Adding images to lots is a critical part of cataloging, and most issues we see are caused by image format, device settings, or connection-related limitations. This article covers the most common questions and problems related to uploading images in BidWrangler, organized by how and where images are added.

BidWrangler supports the following image formats:

• JPG / JPEG  (recommended)

• PNG 

• TIFF 

The following formats are not supported:

• HEIC / HEIF 

If images fail to upload or cause errors, the first thing to check is the file type.

The BidWrangler Catalog App is the most common way images are added to items. Most upload issues stem from device camera settings or network conditions.

For general usage instructions, see:

• How do I use the BidWrangler Catalog App?
  https://support.bidwrangler.com/en/articles/2673728

The Review screen is intended for reviewing and adjusting existing data quickly. Clicking on an item brings up a pop-up with the same UI and fields available as the BidWrangler Catalog App, so this screen may be used to add images as well. Besides being intended for accessing via a personal computer and not a mobile device, the following information regarding the Catalog App often applies to the Review Screen as well.

When photos are taken directly inside the Catalog App:

• Images are automatically handled and uploaded correctly as long as the device is configured for JPG/JPEG images.

Recommended Camera Settings:

iPhone/iOS

• Settings → Camera → Formats

• Select Most Compatible

• Disable HEIC / HEIF

• Turn off Apple ProRAW or high-resolution modes if enabled

Android

• Camera settings → Advanced

• Disable HEIF / High Efficiency formats if available

If you select existing images from your gallery and uploads fail:

• The images may be saved as HEIC / HEIF, so check on the device image/camera settings.

• These formats must be converted to JPG/JPEG before uploading.

• Check to see if camera settings for quality may need to be lowered. Large images and/or large groups of image may fail during an upload if internet connection and speed is inconsistent or drops.

Images shared via text message can behave differently depending on the devices involved.

• If the cataloger is using an iPhone:

  • Images received from another iPhone may remain HEIC

  • The sender should ensure HEIC / HEIF is turned off before taking the photos

• If the cataloger is using an Android:

  • Images downloaded from SMS are typically automatically converted to JPG

  • This usually prevents file-type related upload issues

If image uploads fail after downloading photos from texts, always check the file extension before uploading.

These issues are typically device or connection-related rather than system-wide.

Things to Try First

1. Force close the app and reopen it

2. Restart the device

3. Check for app and OS updates

4. Free up device storage if space is low

5. Switch networks (Wi‑Fi ↔ cellular)

Network Considerations

• Full signal bars do not guarantee fast upload speeds

• Mobile networks can be congested or throttled

• Wi‑Fi is ideal when possible, though not always practical when moving around a site

Helpful App Setting

• Enable Store Images to Camera Roll
  This keeps a local copy of images and can help prevent loss if uploads stall.

Related article:

• Can I save images to my phone from the BW Catalog App?
  https://support.bidwrangler.com/en/articles/2676672

Images can be added directly to individual items through the admin portal.

For step-by-step instructions, see:

• How do I bulk upload images for an item in BidWrangler?
  https://support.bidwrangler.com/en/articles/2671424

Best Practices

• Use JPG/JPEG, PNG, or TIFF only

• Drag and drop images, or use the file selector

• Confirm each image shows a completed progress bar and checkmark

If Uploads Fail

• Try uploading a single JPG image as a test

• Avoid mixed file types

• Refresh the page after converting images

When importing items in bulk with or without a CSV spreadsheet of items, images can be uploaded and automatically assigned by filename.

Key Requirements

• Image files must be JPG, PNG, or TIFF

• Zipped image uploads are not supported

• Filenames must match item numbers

Examples

• One image for item 1 → 1.jpg

• Multiple images → 1-1.jpg, 1-2.jpg, 1-3.jpg

Support Article

• Item Imports: Import an Auction Catalog in Bulk with a CSV File
  https://support.bidwrangler.com/en/articles/2677504

Barcode-based image uploads follow the same formatting rules.

For a detailed guide on creating and assigning images via Barcodes, see:

• How Do I Use Barcodes to Add Images?
  https://support.bidwrangler.com/en/articles/2674112

Reminders

• Supported formats only (JPG, PNG, TIFF)

• No zipped files

• Drag and drop folders directly into the image upload section

If image counts don’t match expectations, use Review barcode attribution before proceeding.

Before contacting support, you may consider troubleshooting the following:

• The image format is supported

  • Make sure images are JPG, PNG, or TIFF

  • HEIC / HEIF is disabled on the device {these settings occasionally reset after operating system updates or setting up new devices}

• Images received via SMS were not retained as HEIC

• Uploads are not relying on congested mobile data

• Internet connection is stable and reliable

• A single JPG upload works successfully

• If on a personal computer, try Google Chrome and make sure it is up-to-date

• Upload from a different device

• Try splitting up your image import into multiple imports/groups of photos

If issues persist, please include:

• Where images are being added (Catalog App, Auction Review, Admin Portal Item's settings, Items Import, etc.)

• Device type (iPhone, Android, personal computer: Mac or PC)

• Image file format

• Any error messages or screen recordings

Providing this information helps us troubleshoot more quickly. Reach out to us at helpdesk@bidwrangler.com