3D Renders vs. Product Photography for GDSN Images

If your business depends on listing products in GS1 GDSN datapools, getting the image requirements right is essential. But the way you create those images can make or break your efficiency, compliance, and speed to market.

In this post, we compare traditional product photography with 3D rendering to help you choose the best solution for generating GDSN-compliant product images.

What Are GDSN Images?

The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) is a standardized system used by retailers and suppliers to exchange product information globally. GDSN-compliant images must follow specific GS1 standards, including:

• White background (no shadows)

• Standardized angles (front, top, side)

• Accurate representation of the product

• High resolution with correct dimensions and naming formats

Failing to meet these requirements can delay listings or cause rejections by retail partners.

Option 1: Traditional Product Photography

Photography has long been the go-to method for creating product images. Here’s what that usually involves:

• Coordinating a studio shoot

• Waiting for physical samples to be manufactured

• Setting up controlled lighting and standardized angles

• Editing files post-shoot to meet specs

Drawbacks:

• Expensive and time-consuming

• Difficult to scale across large SKU portfolios

• Hard to maintain consistency across product lines

• Risk of rework if packaging changes post-photoshoot

Option 2: 3D Product Rendering

With platforms like Packely, 3D rendering offers a powerful alternative:

• No physical samples required

• Uses your packaging artwork and a reference photo

• Delivers photorealistic, GS1-compliant images in 48 hours

Benefits of 3D rendering for GDSN images:

• Faster production time

• Fully controlled environment (lighting, angles, scaling)

• Easy to update or revise images later

• Scalable across hundreds of SKUs

• Built-in GS1 image spec options with Packely

Cost & Efficiency Comparison

The Verdict

If you’re a brand managing multiple SKUs, launching new products quickly, or working with limited physical samples, 3D rendering is the clear winner for creating GDSN-compliant images.

With Packely, you can skip the studio and go straight to compliance.

Photorealistic images. Full GS1 compliance. Delivered in 48 hours.

Try your first 3D render free and see the difference.