Having an eye-catching headshot is crucial for making a great first impression on LinkedIn. A well-cropped headshot allows you to put your best face forward and stand out from the crowd. Cropping your headshot properly ensures the focus is on you by eliminating unnecessary background details. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cropping a headshot for your LinkedIn profile.
Why You Should Crop Your LinkedIn Headshot
Cropping gives your LinkedIn profile a polished, professional look by:
- Drawing attention to your face and expression
- Minimizing distracting background elements
- Improving image composition and balance
- Displaying correctly across platforms and screen sizes
An uncropped photo with lots of empty space around your head doesn’t make the best impression. Cropping creates a headshot that’s focused, engaging, and optimized for the small profile picture circle on LinkedIn.
How to Crop a Headshot for LinkedIn
Step 1: Pick an appropriate headshot
Start with a high-quality headshot taken in front of a neutral background. The headshot should clearly show your face, shoulders and upper body. Make sure it’s well-lit and in focus. Pick one where you look approachable and friendly.
Step 2: Upload it to LinkedIn’s photo editor
Go to your LinkedIn profile and click the photo icon to open the photo upload tool. Drag your headshot file onto the upload box or browse to locate it on your computer. LinkedIn allows JPG, PNG and GIF formats. The ideal size is 400×400 pixels.
Step 3: Zoom and pan
Once your headshot is uploaded, you’ll see zoom and pan tools to adjust the image framing. Zoom in so your head and shoulders fill most of the frame. Pan left, right, up or down to center yourself in the picture.
Step 4: Adjust orientation
If your headshot was taken in portrait orientation, rotate it to landscape using the orientation tool. Landscape is ideal for LinkedIn’s horizontal profile picture space.
Step 5: Apply the crop
Use the crop box to isolate your head and shoulders in the frame. Drag the corners and edges to remove excess background. Click “Apply” to finalize the crop.
Step 6: Review and save changes
Double check that your new cropped headshot looks professional and high-quality. Click “Save changes” to update your LinkedIn profile picture.
LinkedIn Headshot Cropping Tips
Follow these best practices when cropping your LinkedIn profile picture:
- Pay attention to head positioning. Leave slightly more space above your head than below your chin.
- Focus on your face. Crop closely around your head, face and shoulders.
- Watch the background. Remove or blur any distracting background elements.
- Mind the composition. Use the rule of thirds for optimal balance.
- Be consistent. Crop new photos to match your existing framing and style.
Common Cropping Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let these issues detract from your LinkedIn profile:
- Overcropping – Excessively tight cropping that cuts off your hair, neck or shoulders
- Undercropping – Leaving too much empty space around your head
- Uneven cropping – Off-center or unbalanced framing
- Distracting backgrounds – Keeping cluttered or inappropriate backgrounds
- Low quality – Using a small, grainy or distorted source photo
Alternatives to Cropping a Headshot
If you don’t have photo editing software or experience cropping images, here are a few options:
LinkedIn Mobile App
The LinkedIn app for iOS and Android includes built-in cropping tools when uploading your profile photo. Use your phone’s camera to take a new headshot and edit it seamlessly in the app.
LinkedIn Profile Picture Tools
LinkedIn has basic cropping and filtering options when you upload a photo on their website. While limited, they can help improve old profile pictures.
Online Photo Editors
Free online photo editors like PicMonkey, Canva and Adobe Express offer quick cropping tools if you don’t have photo software. Upload your headshot and make basic edits for free.
Photography Studio
Consider hiring a professional photographer experienced in corporate headshots. Ask them to provide properly cropped photos ready to upload to LinkedIn.
Cropping Tips for Other Social Media Sites
Optimizing your headshot for different platforms helps unify your personal brand. Use these cropping sizes:
| Platform | Photo Type | Ideal Size |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Picture | 400 x 400 pixels | |
| Profile Picture | 180 x 180 pixels | |
| Profile Picture | 400 x 400 pixels | |
| Profile Picture | 110 x 110 pixels |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does LinkedIn require a cropped headshot?
LinkedIn’s small profile picture circle highlights cropped headshots. An uncropped photo appears too small and indistinct. Cropping focuses attention on you.
What photo editing tools can I use to crop my picture?
On desktop, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP and PicMonkey work well. On mobile, the LinkedIn app, Snapseed, Adobe Photoshop Express and other photo editors have cropping.
What should I wear in my LinkedIn photo?
Wear professional attire in a solid color that complements your complexion. Avoid bold patterns or distracting accessories. Keep your look simple and consistent.
What background is best for a LinkedIn headshot?
A solid neutral or soft blurred background draws focus to your face. Avoid cluttered, inappropriate or distracting backgrounds.
Should I smile with teeth showing in my LinkedIn photo?
A friendly, warm smile makes a good first impression. Avoid wide grins that look unnatural. Keep your mouth closed or slightly open.
Conclusion
Cropping your LinkedIn headshot is a quick and easy way to perfect your profile. Following LinkedIn’s recommended cropping guidelines helps you put your best face forward. Remove distracting backgrounds, focus on your face, and maintain a consistent look across platforms. With a properly cropped headshot, you can convey professionalism and approachability to new connections.