Having an eye-catching banner image on your LinkedIn profile can help you stand out and make a great first impression. However, designing a banner that properly fits the dimensions of LinkedIn’s layout can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you create a LinkedIn banner image that looks fantastic.
What are the LinkedIn banner dimensions?
LinkedIn displays banner images at 646 x 220 pixels on desktop. This elongated rectangle layout is optimized for desktop, since most LinkedIn usage happens on larger screens.
However, LinkedIn uses a different banner size for mobile devices. On phones and tablets, the LinkedIn banner displays at 320 x 100 pixels.
So you’ll need to design your banner at two different sizes to look good across all devices. Create one 646 x 220 pixel banner for desktop, and another separate 320 x 100 pixel mobile banner.
How do I create a banner with the right dimensions?
Designing a LinkedIn banner with precise dimensions can be tricky without the right graphics tools. Here are some tips:
- Use photo editing software like Photoshop, GIMP, or Canva to create an image at exactly 646 x 220 pixels.
- Set guides or rulers in your software to the 646 width and 220 height to keep your design within bounds.
- Save and export your image at the exact pixel dimensions without resizing or stretching.
- Repeat to create a separate 320 x 100 mobile banner.
Some tips for Canva:
- Go to Canva and start a new Custom Dimensions design.
- Enter 646 width and 220 height to create a canvas sized for LinkedIn banner.
- Design your banner artwork within those guides.
- Export the image with bounds exactly at 646 x 220.
How do I pick the right image and colors?
Beyond getting the dimensions right, you’ll also want to make sure your banner looks great. Here are some design tips:
- Use high resolution images that won’t look pixelated or blurry. Sharp photography works better than illustrations.
- Avoid cluttered or busy backgrounds which are distracting. Clean and simple works best.
- Use vibrant solid colors that stand out on small banners.
- Focus on one strong image or visual theme.
- Make sure text stands out clearly and is easy to read on the background.
- Consider brands colors or visual style for a consistent look.
How do I add my banner image to LinkedIn?
Once you’ve designed your desktop and mobile banner images perfectly sized, it’s easy to add them to LinkedIn:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile and click “Edit public profile & URL” on desktop.
- Click the pencil icon to edit your background photo.
- Upload your 646 x 220 desktop banner and save changes.
- Switch to mobile LinkedIn app or view profile on phone.
- Tap “Edit public profile & URL” and change background photo.
- Upload your 320 x 100 mobile banner.
Your new banner images should now be live! Be sure to preview on both desktop and mobile to make sure the images fit as expected on all devices.
What types of images work best?
When deciding what to showcase on your banner, consider these popular options that tend to work well:
- Headshot or portrait: A professional headshot establishes gravitas and expertise. Dress formally and look directly at camera.
- Company branding: Showcase brands colors, logo, products to highlight your company.
- Industry imagery: Convey your field with relatable photos, like tech gadgets or medical graphics.
- Backgrounds and textures: Fade your photo into an interesting background scene tied to your niche.
- Data visualization: Charts and graphs can make you appear more analytical and scientific.
Avoid amateurish selfies or party photos. LinkedIn banners showcase professionalism.
What types of text help a banner?
While banners focus mainly on visuals, text can help strengthen your brand when used sparingly. Consider adding:
- Slogans or taglines: Summarize what makes you or your company special.
- Names and titles: Establish who you are and your expertise.
- Offerings: List products, services, or focus areas.
- Call to action: Direct viewers to take a specific action like contacting you.
Keep text short, large, and high contrast. Avoid long paragraphs of text which are hard to read. Let the imagery make first visual impact.
What makes a bad LinkedIn banner?
To create the best banner, avoid these common mistakes:
- Wrong dimensions that cut off images.
- Blurry, pixelated, or low-res images.
- Cluttered or distracting backgrounds.
- Dark color schemes with low contrast.
- Unprofessional photos or party scenes.
- Generic stock images unrelated to you.
- Text that is too long, small or blends into background.
- Stretched or warped images that look distorted.
Basically, low quality, amateurish, or generic banners diminish your brand. Take time to create a polished, professional image optimized specifically for LinkedIn.
Conclusion
Designing the perfect LinkedIn banner takes effort but is worth it. Follow the tips in this guide to properly size your images, choose eye-catching backgrounds, add readable text, and upload your banners to desktop and mobile. An awesome LinkedIn banner can make a stunning first impression to profile visitors and help your brand stand out!
