DoorDash Photo Requirements 2026: Complete Guide to Getting Featured

Why DoorDash Photos Matter More Than Ever

In 2026, DoorDash processes over 2 billion orders annually. With that scale, competition for attention is fierce. Restaurants with optimized photos see 35-45% higher click-through rates compared to those with poor or missing images. This guide covers the exact requirements, best practices, and insider tips for maximizing your DoorDash presence in 2026.

Official DoorDash Photo Specifications (2026)

Technical Requirements

| Requirement | Specification | |------------|---------------| | Minimum Resolution | 1200 x 800 pixels | | Recommended Resolution | 2400 x 1600 pixels | | Aspect Ratio | 4:3 (horizontal) | | File Format | JPEG or PNG | | Maximum File Size | 10 MB | | Color Space | sRGB |

Quality Standards

DoorDash's automated review system checks for: Lighting: No harsh shadows, no overly dark images. Focus: Main dish must be sharp. Framing: Food centered, filling 60-80% of frame. Background: Clean, non-distracting. Authenticity: Must represent actual dish served.

What Gets Photos Rejected

Common rejection reasons in 2026: Watermarks or logos - Including your restaurant logo on food photos. Text overlays - Price tags, promotional text, etc. Collages - Multiple photos combined into one. Stock photos - DoorDash's AI can detect generic stock images. Blurry images - Main subject out of focus. Poor lighting - Too dark or harsh flash. Inappropriate content - Anything not food-related.

How to Get Featured in DoorDash

DoorDash features restaurants with exceptional photos in several ways:

"Top Picks" Section

Requirements: All menu items have photos. Photos are high quality (DoorDash's internal score > 8/10). Consistent style across menu. Recent uploads (within 90 days).

Category Pages

When customers browse "Best Burgers" or "Trending Mexican," DoorDash prioritizes: Hero images that showcase the cuisine type. Photos with high engagement rates. Restaurants with complete photo coverage.

Search Results

Photo quality directly impacts search ranking. DoorDash confirmed in their 2025 merchant update that photo quality is one of the top 5 ranking factors for search visibility.

Best Practices for 2026

1. Shoot Overhead or at 45 Degrees

DoorDash's app displays photos in a consistent grid. The most successful photos are shot: Directly overhead (90°) for flat items like pizza, bowls, flatbreads. At 45° angle for items with height like burgers, stacked dishes.

2. Use a Clean Background

Recommended backgrounds: Solid white or light gray. Natural wood (not too busy grain). Marble or stone surfaces. Your actual table setting (if clean and on-brand).

Avoid: Cluttered backgrounds. Obvious tablecloths with patterns. Multiple dishes in one photo. Hands or people.

3. Natural Light or Soft Box

Harsh flash is the #1 quality killer. Solutions: Shoot near a window with indirect light. Use a simple soft box or ring light. Avoid direct overhead lighting that creates harsh shadows.

4. One Dish Per Photo

DoorDash's carousel format means each menu item should have its own dedicated photo. Combination meals can show all components, but the focus should be clear.

5. Keep It Appetizing, Keep It Honest

The photo should make customers hungry, but also accurately represent what they'll receive. Overstyling that doesn't match the delivered product leads to: Negative reviews. Refund requests. Potential suspension.

DoorDash Photo Upload Process (2026)

Via Merchant Portal

Log into merchant.doordash.com. Navigate to Menu > Items. Select the item to update. Click "Add Photo" or "Replace Photo". Upload image (auto-cropped to 4:3). Review the preview. Submit for review (usually approved within 24 hours).

Via Tablet

Open DoorDash Merchant app. Tap Menu. Select item. Tap photo placeholder. Take new photo or upload from gallery.

Bulk Upload

For 20+ photos: Contact your DoorDash account manager. Provide photos in a shared folder with filenames matching menu items. DoorDash team will bulk upload and map.

Measuring Photo Performance

DoorDash provides photo performance data in the Merchant Portal: View rate: How often your item is seen. Click rate: How often viewers tap for details. Add-to-cart rate: Conversion after viewing. Photo quality score: DoorDash's internal rating (request from account manager). Track these monthly and replace underperforming photos.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use the same photos for Uber Eats and DoorDash? A: Yes, but optimize for each platform's aspect ratio. DoorDash uses 4:3, Uber Eats prefers 16:9 for some placements. Q: How often should I update photos? A: At minimum, update when menu items change. Best practice is refreshing your top 10 sellers every 6 months. Q: Do I need professional photography? A: Not necessarily. Many top-performing restaurants use AI-enhanced phone photos. Quality and consistency matter more than expensive equipment. Q: What about photos for combo meals? A: Show all components clearly. The main item should be prominent, sides visible but secondary.

Quick Checklist Before Uploading

[ ] Resolution at least 1200 x 800 (2400 x 1600 preferred). [ ] 4:3 aspect ratio. [ ] JPEG or PNG format. [ ] Under 10 MB. [ ] No watermarks or text. [ ] Food centered and sharp. [ ] Clean background. [ ] Good lighting (no harsh shadows). [ ] Accurately represents the dish.

Ready to upgrade your menu photos?

Start for $5/month (20 credits) or buy a $5 top-up (20 credits). Start for $5/month → Buy a $5 top-up → View pricing → No free trials. Credits roll over while your account stays active. 30-day money-back guarantee.