Having an eye-catching profile picture on LinkedIn is important for making a good first impression and standing out. However, uploading the wrong photo or one that doesn’t fit LinkedIn’s recommended dimensions can undermine your profile. Cropping your photos properly ensures they display correctly and look professional on your LinkedIn profile. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to crop a picture to fit LinkedIn’s requirements:
LinkedIn’s Recommended Profile Photo Dimensions
LinkedIn recommends uploading a professional headshot photo with the following dimensions:
- Image should be 400 x 400 pixels minimum
- Image can be up to 20,000 x 20,000 pixels maximum
- Image file size should be under 8 MB
- Image should be in JPG, GIF, or PNG format
Having a photo sized at 400 x 400 pixels ensures it will look crisp and clear across all devices and on your profile thumbnail. A larger photo that meets the max dimensions will look great on desktop but the 400 x 400 crop is vital.
Steps to Crop a Photo for LinkedIn
Here are the steps to crop a picture to meet LinkedIn’s recommended 400 x 400 pixel size:
- Open the photo you want to use in an editing program like Preview, Paint, Photo Editor, etc.
- Go to the crop tool and set the crop area to be 400 x 400 pixels. This may require adjusting the handles on the crop area to get it precisely sized.
- Position the crop area over the part of the photo you want to feature. This will likely be a headshot area.
- Crop the photo. The remaining image will now be sized 400 x 400 pixels.
- Optional: Use the editor’s other tools to touch up the photo – adjust brightness/contrast, apply filters, etc.
- Save and export the cropped photo. Be sure to save it with the proper file type and size limit.
- Upload the cropped 400 x 400 pixel photo to your LinkedIn profile.
And that’s it! Those steps will ensure your photo meets LinkedIn’s recommended specifications. Cropping it precisely before uploading gives it the best chance of looking great on your profile.
Tips for Cropping LinkedIn Photos
Here are some tips to ensure you crop your LinkedIn photos effectively:
- Focus just on head and shoulders – Get close enough to show from head to shoulders only.
- Center your face/eyes – Align the crop area so your eyes and face are at the center.
- Use a plain background – Choose a photo with a plain backdrop to avoid distracting backgrounds.
- Get close for clarity – Take the photo close-up for better resolution and clarity.
- Maintain eye contact – Choose a photo looking directly at the camera for better engagement.
- Crop evenly – Avoid chopping off parts of your head or shoulders unevenly.
Other LinkedIn Profile Photo Tips
In addition to cropping your photo properly, here are some other tips for your LinkedIn profile image:
- Use a professional headshot – Have a pro take your photo or take it against a plain background.
- Wear professional attire – Dress professionally as you would for an interview.
- Smile naturally – A warm, friendly smile looks inviting and approachable.
- Ensure good lighting – Use outdoor light or proper indoor lighting for a clear, bright photo.
- Maintain simple background – Don’t use distracting or unprofessional backgrounds.
- Look at the camera – Eye contact engages the viewer and builds trust.
Problems Uploading a Photo to LinkedIn
If you are having issues uploading your newly cropped photo to LinkedIn, here are some things to check:
- Supported file type – LinkedIn only allows JPG, GIF, and PNG image types.
- File size – The image file size needs to be under 8 MB.
- Dimensions – Double check the photo is sized at 400 x 400 pixels.
- Aspect ratio – LinkedIn requires a 1:1 aspect ratio for profile pictures.
- Try re-saving the image file at a lower quality and smaller file size if the original is too large.
- Clear browser cache and cookies to eliminate possible corrupted files.
- Try uploading from a different browser or device if it still fails from your main device.
Following LinkedIn’s recommended specifications when cropping and uploading your profile photo ensures it will look great on all screens and devices. A professional, high-quality headshot builds your brand and makes a fantastic first impression.
Conclusion
Cropping your photos properly before uploading them to LinkedIn is key to having a stellar profile image. Follow their recommended 400 x 400 pixel dimensions, focus on a close headshot, use a plain background, maintain eye contact, dress professionally, and crop the image evenly around your head and shoulders. With a crisp, clear, and engaging photo that meets LinkedIn’s specifications, you can put your best face forward on your profile.
