Performance Max Image Specifications: The Complete 2024 Guide

Performance Max campaigns pull from your image assets to create ads across Google's entire network—Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, and Discover.

Get the images wrong, and your ads either won't run or will run poorly.

This guide covers every image specification you need for Performance Max campaigns in 2024.

The Core Image Requirements

Performance Max requires three image orientations:

Landscape Images (1.91:1)

• Minimum size: 600 x 314 pixels
• Recommended size: 1200 x 628 pixels
• Maximum file size: 5MB
• Formats: JPG, PNG

Landscape images display across Display Network, Discover, and some YouTube placements.

Square Images (1:1)

• Minimum size: 300 x 300 pixels
• Recommended size: 1200 x 1200 pixels
• Maximum file size: 5MB
• Formats: JPG, PNG

Square images appear on Display Network, Discover, and Shopping surfaces.

Portrait Images (4:5)

• Minimum size: 480 x 600 pixels
• Recommended size: 960 x 1200 pixels
• Maximum file size: 5MB
• Formats: JPG, PNG

Portrait images display on YouTube Shorts, Discover, and some mobile placements.

What You Actually Need to Provide

Google recommends the following asset mix:

Minimum Requirements

• 1 landscape image
• 1 square image

Recommended Assets

• 3+ landscape images
• 3+ square images
• 1+ portrait images

Maximum Assets

• 15 landscape images
• 15 square images
• 5 portrait images

More variety gives Google more creative combinations to test.

Logo Requirements

Logos have their own specifications:

Square Logo

• Ratio: 1:1
• Minimum size: 128 x 128 pixels
• Recommended size: 1200 x 1200 pixels

Landscape Logo

• Ratio: 4:1
• Minimum size: 512 x 128 pixels
• Recommended size: 1200 x 300 pixels

Upload both formats when possible. Some placements use landscape logos; others use square.

Content Guidelines

Beyond dimensions, Google enforces content rules:

Text on images: Keep text under 20% of image area. Google may reject or limit reach for text-heavy images.

No borders: Avoid adding borders that make images look smaller.

Single focus: Each image should have one clear subject or message.

Product visibility: For Shopping campaigns, products should fill at least 80% of the frame.

Faces: When using people, faces perform better than bodies alone.

Quality: Blurry, pixelated, or poorly lit images reduce performance.

Safe Zone Considerations

Different placements crop differently. Design with a "safe zone" in mind:

• Keep critical content (logos, key messaging) in the centre
• Avoid placing important elements near edges
• Test how images crop at different ratios

Many advertisers create one large master image, then crop for each ratio—this ensures visual consistency while meeting specs.

File Organisation System

For efficient Performance Max management, organise files by:

/pmax-images/
├── landscape/
│   ├── image-1-landscape.png (1200x628)
│   ├── image-2-landscape.png
│   └── image-3-landscape.png
├── square/
│   ├── image-1-square.png (1200x1200)
│   ├── image-2-square.png
│   └── image-3-square.png
├── portrait/
│   ├── image-1-portrait.png (960x1200)
│   └── image-2-portrait.png
└── logos/
    ├── logo-square.png (1200x1200)
    └── logo-landscape.png (1200x300)

This structure makes updates and replacements straightforward.

Common Mistakes

Wrong aspect ratios: Google will auto-crop incorrectly-sized images, often cutting important elements.

Too few images: Campaigns with minimal assets miss optimisation opportunities.

Inconsistent branding: Each image should feel like it comes from the same brand.

Generic stock photos: Authentic images outperform obvious stock photography.

Ignoring portrait format: Many advertisers skip portrait images, missing mobile placements.

Creating PMax-Optimised Images

When creating images specifically for Performance Max:

1. Start with brand guidelines: Colours, fonts, and style should be consistent
2. Create master compositions: Design key visuals that crop well to all three ratios
3. Vary your message: Different images should highlight different features or benefits
4. Include product shots: Direct product visibility drives conversions
5. Test lifestyle vs product: Some audiences respond better to contextual images; others prefer product-focused shots

Ongoing Management

Performance Max images need regular attention:

Weekly: Check asset performance reports. Remove underperforming images.

Monthly: Test new image variations. Replace low-performing assets.

Quarterly: Refresh creative entirely. Audiences fatigue on repeated visuals.

Seasonally: Update for holidays, seasons, and promotional periods.

When to Get Help

Creating effective Performance Max images requires understanding both technical specifications and conversion psychology.

If you're struggling with:

• Consistent performance across placements
• High impression counts but low clicks
• Brand inconsistency across ad formats
• Time-consuming image production

Consider professional support for your Google Ads management or custom graphics through our Creative Packs.

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Need Performance Max images that actually convert? Our team creates custom graphics in all required formats, optimised for your brand and audience. Contact us for a quote.

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Related services: Google Ads management run personally by an expert with 18 years in the platform, including local support from an AdWords manager in Perth.