How to search by image

Image search reads shape, material and layout from a photo and returns visually similar listings. It is the quickest route when you hold a sample, a part from a broken machine, or a competitor's product.

Use it

1. Open /search/image.
2. Upload a photo, or paste one from the clipboard with Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac).
3. Crop to the product if the photo shows a whole shelf or a room. Select Crop and drag a box around the item.
4. Choose the search region if it matters — a European plug and a US plug look nearly identical to buyers but not to your customers.

Getting better matches

• One product per photo. Group shots confuse the match.
• Plain background, even light. A catalogue shot on white matches better than a lifestyle photo.
• Shoot the side that carries information. For packaging that is the printed label; for machinery the model plate; for garments the seams and care tag.
• Add a text hint. Type for motorcycle or 30cm beside the image; text plus image narrows results sharply.
• Check the reference object's scale if you need size. An image alone cannot tell 10 cm from 10 m.

What the results mean

Each result shows the matched product, the supplier and the MOQ, with a match confidence percentage. Below roughly 60 percent, treat the result as inspiration for a keyword search rather than an equivalent product.

When it misses

• Try the reverse side or a detail shot.
• Search the visible text on the product as keywords, including the model number.
• Post an RFQ with the image attached. Human suppliers recognise things models miss, such as tooling marks and surface finish.

Related

• *How to search for products*
• *How to post an RFQ*