This article describes the whiteout editing process used on the Primary Image of items listed on Chairish.
This article contains the following sections:
What is Whiteout Editing?
Chairish automatically removes the background of the primary (first) image on most listings to present your item on a clean white ground. This 'whiteout' editing process helps buyers see the product clearly and creates a consistent experience across the marketplace.
Whiteout editing includes background removal and light clean-up (ex. remove a small wire or dolly, reduce obvious shadows). Our edits are intentionally limited to keep your images as close to your original upload as possible.
- Edits are applied to the first photo only.
- All additional photos in your listing remain exactly as you uploaded them- no enhancements or edits are applied to those.
- See additional editing limitations below.
If the edited primary image looks off or distorted, or the wrong image shows as the primary, contact us with the listing URL and a brief description of the issue. Our team will review and requeue the correct edit.
Click here to learn more about Primary Images.
Timeframe
- Most whiteout edits and corrections are completed and visible on the site within 24 hours of our team queuing the request.
- If your listing is pending publication due to an image fix, it will go live automatically once editing is complete.
- If it's been more than 24 hours since you uploaded your primary image and it still hasn't been edited, contact us with the listing link for an update.
Can I Opt-Out?
We're not able to disable or create exceptions to the whiteout editing process on a per-listing basis. If you prefer a particular look for your non-primary images, upload them as you'd like them to appear. If you notice any issue introduced by the whiteout editing process, contact Support and we’ll correct it.
Limitations
Our whiteout editing process focuses on background cleanup and light, basic adjustments. It does not remove parts of the object or materially alter the item.
Examples:
- We cannot remove an integral 'part' of the object or modify its design.
- We cannot heavily retouch or alter the appearance of the product itself (ex. change colors, hide damage, or materially modify design details).
- We cannot enhance overall image quality beyond what your original file supports.
- If a floor or other environment element is part of the photographed scene, we may not be able to remove it without replacing the photo entirely. In these cases, provide an alternate image with a clean background and clear view of the full piece.
- For issues like cloudy glass or reflections, we’ll do our best within standard editing, but advanced retouching may require a new, better photo.
Read our full photo guide for more tips on photographing your items.
Requesting Additional Edits
If your primary image needs adjustment after whiteout (ex. remnants left behind, an unwanted prop, a shadow), our photo team can help, as long as the requested edits don't exceed the limitations listed above.
To request additional edits, email Support with the following:
- Link to the item listing.
- A detailed description of the issue you want corrected (ex. "remove the dolly", "fix remnants under the vessel", "remove the shadow from the bottom right of the image", "correct the whiteout on the glass"). Be as specific as possible about the exact image and the exact area to adjust.
- An attached screenshot with the area circled, if helpful.
Once we receive your request, we’ll queue the edit with our whiteout team and confirm once it’s in progress. Most updates appear on the site within 24 hours. If your listing is pending publication due to the edit, it will publish automatically when the fix completes.
- For faster resolution, please avoid resubmitting multiple requests for the same item- reply to your existing ticket for continuity.