LinkedIn is a great platform for building your professional network and managing your career. One fun feature is the ability to customize your profile with a background photo. This can allow you to add some personality and visual interest to your LinkedIn page. Here are some tips on how to download a background picture from LinkedIn.
Locating Background Photo Options
The first step is accessing the correct section of LinkedIn to change your background photo. Here’s how:
- Log into your LinkedIn account and go to your profile page.
- Look for and click on the “View profile” button near the top right of the page.
- This will open your public profile view. Near the top right, click the pencil “Edit public profile & URL” icon.
- On the menu that pops up, choose “Background photo” to open background photo options.
This is where you can upload and edit your background photo.
Choosing a Photo
You have a few options for selecting a background photo:
- Upload your own photo: Click the “Upload photo” button and choose a photo from your computer to upload.
- Choose from LinkedIn’s options: LinkedIn provides a selection of stock background images you can choose from. Just click on one you like to select it.
- Use existing profile photo: You can also click the “Use profile photo” option to automatically set your profile picture as the background.
Aim for a high quality image that looks professional. Be careful of busy patterns or images with too many details that could be distracting.
Editing and Saving
Once you’ve selected or uploaded a background photo, you have a few editing options:
- Crop the image as needed with the cropping tool.
- Select a focal point to control which part of the image is highlighted.
- Blur the photo for a softer effect.
- Darken or brighten the image.
Play around with these tools to get the look you want. When you are satisfied, click “Save” to set your new background photo.
Downloading Your Photo
If you want to download the background photo you uploaded for use elsewhere, follow these steps:
- After uploading your photo and saving, click “Cancel” to exit editing.
- This will return you to the main background photo upload page. Hover over your uploaded background image and click the down arrow icon.
- In the dropdown menu, choose “Download background photo.”
- This will download the original unedited version of your photo to your computer.
Now you have your LinkedIn background photo stored locally as well!
Photo Specifications
LinkedIn has some requirements for background photos for the best quality:
- Minimum dimensions are 1400 x 425 pixels.
- Maximum file size is 8MB.
- JPG or PNG format recommended.
Keep these specs in mind when selecting and editing your background photo.
Personalizing Your Profile
A customized background is a great way to showcase your personality and style. Here are some background photo ideas to try:
- Industry-relevant images or charts
- Office spaces or desks
- Abstract designs or patterns
- Nature landscapes
- Travel destinations
Just make sure your photo aligns with your professional brand and won’t look out of place on a business networking platform like LinkedIn.
Troubleshooting Issues
If you are having trouble setting your background photo, here are some things to check:
- Confirm the image size/file size is within LinkedIn’s requirements.
- Try compressing or resizing the photo if it is too large.
- Double check that you properly saved the changes.
- Make sure you have an active internet connection.
- Try uploading the photo in a different format like JPG instead of PNG.
Clearing your browser cache and trying again can also help resolve any issues. Most photos should upload smoothly by following the steps outlined above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the background photo show for mobile app users?
Yes, the LinkedIn background photo you set will be visible across desktop and mobile experiences. Others viewing your profile on the LinkedIn mobile app will be able to see your customized background.
Can I auto-resize a photo during upload?
Unfortunately there is no auto-resize option when uploading a background photo. You will need to manually resize or crop the image to fit the recommended dimensions before uploading.
Is there a way to revert to the default background?
Yes, you can always revert to the default LinkedIn indigo background by selecting “Remove” on the background photo upload page. This will return your profile to the original default look.
Can I use a gif or video file?
LinkedIn currently only supports still image files like JPG and PNG for background photos. Animated gifs and videos are not allowed and will not properly upload.
Conclusion
Uploading a background photo can really take your LinkedIn profile to the next level and allow you to showcase your brand and interests. With LinkedIn’s user-friendly editing tools, you can quickly customize your photo on both desktop and mobile. Just follow the steps outlined here to easily change your background image and make your profile stand out.