How to Add Custom Image Galleries in Shopify

Want to make your Shopify store stand out? Adding custom image galleries can improve product presentation, boost sales, and enhance user experience. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:

• Built-in Shopify Tools: Free and easy to set up, but limited in features.
• Gallery Apps: Cost $3.99–$29.99/month, offer more templates and functionality without coding.
• Custom Code: Fully customizable but requires technical skills and a higher budget ($500–$5,000+).

Quick Comparison

Whether you’re a small store starting out or a large enterprise seeking advanced features, this guide provides step-by-step instructions and tools to help you choose the right solution for your needs.

3 Ways to Add Image Galleries in Shopify

Built-in Tools vs Apps vs Custom Code

Adding image galleries to your Shopify store can be done in three main ways: using built-in tools, gallery apps, or custom code. Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Built-in Tools
Shopify’s built-in gallery tools are perfect for simple setups. You can use the theme editor to create basic galleries. However, these tools are limited to table-based layouts and lack advanced features like integrating social media feeds ^[1].

Gallery Apps
Gallery apps strike a balance between ease of use and functionality. For example, Essential Grid Gallery ($12.99/month) includes over 70 templates and social media integration. Robin PRO ($3.99/month) offers features like CDN optimization and watermark protection ^[2]. These apps are great for stores needing more flexibility without diving into custom coding.

Custom Code
If you need a fully tailored solution, custom coding is the way to go. It allows for unique features like dynamic image rendering and advanced image handling directly from your asset directories. However, this approach requires technical expertise and can be time-intensive ^[3].

How to Choose the Right Gallery Method

When deciding on the best method for your store, think about these factors:

Business Size and Budget

• Small stores: Stick with built-in tools.
• Mid-sized stores: Apps are a great option for added flexibility.
• Larger enterprises: Custom code provides the most control and scalability.

Technical Requirements
If you’re considering custom code, you’ll need skills in:

• HTML/CSS for layout design
• Liquid templates for dynamic content
• JavaScript for interactive features ^[3]

Performance Considerations
Built-in tools are fast and efficient as they’re part of Shopify’s native system. Apps often include features like CDN optimization for better performance. Custom code takes it further with options like lazy loading for enhanced speed ^[3].

For highly customized solutions, you might need to collaborate with Shopify experts to get the best results.

The next sections will walk you through the setup process for each method.

Setting Up Basic Galleries with Shopify Tools

Theme Editor Gallery Setup Steps

Shopify’s theme editor makes it easy to create galleries without needing any coding skills. Follow these steps to set up visually appealing galleries using the built-in tools:

1. Access the Theme Editor

Go to Online Store > Themes > Customize. This opens the visual editor, where you can make adjustments and see changes instantly.

2. Customize Gallery Settings

Choose the gallery section and fine-tune these key settings:

3. Boost Performance

Shopify automatically optimizes images for the web while keeping quality intact. Use this feature to ensure your galleries load smoothly.

Building Galleries in Shopify Pages

If you want more flexibility, creating standalone gallery pages is a great option. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Step 1: Set Up the Page Structure

1. Go to Online Store > Pages and create a new page.
2. Choose a gallery template.
3. Add a short, clear heading (keep it under 200 characters).

Step 2: Organize the Content

Use the rich text editor to structure your gallery. A table layout often works well:

Quick Optimization Tips:

• Save images in WebP format with a fallback to JPEG.
• Enable lazy loading with Shopify’s built-in image tagging:

{{ 'gallery-image.jpg' | asset_url | img_tag: 'Product description', 'gallery-class', '500x' }}

• Use the theme editor’s device preview feature to check how your gallery looks on different screen sizes.

These tools provide a strong starting point for showcasing your products. In the next section, we’ll explore ways to add more advanced features to your galleries.

Shopify Product Media: Add Product Images, Videos & More

Adding Advanced Features with Apps

When basic galleries fall short for more complex product presentations, third-party apps can fill the gap between standard tools and custom coding.

Best Gallery Apps Comparison

The Shopify App Store in 2025 offers a variety of gallery apps to enhance your store’s functionality. Here’s a breakdown of some top options:

When choosing an app, keep these technical factors in mind:

• Ensure compatibility with your theme and stick to image sizes under 100KB.
• Use a CDN to improve global load times.
• Follow EU privacy regulations if your audience requires it.

Apps vs Built-in Tools: When to Switch

Deciding whether to stick with built-in tools or upgrade to an app depends on your store’s specific needs. Here are some situations where apps might be the better choice:

Multimedia Integration
Apps are ideal for showcasing products with diverse media formats. For example, the GO Product Page Gallery supports 3D models and high-zoom functionality (up to 500%), features that native tools often lack ^[4].

Advanced Analytics
Premium apps can provide detailed user behavior data, such as:

• Heatmaps to track user interactions
• Conversion tracking for individual items
• Performance metrics tailored to specific campaigns

Performance Tips
To ensure your store runs smoothly with added apps:

• Test performance with Google Lighthouse before and after installing an app.
• Use lazy loading to optimize gallery elements.
• Regularly monitor Core Web Vitals to catch any issues early.

For more advanced implementations, you can combine the capabilities of these apps with custom developer solutions. Partnering with experts like E-commerce Dev Group can help you maintain performance while adding advanced features.

Custom Code for Specific Gallery Needs

If your store demands features that go beyond what apps can offer, custom coding gives you full control over the design and functionality. Let’s dive into how this works in practice.

While apps provide ready-to-use options, custom code allows you to tackle specific needs like masonry layouts, dynamic filtering, or integrating with other systems.

Code Examples for Basic Galleries

Here’s a simple yet functional code snippet for a responsive 3-column gallery. It adjusts automatically depending on the screen size:

{% style %}
.gallery-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 20px;
  margin: 2rem auto;
}

.gallery-item {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  border-radius: 4px;
  transition: transform 0.3s ease;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .gallery-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
}

@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .gallery-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
}
{% endstyle %}

<div class="gallery-grid">
{% for product in collections.all.products %}
  <img src="{{ product.featured_image | img_url: '500x' }}" 
       alt="{{ product.title }}"
       loading="lazy"
       class="gallery-item">
{% endfor %}
</div>

This example creates a clean, responsive gallery that adapts to different screen sizes, making it ideal for mobile and desktop users alike.

When to Bring in a Developer

If your gallery requires advanced features, a developer can help with tasks like:

• Masonry layouts that handle images of varying heights
• Dynamic filtering based on tags or categories
• Accessible lightbox setups
• Integration with content management systems (CMS)

E-commerce Dev Group is one example of a team that specializes in custom, high-performance gallery solutions. They focus on delivering galleries that not only look great but also maintain PageSpeed scores above 90. Their work often includes:

• WCAG 2.1 compliance to ensure accessibility
• Secure asset handling with Content-Security-Policy headers
• Optimized breakpoints for responsive design
• Schema markup to boost SEO visibility

Key Performance Tips

To ensure your custom gallery runs smoothly, keep these points in mind:

• Image optimization: Use compressed images in modern formats like WebP.
• CSS Grid: Leverage CSS Grid for cleaner, more efficient layouts.
• Error handling: Build safeguards for missing or broken assets.
• Caching: Add caching headers to speed up load times for repeat visitors.

Custom coding isn’t just about adding features – it’s about creating a seamless, high-performing experience for your users.

Making Galleries Fast and Accessible

Custom solutions can be effective, but their success depends on how well they’re executed. Here’s a breakdown of key practices to improve gallery performance and accessibility.

Speed Optimization Techniques

Boost gallery performance by focusing on smarter media handling:

Advanced Loading Strategies:

• Use browser caching to store gallery assets locally.
• Apply progressive image loading for a smoother user experience.
• Opt for the WebP format with fallback options for older browsers.

Mobile and Accessibility Standards

Creating accessible galleries doesn’t just meet compliance standards – it improves usability, which can lead to an 18% engagement boost, as mentioned earlier. Here’s how to make your galleries more user-friendly:

Screen Reader Optimization:

• Add ARIA labels to gallery containers for better screen reader support:

<div role="group" 
     aria-labelledby="gallery-title" 
     class="product-gallery">

Keyboard Navigation:

• Ensure all gallery controls can be accessed with a keyboard using tabindex="0".
• Include pause buttons for auto-playing carousels to meet WCAG 2.2.2 guidelines.
• Enable arrow key navigation for carousel controls.

Color and Contrast:

• Maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for gallery controls.
• Add clear visual indicators for active states.
• Highlight interactive elements with visible focus states.

To ensure your galleries meet performance and accessibility standards, use tools like Lighthouse and aXe Accessibility Checker during the development process.

Conclusion

Pick your implementation method based on your store’s current needs: native tools work well for startups, apps suit growing businesses, and custom code is ideal for enterprises. Your choice will depend on your store’s technical capabilities and design goals, affecting both functionality and future upkeep.

If your store needs specialized features – like 360° product views – custom-coded solutions offer the most flexibility. However, keep in mind that these require regular maintenance to stay effective.

No matter which method you choose, performance optimization is key. Compressing images to under 200KB, for example, ensures fast loading times on all devices. Combine these practices with strategies from the ‘Speed Optimization’ guide to maximize results.

Accessibility is equally important. Pay close attention to:

• Writing accurate alt text for all images
• Ensuring text overlays meet minimum contrast ratios
• Supporting keyboard navigation
• Making galleries compatible with screen readers

As Shopify gallery tools continue to improve, you can start with basic theme editor features or move to advanced, custom solutions. Focus on creating galleries that prioritize performance, accessibility, and user experience.

FAQs

How do I add a product gallery to Shopify?

To add a product gallery to your Shopify store, follow these steps:

• Go to Online Store > Pages and create a new page.
• Choose the gallery template for the page.
• Open the theme editor to customize the look and feel of the gallery.
• If needed, use an embed code to integrate the gallery into your store.

For more detailed instructions on advanced options, check out the ‘Adding Advanced Features with Apps’ section.

How to change image zoom on Shopify?

The method to adjust image zoom depends on whether you’re using built-in theme settings or third-party apps:

Using Built-in Theme Settings:

• Open the theme customizer in your Shopify admin panel.
• Navigate to the Product Image settings.
• Enable the zoom feature, if supported by your theme.
• Adjust the zoom level to your preference.

Using Gallery Apps:
Third-party apps often come with pre-configured zoom controls and a user-friendly interface for customization.

For the best results, ensure your product images are high-resolution (2000px or larger). For tips on compressing images without losing quality, refer to the ‘Speed Optimization Techniques’ section.

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