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 will be the first visual element that visitors notice whenever they land in your profile. It’s a large rectangular space that sits behind your profile photo, offering a way to showcase your professional brand, personality, or specific career achievements. A well-designed LinkedIn banner can increase your profile’s overall presentation, making you appear more professional and polished.
However, if the banner is not sized properly, it could appear pixelated, distorted, or cut off, building a negative impression. In this article, we’ll explain the perfect what size is a linkedin banner, how you can design your header image, and supply tips for optimizing it to get a more professional LinkedIn presence.
What is really a LinkedIn Profile Banner?
The LinkedIn profile banner (also called the background photo) may be the large horizontal image located at the top of your profile, just behind your profile picture. Unlike your profile photo, which is a small circular image that represents you, the banner provides ample space to visually improve your profile.
While your profile picture portrays your individual identity, the banner offers more freedom for creativity. This space is typically used to display a corporate logo, an experienced image, a private brand, or even a visual linked to your field of expert knowledge.
Ideal LinkedIn Banner Size
To ensure your banner looks crisp and professional on all devices, it’s important 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 means that your banner image is large enough to produce well on desktop and cellular devices without becoming pixelated or blurry. A wider image enables 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 too short, it might appear stretched or cropped.
Aspect Ratio (4:1): This aspect ratio helps to ensure 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 optimal size to your LinkedIn banner, below are a few design ideas to help you create a standout background image:
1. Keep Important Elements Centered
While LinkedIn permits some flexibility, the banner will be cropped differently on desktop and mobile devices. On mobile, the perimeters of the banner are often stop, so it’s essential to keep key components—such as text, logos, or personal branding—centered in the middle of the picture to ensure visibility across devices.
2. Use High-Quality Images
To avoid a pixelated or blurry banner, only use high-resolution images. A sharp and crisp image will create an experienced first impression and make sure that your banner looks clean across various screen sizes.
3. Make Your Banner Reflect Your Professional Identity
The banner is a way to highlight your profession, career, or expertise. If you are employed in design, as an example, you may showcase some of your best work. If you’re in marketing, a banner having a compelling slogan or possibly a call to action could be fitting. For those who work in corporate roles, a fairly easy but elegant design using your company logo might be ideal.
4. Choose Colors That Complement Your Profile Picture
Since your profile picture will show up over the banner, look at the colors of one's profile photo when making your banner. Ensure that the colors don’t clash and that your particular photo is clearly visible. Choose colors that align with your own 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 to get a minimalist design with just a few key elements that communicate your professional identity without distraction.
6. Align with Your Brand or Industry
For companies, freelancers, or those who work in creative fields, your LinkedIn banner can be a way to promote your services or brand. Consider incorporating your logo, slogan, or a tagline. For individuals in corporate or maybe more traditional fields, a professional photo in connection with your industry or expertise could be a wise decision.
What to Avoid in the LinkedIn Banner
To make the most of your LinkedIn banner, there are a couple of things you should avoid:
Low-Resolution Images: Avoid using blurry or pixelated images, as they can 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 a profile picture. Keep text minimal and legible.
Important Information Near the Edges: Since parts of the banner gets cropped on mobile phones, avoid placing important elements (like text or logos) too near to the edges. Stick to the center for optimum visibility.
Irrelevant or Inconsistent Visuals: Make sure the visuals with your banner are relevant to your professional identity. Avoid images or graphics that don’t align together with your career or expertise.
How to Upload and Change Your LinkedIn Banner
To upload or make positive changes to LinkedIn profile banner:
Go for a LinkedIn profile page.
Hover over your current banner (background photo), and click the camera icon within the upper-right corner from the banner area.
Select the "Upload Photo" option.
Choose the style you want to upload from the computer (ensure it’s the recommended size).
Adjust the image if necessary by moving or resizing it.
Click "Apply" in order to save the changes.
Your LinkedIn profile banner is a lot more than just an attractive background—it's a robust tool to help you showcase your professional brand, highlight your expertise, and create a polished and impressive first impression for visitors. By following the recommended size 1584 x 396 pixels and staying with the best practices for design, you can make your banner a compelling part of the LinkedIn profile that sticks out to prospective clients, employers, or colleagues.