> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.mathership.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Product Images
> Add, update, remove, or automatically fetch images for vendor products
# Product Images
Product images help customers recognize products faster when browsing a vendor catalog.
Vendors can use them to make product lists clearer, easier to scan, and less dependent on product names alone.
## What they are
A product image is the visual shown for a product in the vendor catalog.
It can be used for:
* Customer product search
* Product lists
* Order screens
* Product details
* Visual recognition during ordering
## Who can manage them?
Images are managed by vendor users.
A vendor can only manage images for products that belong to their own vendor company.
Vendors cannot update images for products owned by another vendor company.
## Image sources
Mathership supports different ways to handle product visuals.
| Source | Meaning |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Uploaded image | The vendor uploads a custom image file |
| Image URL | The vendor provides an external image URL |
| Automatic image | Mathership may fetch an image automatically |
| No image | The product is shown without a custom image |
## Custom images
A custom image is controlled by the vendor.
Use one when:
* You want the exact product photo
* The automatic result is missing
* The automatic result is wrong
* The product packaging is specific to your company
* You want consistent product presentation
## Uploading a file
Vendors can upload an image file for a product.
When a new uploaded file is saved, the product can be marked as using a custom image.
If the product already had an image, the old one may be replaced.
## Using an image URL
Vendors can also save an image URL for a product.
This is useful when the image is already hosted elsewhere.
Use image URLs only when you have the right to use the image and the URL is stable.
## Automatic image lookup
Mathership can try to fetch an image automatically.
The lookup can use the product name and compare it with available product image data.
This can help when vendors upload many products without images.
## When automatic lookup is skipped
Automatic lookup may be skipped when the product already has:
* A custom image
* An existing image URL
This prevents an existing vendor-controlled image from being overwritten automatically.
## If no match is found
If Mathership cannot find a suitable image, the product can remain without one.
The product itself can still be used, shown, ordered, and exported.
A missing image does not prevent customers from ordering the product.
## Removing a custom image
A vendor can switch a product back to automatic image handling.
When this happens, the custom image can be removed and the image field can be cleared.
This allows Mathership to treat the product as no longer having a vendor-controlled image.
## Image fields
Image handling can include fields such as:
| Field | Meaning |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Product image | Uploaded image file |
| Product image URL | Stored image URL |
| Custom product image | Shows whether the vendor controls the image |
| Automatic product image | Option to use automatic image handling |
The exact fields shown can depend on the product form.
## Typical workflow
A typical workflow looks like this:
1. Open your vendor company
2. Go to **Products**
3. Open a product
4. Add an image file or image URL
5. Save the product
6. Check the product in the customer catalog
## Example: Upload a file
| Step | Action |
| ---- | ------------------------------- |
| 1 | Open the product |
| 2 | Choose an image file |
| 3 | Save the product |
| 4 | Review the image in the catalog |
## Example: Add a URL
| Step | Action |
| ---- | ------------------------------------ |
| 1 | Open the product |
| 2 | Paste the image URL |
| 3 | Save the product |
| 4 | Check that the image loads correctly |
## Example: Use automatic handling
| Step | Action |
| ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1 | Open the product |
| 2 | Select automatic image handling |
| 3 | Save the product |
| 4 | Let Mathership use or find an automatic image where available |
## Bulk uploads
Bulk product uploads can create or update products without images.
After upload, vendors can add images manually or use automatic lookup.
This is useful when a large catalog is uploaded first and visuals are improved later.
## Customer ordering
Product images can make ordering easier for customers.
They help customers:
* Recognize familiar products
* Compare similar products
* Avoid selecting the wrong item
* Browse large catalogs faster
## Product editing
Images can be updated when editing a product.
Changing the image does not change the product itself, its stock, price, packaging, or availability.
## Common problems
### Image is missing
Check that:
* An image was uploaded
* An image URL was saved
* The image URL is still reachable
* Automatic lookup found a result
* The product was saved after editing
### Wrong image is shown
Replace it with a custom uploaded image or image URL.
A custom image is the safest option when the visual must be exact.
### Automatic result is not correct
Use a custom image instead.
Automatic images can help, but vendors should review them for accuracy.
### Image URL does not load
Check that:
* The URL is complete
* The image is publicly accessible
* The external host allows loading the image
* The link has not expired
### Image was replaced unexpectedly
Check whether the product was changed from custom handling to automatic handling.
## Best practices
### Use clear product photos
Use images that show the product clearly and avoid confusing backgrounds.
### Keep visuals accurate
The image should match the exact product, package size, and brand whenever possible.
### Prefer custom images for important products
Use custom images for high-volume or frequently ordered items.
### Review automatic results
Automatic lookup should be checked before relying on it in the catalog.
### Keep URLs stable
Avoid temporary links or private links that may stop working later.
## Related pages
Add new products to the vendor catalog.
Update product details, including images.
Upload or update many products at once.
Mark products as available or not available.
Define how products are packaged and ordered.
Generate packaging levels from product packaging text.