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How to Create Images with Full Parameters

Goal: Use the IMAGE.CREATE function to add a new image with all available parameters including labels, roles, and custom image codes.

Prerequisites

  • Excel with cobby installed
  • Image file available locally or via URL
  • Understanding of Magento image roles (Base, Small, Thumbnail)

Understanding IMAGE.CREATE

The IMAGE.CREATE (German: BILD.ERSTELLEN) function creates a single image with complete control over all parameters.

Syntax:

=IMAGE.CREATE("File","Label",Exclude,Small,Thumbnail,Base,CustomImageCode1,CustomImageCode2,CustomImageCode3)

Parameters:

ParameterTypeDescriptionRequired
FileTextLocal path or URL to imageYes
LabelTextImage description/alt textYes
ExcludeTRUE/FALSEExclude from frontendNo (default: FALSE)
SmallTRUE/FALSESet as Small Image roleNo (default: FALSE)
ThumbnailTRUE/FALSESet as Thumbnail roleNo (default: FALSE)
BaseTRUE/FALSESet as Base Image roleNo (default: FALSE)
CustomImageCode1-3TextCustom image codesNo

Steps

1. Locate Your Image

Choose your image source:

  • Local path: C:\Users\Name\Pictures\image.jpg
  • URL: https://example.com/images/product.jpg
  • Magento media/import: Just filename image.jpg

2. Build Your Formula

Click on the Images column cell and create your formula.

Basic example (file and label only):

=IMAGE.CREATE("C:\cobby_logo.png";"The cobby logo")

Full example with all parameters:

=IMAGE.CREATE("C:\cobby_logo.png";"The cobby logo";FALSE;TRUE;TRUE;TRUE)

3. Understand the Result

After entering the formula, Excel converts it to JSON code:

{
"file": "C:\\cobby_logo.png",
"label": "The cobby logo",
"position": 0,
"url": "C:\\cobby_logo.png",
"exclude": false,
"imageCodes": ["thumbnail", "small_image", "image"]
}

4. Verify in Task Pane

  1. Click on the cell with your image formula
  2. The cobby Images Task Pane displays your image configuration

  1. Verify all settings are correct:
    • Image file path
    • Label/description
    • Image roles (Small, Thumbnail, Base)
    • Exclude status

5. Save to Magento

  1. Click Save products in cobby
  2. The image is uploaded to Magento
  3. The image appears in your store according to the roles assigned

Common Use Cases

Set All Image Roles

Make an image the primary image by setting all roles:

=IMAGE.CREATE("product.jpg";"Main Product Image";FALSE;TRUE;TRUE;TRUE)

Add an additional gallery image without any special roles:

=IMAGE.CREATE("product_detail.jpg";"Detail View")

Exclude Image from Frontend

Create an image for internal use only:

=IMAGE.CREATE("internal_photo.jpg";"Internal Documentation";TRUE)

Add Custom Image Codes

Use custom image codes for specific purposes:

=IMAGE.CREATE("C:\product.jpg";"Product Image";FALSE;TRUE;TRUE;TRUE;"AMAZON";"ZALANDO";"EBAY")

This is useful for:

  • Marketplace integrations
  • Feed generation
  • Custom export requirements

Dynamic Formula Examples

Use Product Name as Label

=IMAGE.CREATE("C:\Images\"&[@SKU]&".jpg";[@[Product Name]])

Set Roles Conditionally

Use IF function to set roles based on conditions:

=IMAGE.CREATE([@SKU]&".jpg";"Product Image";FALSE;TRUE;TRUE;[@[Is Main Image]]))

Combine Path Components

=IMAGE.CREATE("C:\Images\"&[@Brand]&"\"&[@SKU]&".jpg";[@[Product Name]]&" - "&[@Brand])

Troubleshooting

Formula shows as text

  • Change cell format to General
  • Re-enter the formula

Image not found error

  • Verify file path is correct
  • Check file exists at specified location
  • Use double backslashes in paths: C:\\Images\\

Image roles not applied

  • Use TRUE/FALSE (not 1/0)
  • Check parameter order matches function syntax
  • Verify no missing semicolons between parameters

JSON conversion failed

  • Check all text parameters are in quotes
  • Verify boolean parameters (TRUE/FALSE) are not quoted
  • Ensure semicolons separate all parameters

Image not uploading to Magento

  • Verify cobby connection is active
  • Check file format is supported (JPG, PNG, GIF)
  • Ensure file isn't corrupted
  • Verify file size isn't too large

Advanced Tips

Multiple custom image codes: Add up to 3 custom codes directly in the formula for integrations.

Cell references for all parameters: Store parameters in separate columns:

=IMAGE.CREATE([@[Image Path]];[@[Image Label]];[@Exclude];[@Small];[@Thumbnail];[@Base])

Combine with IMAGES.ADD: Use IMAGE.CREATE as the first parameter in IMAGES.ADD for full control of the first image:

=IMAGES.ADD(IMAGE.CREATE("image1.jpg";"Main";FALSE;TRUE;TRUE;TRUE);"image2.jpg";"image3.jpg")