How to change the featured image of a product on Shopify?

Choose Featured Image on Shopify Product

By default, on collection or category pages (and even homepage sections like “Featured Products”), Shopify shows the first image in the product media gallery as the featured image.

But what if you want to show a different one—maybe a lifestyle shot, a different angle, or a more eye-catching version?

✅ Here’s how you can control it:

1. Go to the product page in your Shopify admin.
2. Drag and drop the image you want as the featured image to the first position in the media list.
3. Shopify will now use that image as the main thumbnail on your storefront.

But what if you want to set a featured image that doesn’t even appear on the product page itself? 🤯

Let’s say you want a separate thumbnail for collection pages, while keeping your product page gallery clean and minimal.

Here’s how to do it using Rubik Variant Images:

🔧 Step-by-step:

1- Upload your “featured-only” image to the product’s media section in Shopify and make sure it’s the first image.

2- Open the Rubik Variant Images app.

Assign variant-specific images to each variant — but leave the featured image unassigned. Make sure the featured image remains the first image in Shopify’s media order.

(Optional: In Advanced Settings, disable “Overwrite image orders in Admin” to prevent Rubik from reordering them.)

3-In the Rubik menu, go to Settings and enable the “Hide unassigned images” option.

Shopify will still use the first image (your featured-only image) for collection and homepage thumbnails — but thanks to Rubik’s settings, that image won’t appear on the product page itself.

✨ Result? You get a custom featured image that draws attention on the collection page, without cluttering your product gallery.

This is perfect for showing:

• Lifestyle visuals
• Graphic promo covers (like “New Season”)
• Brand storytelling images
  …without overwhelming your product page experience.

💬 Need any help?
Message us via the Crisp chat at the bottom-right corner of the app — we’re always happy to assist!

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