Image URLs vs image downloads: what your CSV contains

An image URL is an address. An image download is a file. That difference matters when you move a product catalog between tools.

What an image URL does

A CSV can store the location of a product image alongside other product fields. A compatible importer may fetch the image from that address when it processes your file. The image itself is not embedded in the CSV.

Why links can stop working

The source can move, replace or remove an image. Access restrictions may also affect whether another service can retrieve it. Treat a live URL as a reference that depends on the source remaining available.

What to check before importing

  • Open a few image URLs to confirm that they resolve.
  • Verify that the destination supports remote image imports.
  • Check how multiple images should be represented.
  • Confirm that you have permission to reuse those images.

What ShopFetch provides

ShopFetch includes product image URLs in its export workflow. Do not confuse that with a ZIP containing image files. If your project requires a separate image archive, confirm the required workflow before purchasing.

See the complete feature overview or ask a compatibility question.