LinkedIn Profile Banner Size: How to Design the Perfect Header Image
LinkedIn Profile Banner Size: How to Design the Perfect Header Image
Blog Article
Your LinkedIn profile banner is the first visual element that visitors notice once they land on the profile. It’s a big rectangular space that sits behind your profile photo, offering a chance to showcase your professional brand, personality, or specific career achievements. A well-designed LinkedIn banner can transform your profile’s overall presentation, causing you to be appear more professional and polished.
However, if your banner just isn't sized properly, it can appear pixelated, distorted, or cut-off, creating a negative impression. In this article, we’ll explain the optimal linkedin banner size, the way to design your header image, and provide tips for optimizing it to get a more professional LinkedIn presence.
What is a LinkedIn Profile Banner?
The LinkedIn profile banner (also referred to as the background photo) is the large horizontal image located near the top of your profile, just behind your profile picture. Unlike your profile photo, which is often a small circular image signifying you, the banner provides ample space to visually transform your profile.
While your profile picture portrays your individual identity, the banner offers more freedom for creativity. This space is commonly used to display a corporate logo, a specialist image, a personal brand, or even a visual in connection with your field of expert knowledge.
Ideal LinkedIn Banner Size
To keep your banner looks crisp and professional on all devices, it’s crucial to use the correct dimensions. LinkedIn recommends the following size for optimal display:
Recommended Dimensions: 1584 x 396 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 4:1 (width to height)
Maximum File Size: 8MB
File Formats: JPG, PNG, or GIF
Why These Dimensions Matter
Width (1584 pixels): This width makes sure that your banner image is large enough to display well on desktop and cellular devices without becoming pixelated or blurry. A wider image provides for better resolution, especially on high-definition screens.
Height (396 pixels): The 396-pixel height is optimal for displaying the banner without distortion, while also fitting neatly into LinkedIn’s profile layout. If the image is simply too short, it may well appear stretched or cropped.
Aspect Ratio (4:1): This aspect ratio ensures that the image appears proportional on both desktop and mobile views. Images that follow this ratio won’t get cropped or distorted.
Best Practices for Designing Your LinkedIn Banner
Now that you know the best size on your LinkedIn banner, here are some design good ideas , create a standout background image:
1. Keep Important Elements Centered
While LinkedIn enables some flexibility, the banner will probably be cropped differently on desktop and mobile devices. On mobile, the edges of the banner are often take off, so it’s vital to keep important elements—such as text, logos, or personal branding—centered inside the middle of the picture to ensure visibility across devices.
2. Use High-Quality Images
To avoid a pixelated or blurry banner, always use high-resolution images. A sharp and crisp image will create an expert first impression and make certain that your banner looks clean across various screen sizes.
3. Make Your Banner Reflect Your Professional Identity
The banner is the opportunity to highlight your profession, career, or expertise. If you work in design, for instance, you could showcase several of your best work. If you’re in marketing, a banner with a compelling slogan or perhaps a call to action could be fitting. For those involved with corporate roles, a simple but elegant design with your company logo might be ideal.
4. Choose Colors That Complement Your Profile Picture
Since your profile picture will be over the banner, take into account the colors of your profile photo when designing your banner. Ensure that the colours don’t clash and your photo is clearly visible. Choose colors that align with your own personal brand, industry, or LinkedIn profile content.
5. Avoid Clutter
Keep your LinkedIn banner design clean and uncluttered. Too much text or overly busy images can overwhelm visitors. Instead, opt for the minimalist design with just a number of key elements that communicate your professional identity without distraction.
6. Align with Your Brand or Industry
For business owners, freelancers, or those who work in creative fields, your LinkedIn banner could be a way to promote your services or brand. Consider incorporating your logo, slogan, or even a tagline. For individuals in corporate or higher traditional fields, an experienced photo in connection with your industry or expertise may be a good option.
What to Avoid inside a LinkedIn Banner
To make the most of the LinkedIn banner, there are several things you should avoid:
Low-Resolution Images: Avoid using blurry or pixelated images, as they are able give a bad impression. Always use high-quality, sharp images.
Overloading the Banner with Text: Too much text will make your banner look cluttered and distract from the profile picture. Keep text minimal and legible.
Important Information Near the Edges: Since parts with the banner gets cropped on mobile phones, avoid placing key components (like text or logos) too towards the edges. Stick to the center for max visibility.
Irrelevant or Inconsistent Visuals: Make sure the visuals with your banner are tightly related to your professional identity. Avoid images or graphics that don’t align using your career or expertise.
How to Upload and Change Your LinkedIn Banner
To upload or alter your LinkedIn profile banner:
Go for a LinkedIn profile page.
Hover over your overall banner (background photo), and then click the camera icon inside upper-right corner in the banner area.
Select the "Upload Photo" option.
Choose the picture you want to upload from a computer (ensure it’s the recommended size).
Adjust the picture if necessary by moving or resizing it.
Click "Apply" to avoid wasting the changes.
Your LinkedIn profile banner is a lot more than just an attractive background—it's an effective tool to assist you showcase your professional brand, highlight your expertise, and develop a polished and impressive first impression for visitors. By following the recommended size 1584 x 396 pixels and sticking with the best practices for design, you could make your banner a compelling part of your LinkedIn profile that stands out to potential clients, employers, or colleagues.