maintains aspect ratio by default
Click "Save resized copy" to keep your original image intact
Mobile vs. desktop viewing considerations
PickFu respondents may view polls on various devices. Your images should look good on both mobile and desktop screens.
Key considerations:
Mobile screens: Small text or fine details may be harder to see on phones. Ensure your key elements are large enough to be clearly visible on a 5-6 inch screen.
Desktop screens: Higher resolution images (1200px+) take advantage of larger displays and provide better detail.
Responsive display: PickFu's platform automatically scales images to fit the respondent's screen, but starting with higher resolution ensures quality isn't lost during scaling.
Testing tip: After uploading your images to PickFu, use the poll preview feature to check how they appear. If possible, preview on both a desktop browser and your phone to ensure visibility across devices.
Best practices for image quality vs. file size
Balancing image quality with file size ensures fast loading times without sacrificing visual clarity.
Optimal export settings
For JPG format:
Quality level: 80-90% ("High" in most editors)
Use progressive encoding for faster loading
Best for: Photographs, product images, marketing materials
For PNG format:
Use PNG-8 for simple graphics with limited colors
Use PNG-24 for images requiring transparency or complex graphics
Best for: Logos, text-heavy images, graphics with transparency, screenshots with text
For GIF format:
Maximum 256 colors
Supports animation and transparency
Best for: Simple animations, icons, or very simple graphics
Note: GIF files are generally larger than JPG or PNG for photographs
File size guidelines
Target file size: 200-800 KB per image is ideal
Maximum allowed: 10 MB, but avoid approaching this limit
Why it matters: Larger files slow down poll loading, which can frustrate respondents and potentially affect response quality
How to reduce file size without losing quality: Start with appropriate dimensions (don't upload 4000px images if you only need 1200px), use JPG for photographs and PNG for graphics and text, adjust compression/quality settings (85% quality usually looks identical to 100% but saves significant space), and remove unnecessary metadata using tools like TinyPNG or JPEGmini.
Aspect ratio consistency
Maintaining consistent aspect ratios across all options in a single poll is critical for fair comparison.
Why consistency matters:
Visual balance: Options should have equal visual weight
Fair comparison: Size differences can unconsciously bias respondent choices
Professional presentation: Consistent sizing looks more polished and trustworthy
Common aspect ratios:
16:9 (widescreen): 1600x900, 1280x720 — ideal for website screenshots, video thumbnails
4:3 (standard): 1200x900, 1024x768 — good for traditional screen content
1:1 (square): 1200x1200, 1000x1000 — required for Amazon main images, Instagram posts
2:3 (portrait): 1200x1800 — common for book covers, mobile app screenshots
How to ensure consistency: Before uploading, check that all images have the same aspect ratio. If needed, use canvas resizing (not image resizing) to add padding and match ratios. Use the same background color for any added padding across all options. In the poll preview, verify all options appear similar in size.
Troubleshooting common image issues
My image appears blurry in the poll
Possible causes:
Image width is too small (below 500px)
Over-compression during export
Upscaling a low-resolution image
Solutions:
Resize from a higher-resolution original (not an already-compressed web image)
Export at 85-90% quality instead of lower compression levels
Ensure minimum width of 800px for standard polls, 1200px for Click Tests and 5-Second Tests
My options appear different sizes
Cause: Inconsistent aspect ratios between images
Solution: Use canvas resizing to add padding to images, ensuring all options have identical dimensions
File upload fails
Possible causes:
File exceeds 10 MB limit
Unsupported file format
File corrupted
Solutions:
Compress the image using TinyPNG, JPEGmini, or export at lower quality
Convert to JPG, PNG, or GIF format
Re-export the image from your editing tool
Text in my image is hard to read
Possible causes:
Text too small relative to image size
Low contrast between text and background
Over-compression artifacting around text
Solutions:
Increase text size in your original design before exporting
Add contrast (shadow, outline, or background box behind text)
Use PNG format for text-heavy images to avoid compression artifacts
For 5-Second Tests and Click Tests, use 1200px+ width to ensure text clarity
Images load slowly in poll preview
Cause: File sizes too large
Solutions:
Reduce dimensions (you may not need 2000px width)
Increase compression slightly (try 80% instead of 95%)
Convert photographs from PNG to JPG
Run images through compression tools like TinyPNG
Summary and quick reference
Quick sizing guide by poll type:
Standard polls: 800-1200px width, consistent aspect ratios
Image Sets: 1200px width per image, 2-9 images per set
Click Tests: 1200-1600px width for accurate heatmaps
5-Second Tests: 1200px minimum width (critical for clarity)
SERP Tests: 1000x1000px square, Amazon-style product images
File format recommendations:
JPG (80-90% quality): Photographs, product images
PNG: Logos, text-heavy graphics, transparency needs
GIF: Simple animations or icons
Golden rules: Maintain consistent aspect ratios within each poll, start with higher resolution originals and resize down (never upscale), preview your poll on multiple devices before launching, aim for 200-800 KB file sizes for optimal loading speed, and for polls requiring text readability (5-Second Tests, Click Tests), always use 1200px+ width.
FAQs
Can I test images of different sizes in the same poll?
While technically possible, it's not recommended for most poll types. Options appearing larger or smaller can bias respondent choices. For fair comparison, maintain consistent dimensions and aspect ratios across all options.
The exception is Open-Ended polls with a single option, where relative sizing isn't a factor.
What happens if my image is larger than 10 MB?
The upload will fail. You'll need to reduce the file size by:
Reducing dimensions (check if you really need 4000px+ width)
Increasing compression (export at 80-85% quality)
Converting PNG to JPG for photographs
Using online compression tools like TinyPNG or JPEGmini
Should I use PNG or JPG format?
Use JPG for photographs, product images, and complex graphics with many colors. Use PNG for logos, text-heavy images, screenshots with text, or any image requiring transparency. PNG files are typically larger but preserve text clarity better than JPG.
How do I test my images before launching the poll?
After uploading images to the poll builder, click "Preview" to see exactly how respondents will view your poll. Check the preview on both desktop and mobile if possible. If images appear blurry or improperly sized, go back and adjust before launching.
Can I use the ASIN import feature for competitor products?
Yes! SERP Tests allow you to import real competitor listings via ASIN codes alongside your own product (which you can create manually or also import via ASIN). This provides authentic competitive context for testing how your listing performs in realistic marketplace conditions.
Can I use Click Tests for retail shelf testing?
Yes! Click Tests are excellent for retail shelf testing. Create a mockup image showing your product on a retail shelf alongside competitor products, then ask respondents which product catches their attention first or which they would pick up. This helps validate packaging design and shelf visibility in physical retail environments before production.
Do Image Sets cost more than single images?
Image Sets don't have additional per-image costs, but they're typically used in poll types (like Ranked or Head-to-Head polls) that may have varying costs based on audience size and targeting. The value of Image Sets is in testing complete visual stories (like full Amazon image stacks) rather than single images.
What resolution should I use for book cover testing?
Book covers typically use a 2:3 aspect ratio. Recommended dimensions: 1200 x 1800 pixels or similar (1000 x 1500, 1400 x 2100). This ensures text on the cover remains readable and design details are visible. Many self-published authors test at the actual Amazon thumbnail size context using SERP Tests to see how covers perform in search results.
How do I ensure my Amazon main image stands out in a SERP Test?
Use square dimensions (1000 x 1000 minimum, 1500 x 1500 recommended), ensure your product occupies 80-90% of the frame, use a pure white background (#FFFFFF), and make sure key product features are visible even at thumbnail size. Test your image against real competitors using ASIN imports to see how it performs in actual marketplace context.
Need more help? If you're still experiencing image quality issues after following this guide, please contact PickFu support with your poll ID and a description of the issue you're encountering.