How are 360° product images created?
360° product images make it possible to view products interactively from every angle. Visitors can rotate a product and discover details that remain hidden in classic product photos.
But how are such interactive presentations actually created?
Creating high-quality 360° product photography requires precise technology, a professional photo studio, and careful post-production. In several steps, many individual images are turned into a smooth, interactive product view.
What are 360° Product Images?
360° product images are interactive product representations, where a product is composed of many individual images.
Visitors can rotate the product with a mouse or finger and view it from all perspectives.
This technique is frequently used in e-commerce to present products more realistically.

Step 1 – Preparing the product
Before the shoot begins, the product is prepared.
This includes, among other things:
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Cleaning the product
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Removing dust or fingerprints
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Positioning it on the turntable
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Aligning it for the optimal angle
Especially with glossy or complex products, careful preparation is crucial for a perfect result.
Step 2 – Capturing the individual images
In 360° product photography, the product is not filmed. Instead, many individual photos are taken.
A motorized turntable rotates the product step by step while the camera automatically captures images.
Typical number of images:
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24 images
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36 images
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72 images
The more images are captured, the smoother the rotation will appear later.

How many images are needed for 360° product photography?
Depending on the desired rotation quality, usually between 24 and 72 individual images are captured for a 360° product view.
The more images are used, the smoother the rotation appears in the viewer.
Step 3 – Lighting in the photo studio
Lighting is one of the most important factors for high-quality 360° product images.
Professional studios work with:
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Softboxes
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Light tents
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special reflective surfaces
The goal is even illumination without harsh shadows or reflections.
Especially with glossy materials such as metal or plastic, this requires a great deal of experience.
Step 4 – Post-production
After the shoot, the images are professionally edited.
Typical steps:
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Cutting out the product
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Color correction
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Retouching dust or scratches
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Adjusting brightness and contrast
Only after this editing is the final image series created.


Step 5 – Creating the 360° view
The individual images are then combined into an interactive product presentation.
Special software creates a rotation sequence that can be controlled in the browser.
Visitors can then:
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rotate it with the mouse
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move it with a finger on mobile devices
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view details from different angles
What is the difference between 360° product images and 3D models?
360° product images consist of photographed individual images of a real product.
3D models, on the other hand, are objects created entirely digitally.
Both enable interactive product presentations, but they are based on different technologies.
Different types of 360° product images
Depending on the product, different technologies are used.
360° product photo with one axis
The product rotates horizontally on the turntable.
This variant is suitable for many products in e-commerce.
360° product photo with two axes
In addition to rotation, products can also be viewed vertically.
This enables a more detailed presentation.
Multispin 360° product photography
Here, multiple axes of rotation and perspectives are created.
This technique is often used for complex products or products that customers examine closely, for example:
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Electronics
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Shoes
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Industrial products

Integration into online shops
After creation, 360° product images can be integrated into many shop systems.
Examples:
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Shopify
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Shopware
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WooCommerce
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Magento
Visitors can rotate the products interactively directly on the product page.
Questions about “How are 360° product images created?”
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