Listsy checks the PNG against these file specs
Listsy prepares the design on a fixed square canvas, checks its four color channels, and inspects the alpha channel for transparent and opaque pixels. The filename alone does not establish that a PNG meets these requirements.
The target is one 3000 by 3000 pixel, 300 DPI, RGBA PNG with visible artwork and a transparent background. The package QA accepts a small DPI metadata tolerance from 295 to 305, then checks the extracted file again after ZIP creation.
| Property | Expected value | Failure example |
|---|---|---|
| Width and height | 3000 by 3000 pixels | A smaller or non-square extracted image |
| Mode | RGBA with four channels | An RGB file with no alpha channel |
| DPI metadata | 300 target, 295 to 305 accepted in package QA | Missing or unrelated print-density metadata |
| Alpha range | Transparent and opaque pixels | A fully opaque image saved as PNG |
| Visible artwork | A non-empty alpha bounding box | A file that became fully transparent during cleanup |
A checkerboard alone cannot prove transparency
A checker pattern can be baked into an image and still look transparent at a glance. Listsy generates eight proof views from the final file so background leaks, dark or light halos, clipped artwork, and fake transparency are easier to spot.
| Proof | What it reveals |
|---|---|
| Transparent preview | The stored PNG rendered with its alpha channel |
| Checker | The familiar transparency pattern without trusting the source preview |
| Green and pink backgrounds | Colored edge contamination and missed background areas |
| Black and white backgrounds | Light or dark halos around the artwork |
| Alpha mask | The actual transparency values without color distraction |
| Edge close-up | Clipping, fringe, and rough transitions at the artwork boundary |
File facts and visual inspection catch different failures
Automated file checks can confirm dimensions, color channels, DPI metadata, transparency values, and package contents. They cannot decide whether the artwork looks clipped, whether a halo is distracting, or whether required text changed during processing.
The visual review uses the proof views to catch background leaks, halos, clipped artwork, fake transparency, changed required text, screenshots, mockups, and contact sheets. That review is a production guardrail, not proof of originality or policy compliance.
- A valid alpha channel can still contain poor edges.
- A clean edge can still surround the wrong design.
- A correct file can still use material the seller cannot sell.
- The seller should inspect the final PNG at full size before publication.
Listsy opens the ZIP and checks the files inside
Listsy packages the final PNG with a README, then reads the ZIP contents back. The package must be present, stay at or below Etsy's 20 MB per-file limit, contain the expected PNG and README, and exclude unexpected source images or listing media.
The extracted PNG must still satisfy the dimensions, RGBA, DPI, and transparency checks. This catches a package that exists but contains the wrong or damaged file.
- 01
Build the buyer ZIP
Package only the final product PNG and README for the launch product.
- 02
Inspect the archive
List the entries and reject missing, unexpected, empty, or corrupt contents.
- 03
Extract the PNG
Open the PNG inside the final buyer ZIP.
- 04
Run the file checks again
Confirm dimensions, RGBA mode, DPI tolerance, and true transparency after extraction.
Do not confuse the downloadable PNG with Etsy listing media
Etsy allows PNG as an uploaded image type but says transparent PNG is not supported for shop images because transparent regions can appear black. The downloadable transparent PNG and the listing gallery therefore serve different purposes.
Listsy keeps the transparent product file in the buyer ZIP and uses it as the source for separate 3000 by 3000 pixel opaque JPEG listing images. It checks those scenes against the artwork before upload. A good gallery image does not replace buyer-file checks, and a good buyer file does not replace gallery review.
| Question | Buyer PNG | Listing image |
|---|---|---|
| Who receives it? | The buyer after purchase | The shopper sees it before purchase |
| Transparency | Required for the launch product | Flattened for reliable display |
| Main check | File integrity and edge quality | Accurate presentation and design consistency |
| Included in ZIP | Yes | No |
Practical questions
Sources checked
Policy and marketplace details can change. These are the pages used for this review. Check Etsy directly before making a listing decision.