DoorDash + Uber Eats Photo Requirements (2025): Sizes, Crops, and a Zero-Rework Workflow

Delivery apps are thumbnail-first. That means your “perfect” photo can still lose if: It’s cropped badly. The dish is unclear as a thumbnail. Colors look yellow/flat. The upload is soft/blurry. This guide focuses on what matters for DoorDash and Uber Eats: clarity, crop safety, and consistency—plus a workflow that avoids redoing work for every platform.

TL;DR

Shoot with safe space so crops don’t cut off the food. Use one consistent style across the menu (background + angle + light). Upload a high-quality master photo, then export platform crops from one source. Specs change—use a spec workflow instead of memorizing numbers.

The real requirement: pass the thumbnail test

Before you upload any photo: Open it on your phone. Zoom out until it looks like a delivery app tile. Ask: “Can I tell what this is in one second?”.

If no, reshoot or pick a better frame.

Specs change. Here’s how to handle it.

Platforms adjust layouts and crops over time.

So instead of hardcoding one “perfect size”, your workflow should be: Keep a clean, high-res master photo. Export platform crops from the master. Check the latest spec tool when you upload. Use: /tools/image-requirements

Crop-safe framing rules (works across DoorDash + Uber Eats)

Treat the edges as disposable.

Rules: Center the hero ingredient. Keep the plate fully visible. Leave breathing room around the dish. Don’t place key ingredients near the border. If you shoot too tight, the crop removes the bun, rim, or toppings.

Lighting rules that matter on delivery apps

Delivery app photos are viewed on phones, often in bright environments.

Avoid: Dim photos. Heavy shadows. Yellow casts. Do: Shoot near a window (side light is best). Turn off mixed overhead lights. Use a white foam board to lift shadows.

Dish-type shot guide (angles that win)

Burgers / sandwiches

Angle: 45°. Goal: show layers + texture. Rule: keep bun fully visible.

Bowls (ramen, poke, salads)

Angle: overhead or high 45°. Goal: show variety + freshness. Rule: keep the rim visible.

Pizza

Angle: overhead or slight 45°. Goal: show toppings clearly. Rule: keep the crust centered (don’t crop it off).

Fries + sides

Angle: 45°. Goal: show portion + crispness. Rule: shoot immediately (fresh fries matter).

Desserts

Angle: 45° for slices, overhead for plated. Goal: show richness + texture. Rule: clean plate edges.

Drinks

Angle: 45°. Goal: manage reflections. Rule: rotate glass to avoid glare lines.

The zero-rework workflow (shoot once → export everywhere)

Step 1) Shoot a batch in one consistent setup

Use one: Background. Light direction. Default angle.

Consistency makes your menu look trustworthy.

Step 2) Pick winners (don’t “fix” bad frames)

Pick the photo that: Reads well as a thumbnail. Is crop-safe. Has accurate color.

Step 3) Enhance and clean up

Safe edits: Exposure + white balance. Background cleanup. Mild sharpening.

Avoid edits that change ingredients or portions.

Step 4) Export platform crops

Export: DoorDash crop. Uber Eats crop. Square (for social). Optional 16:9 (for promos).

Use: /tools/image-requirements

Step 5) Upload + QA in-app

After upload, do a final check: Thumbnail readability. No weird cropping. No blurry compression artifacts.

If it looks soft: upload a higher-quality source or export at higher resolution.

Common DoorDash/Uber Eats photo problems (and fixes)

Problem: blurry uploads

Fix: Start from a higher-res master. Avoid repeatedly saving JPEGs. Export once at good quality.

Problem: food looks yellow/green

Fix: Correct white balance. Avoid mixed lighting. Shoot near a window.

Problem: crops cut off the dish

Fix: Reshoot with breathing room. Keep the hero centered.

Problem: menu looks inconsistent

Fix: Define a photo style guide and follow it.

Use the style guide template: /blog/restaurant-photo-style-guide

FAQ

Should I use the same photo on DoorDash and Uber Eats?

Often yes, if it’s crop-safe. The key is exporting each platform’s crop from one high-quality master.

How many items should I upgrade first?

Start with your top 10 sellers. That’s where you’ll see the fastest impact.

Do I need a photographer to win on delivery apps?

No. A consistent phone workflow that produces clear thumbnails beats a once-a-year shoot that goes stale.

Ready to upgrade your menu photos?

Start for $5/month (20 credits) or buy a $5 top-up (20 credits). Start for $5/month → Buy a $5 top-up → View pricing → No free trials. Credits roll over while your account stays active. 30-day money-back guarantee.