Export and Import WooCommerce Product Images Separately in a Zip File

The Product Import Export Plugin for WooCommerce allows you to import and export multiple product images, generate thumbnails, reuse images from the media library, and more. However, when importing a large number of products with images, timeout errors may occur.

To resolve this and improve import speed, you can export product images separately in a zip file using the Export images as zip file option and then import them.

To export product images in a separate zip:

1. Select Post Type
   Go to WebToffee Import/Export (Pro) > Export and choose Product as the post type.
2. Select Export Method
   Choose from:
   • Quick Export – exports basic/standard fields.
   • Pre-saved Template – uses settings from a previously saved export.
   • Advanced Export – lets you filter products, select columns, and configure advanced options.
3. Filter Data
   Narrow down the products to export by number, type, name, category, tag, or status. You can also sort the results.
4. Map and Reorder Columns
   Adjust column names and order for the export file. You can also map additional fields, such as taxonomies, attributes, or custom meta.

For detailed instructions, see the complete guide: How to export products.

5. Advanced Options
   Expand Advanced options and enable Export product images separately.
   This adds the Export images button.

6. Click Export images to generate a zip file containing only product images.
7. Click Download file to save the zip.

Suppose the product LED TV does not have an image, as shown below. In this case, we will import an image for the product using a zip file.

To import an image using a zip:

1. Upload the image (led-tv.jpg) to your WordPress Media Library via drag and drop.

2. In your CSV file, enter the image name (led-tv.jpg) in the images column for that product.

• You can also include title, alt text, and description in the same field using this format:
  filename! alt:Your Alt Text! title:Your Image Title! description:Your Description

• How it works:
  • ! → separates each key–value pair.
  • Key (before the colon) → the field name. Supported keys:
    • title – Image title
    • alt – Alt text (for accessibility & SEO)
    • description – Image description
    • caption – Image caption (optional)
  • Value (after the colon) → the actual text for that field.

3. Save the CSV.
4. Import the CSV using the plugin (refer to How to import WooCommerce products).
5. On successful import, it assigns the image to the product.