Text and Logo Rules for Amazon Product Images

The Rule That Confuses Everyone

You've spent hours creating the perfect product image. High resolution. Pure white background. Product centered and filling 85% of the frame.

You upload it to Amazon.

Listing suppressed: "Main image contains text or graphic elements."

Wait, what? You just added a small "Best Seller" badge in the corner. That's not allowed?

Nope. Not allowed.

Amazon has strict rules about text and logos on product images. Break them, and your listing gets suppressed—sometimes within hours of going live.

The confusing part? The rules are different for main images versus additional images.

Main image = NO text, ever.

Additional images = Text is okay (with some guidelines).

This guide will explain:

• Why Amazon bans text on main images
• What exactly counts as "text" (it's more than you think)
• When and where you CAN use text (additional images)
• Common text violations that trigger suppressions
• How to check your images before uploading

Let's make sure your images follow Amazon's text rules so your listing stays live.

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Main Image: Absolutely No Text or Logos

The Rule Is Strict

Amazon's policy for main images:

"The main image must not contain text, logos, borders, color blocks, watermarks, or other graphics over the product or in the background."

Translation:

Your main image (the first image in your listing) must show ONLY the product on a pure white background. Nothing else.

No text. No logos. No badges. No graphics. No overlays. No watermarks.

Nothing but the product.

Why Amazon Enforces This

Amazon wants every main image to be:

• Consistent across all products
• Clean and professional
• Comparable when customers browse search results
• Focused on the product itself, not marketing claims

When you search on Amazon, you see a grid of product images. Amazon wants that grid to look uniform—just products on white backgrounds.

If sellers could add text, logos, and graphics, search results would look chaotic. Some sellers would have "BEST SELLER" badges, some would have "50% OFF" callouts, some would have brand logos plastered everywhere.

Amazon's solution: Ban all text and graphics from main images.

This creates a level playing field. Your product image competes based on the product itself, not on graphic design tricks.

What Happens If You Violate This

Listing suppression.

Amazon's automated system scans main images for text and graphic elements. If detected, your listing is suppressed—usually within hours.

Suppression means:

• Your product doesn't show up in search results
• Customers can't buy it
• You lose sales
• During Q4, this can cost you thousands

To restore your listing:

1. Remove the text/logo from the main image
2. Re-upload a compliant image
3. Wait for Amazon to review (can take 24-48 hours)

That's 1-2 days of lost sales.

Better to get it right the first time.

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What Counts as "Text" (It's More Than You Think)

Obvious Text Violations

These are clearly text and will trigger violations:

Words and sentences:

• "Best Seller"
• "Premium Quality"
• "Sale"
• "New"
• "Free Shipping"

Brand names and logos:

• Your company logo
• Brand name text
• Trademarked symbols

URLs and contact info:

• Website URLs
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Social media handles

Promotional callouts:

• "50% OFF"
• "#1 Rated"
• "As Seen on TV"
• "Limited Time"

Sneaky Text Violations

These look small or insignificant, but Amazon's system still flags them:

Badges and icons with text:

• Small "NEW" badge in corner
• "Best Seller" ribbon
• "Top Rated" seal
• Award badges with text

Numbers:

• "5 stars" rating display
• "#1" ranking claims
• Year established ("Est. 2020")

Symbols with text:

• Checkmarks with "Verified" text
• Stars with "Premium" text
• Icons with descriptive labels

Small text overlays:

• Size indicators ("Large", "XL")
• Color names ("Navy Blue")
• Feature callouts ("Waterproof")

Even if the text is tiny, Amazon's image recognition software will likely catch it.

Watermarks

Your logo as a watermark = violation.

Even if it's:

• Small
• Semi-transparent
• In a corner
• Subtle

Amazon's rule is clear: No watermarks on main images.

I get it—you want to protect your images from being stolen by competitors. But watermarking your main image will get your listing suppressed.

Solution: Only watermark your additional images (images 2-7), not the main image.

Borders and Frames

Borders around your product = violation.

This includes:

• Decorative borders
• Drop shadows (if they look like borders)
• Frames
• Background patterns

The only thing in your main image should be:

• The product
• Pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255)

That's it.

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When Text IS Part of the Product

Physical Text vs. Added Text

Here's where it gets nuanced:

If text is physically part of your product, it's allowed on the main image.

Examples of physical text (allowed):

• Text printed on product packaging
• Brand name embossed on the product
• Labels sewn into clothing
• Text etched into metal products
• Book covers with title and author
• Product instructions printed on the item

Amazon distinguishes between:

• Text that's part of the product = allowed
• Text added digitally to the image = violation

How Amazon Tells the Difference

Amazon's image recognition software is sophisticated, but here's generally how it works:

Allowed (physical text):

• Text is on the product surface
• Text follows product contours (curves, angles)
• Text is in the product photo naturally
• Text appears to be printed/embossed/part of the product

Violation (added text):

• Text is flat/overlaid on the image
• Text is in the background or outside the product
• Text looks like a graphic overlay
• Text is on a badge/seal/ribbon

If you're unsure: Ask yourself, "If I removed all digital overlays, would this text still be visible on the physical product?"

If yes = allowed. If no = violation.

Examples

Allowed:

• T-shirt with "NEW YORK" printed on the front (that's part of the product)
• Supplement bottle with brand name on the label (that's the packaging)
• Book cover showing title and author (that's the book itself)
• Wine bottle with label visible (that's part of the bottle)

Violation:

• T-shirt photo with "BEST SELLER" badge added in Photoshop (added text)
• Supplement bottle with "30-DAY SUPPLY" callout in corner (added text)
• Book photo with "Award Winner" seal overlaid (added text)
• Wine bottle with "Premium Quality" text on white background (added text)

Key distinction: Is the text photographed as part of the product, or was it added to the image afterward?

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Additional Images: Text IS Allowed

The Good News

Images 2-7 in your listing can include text.

This is where you can:

• Add callouts highlighting features
• Include size charts with measurements
• Show comparison graphics
• Add infographics explaining benefits
• Include lifestyle images with descriptive text

Amazon allows text on additional images because these images are meant to provide MORE information about the product.

Guidelines for Text on Additional Images

While text is allowed on additional images, Amazon still has some expectations:

Do:

• ✅ Keep text clear and readable
• ✅ Use professional fonts
• ✅ Make text enhance understanding of the product
• ✅ Use text to explain features, sizing, or usage
• ✅ Keep images high quality (1000px minimum)

Don't:

• ❌ Use all caps excessively
• ❌ Make false or exaggerated claims
• ❌ Include competitor mentions
• ❌ Add too much text (images should still be visual)
• ❌ Use low-quality or pixelated text

Effective Use of Text in Additional Images

Image 2: Feature Callouts

Show the product with arrows and labels pointing to key features:

• "Reinforced stitching"
• "Waterproof lining"
• "Extra padding here"

Image 3: Size Chart

Display a chart showing dimensions, sizes, or measurements with clear text labels.

Image 4: Comparison Graphic

Show your product versus competitors (without naming them) with text explaining advantages.

Image 5: Infographic

Create a visual showing how the product works, with text explaining each step.

Image 6: Lifestyle Image with Text

Show the product in use with a text overlay like "Perfect for outdoor adventures."

Image 7: Customer Testimonial or Trust Badges

Include text quotes from customers or display certifications with text.

These additional images convert browsers into buyers. Use text strategically to answer questions and highlight benefits.

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Common Text Violations (What Gets Listings Suppressed)

Violation #1: "Best Seller" or "#1" Badges

The mistake:

You add a small badge to your main image that says "Best Seller" or "#1 in Category."

Why it's a violation:

This is added text, not part of the product. Even if it's true, Amazon doesn't allow ranking claims on the main image.

The fix:

Remove the badge. Put it on Image 2 if you want to highlight it.

Violation #2: Brand Logo Overlays

The mistake:

You add your brand logo in the corner of the main image as a watermark.

Why it's a violation:

Watermarks and logos are not allowed on main images, even if it's YOUR brand.

The fix:

Remove the logo from the main image. Add it to additional images if desired.

Violation #3: Promotional Text

The mistake:

You add "Sale", "50% OFF", "Free Shipping", or "Limited Time" to the main image.

Why it's a violation:

Promotional text is not allowed on main images. Amazon wants product images, not advertisements.

The fix:

Remove promotional text. Use Amazon's promotional tools (coupons, deals) to highlight discounts instead.

Violation #4: Small Feature Callouts

The mistake:

You add small text like "Waterproof" or "BPA-Free" near the product on the main image.

Why it's a violation:

Even small text overlays count as violations. The main image must show ONLY the product.

The fix:

Move feature callouts to Image 2 or Image 3.

Violation #5: Decorative Text or Borders

The mistake:

You add a decorative border or frame around the product with text like "Premium Quality."

Why it's a violation:

Borders and decorative elements are not allowed. The background must be pure white with no graphics.

The fix:

Remove borders and decorative text. Keep only the product on white background.

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How to Check Your Images Before Uploading

Manual Check (Quick Method)

Before uploading to Amazon, ask yourself:

1. Is this my main image?

If yes:

• ❓ Is there ANY text visible (other than text that's physically part of the product)?
• ❓ Are there ANY logos, watermarks, or badges?
• ❓ Are there ANY graphics overlays or borders?

If you answered YES to any of these = violation.

2. Is this an additional image (2-7)?

If yes:

• ✅ Text is allowed
• ✅ Logos and graphics are allowed
• ✅ Just make sure text is professional and helpful

Automated Check (Recommended)

Use ComplianceKit to scan your images automatically.

Here's how it works:

1. Upload your main image
2. Tool scans for text, logos, watermarks, borders
3. Results in ~10 seconds
4. Shows you EXACTLY what Amazon will flag
5. Gives you a pass/fail for compliance

Why use automated checking:

• ✅ Catches violations you might miss
• ✅ Amazon's system is automated—better to use automated checking too
• ✅ Saves you from listing suppression
• ✅ Free for 10 checks per month

Better to catch violations BEFORE uploading than AFTER your listing is suppressed.

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Real Examples: Before & After

Example 1: Best Seller Badge

Before:

Main image of wireless earbuds with small "Best Seller" badge in upper right corner.

Amazon: REJECTED (text overlay violation)

After:

Same image, badge removed. Product only on white background.

Amazon: APPROVED

Badge moved to Image 2 with feature callouts.

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Example 2: Brand Logo Watermark

Before:

Main image of water bottle with semi-transparent brand logo in lower left corner.

Amazon: REJECTED (watermark violation)

After:

Logo removed from main image. Logo added to Image 3 with product features.

Amazon: APPROVED

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Example 3: Feature Callout Text

Before:

Main image of backpack with small text "Waterproof" and "30L Capacity" near the product.

Amazon: REJECTED (text overlay violation)

After:

Text removed from main image. Clean product photo.

Feature callouts moved to Image 2 with arrows pointing to features.

Amazon: APPROVED

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Example 4: Promotional Text

Before:

Main image of yoga mat with "50% OFF - Limited Time" in red text at top.

Amazon: REJECTED (promotional text violation)

After:

Promotional text removed. Just the yoga mat on white background.

Amazon: APPROVED

Amazon coupon used to show discount instead.

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Quick Checklist: Text & Logo Compliance

Before uploading your main image, verify:

☐ No text (other than text physically on the product) ☐ No logos (including your brand logo) ☐ No watermarks ☐ No badges (Best Seller, #1, New, etc.) ☐ No promotional text (Sale, Free Shipping, etc.) ☐ No borders or frames ☐ No graphic overlays ☐ Pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255) ☐ Product only

If you checked all boxes = compliant main image ✅

For additional images (2-7):

• ✅ Text is allowed
• ✅ Use text to explain features, sizing, comparisons
• ✅ Keep text professional and helpful

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Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ Main image: NO text, logos, or graphics (strict rule) ✅ Additional images: Text is allowed and encouraged ✅ Physical text on product: Allowed (it's part of the product) ✅ Added text/overlays: Violation (even if small) ✅ Watermarks: Not allowed on main image ✅ Promotional text: Not allowed anywhere on main image ✅ Check before uploading: Use automated tools to catch violations

Amazon's text rules are strict for main images, but generous for additional images. Keep your main image clean, and use Images 2-7 to add helpful text and graphics.

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