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Can I import images from external sources like Dropbox or Google Drive


Yes, you can import images from external sources like Dropbox or Google Drive when importing products into WooCommerce, but there are some important considerations:

1. Use direct download links: For Dropbox or Google Drive images, ensure the URL you provide downloads the image directly rather than just linking to it[2]. Standard sharing links often won't work.

2. URL format matters: WooCommerce expects image URLs to end with a recognized image extension like .jpg, .png, etc. Google Drive and Dropbox don't typically provide links in this format by default[1].

3. Potential solutions:
- Use a service like the Chrome Extension "Drive Explorer" (paid) to generate direct download links for Google Drive images[1].
- For Dropbox, you may need to modify the sharing link to create a direct download URL.

4. Alternative approach: Instead of linking directly to external sources, you could:
- Download the images to your local computer
- Upload them to your WordPress Media Library
- Use the image filenames in your CSV import file[2]

5. CSV formatting: When including multiple images for a product, separate the URLs or filenames with a pipe symbol (|)[2][5].

6. Verify URLs: Before importing, test the image URLs in a browser to ensure they're valid and accessible[2][5].

7. Import process: When mapping columns during import, ensure the "Images" column is properly mapped[5].

While it's possible to import from external sources, it may be more reliable to host the images on your own server or use a dedicated image hosting service that provides direct download links. This avoids potential issues with changing URLs or access restrictions on third-party services.

Citations:
[1] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/73844747/how-to-import-images-from-google-drive-to-woocommerce-importer-using-image-urls
[2] https://woocommerce.com/document/import-woocommerce-product-images/
[3] https://comohacerunapagina.es/en/como-importar-imagenes-desde-dropbox-y-google-drive-en-woocommerce/
[4] https://www.wpbeginner.com/plugins/how-to-connect-google-drive-to-your-wordpress-media-library/
[5] https://www.webtoffee.com/woocommerce-import-products-with-images/