When uploading a photo to your LinkedIn profile, it’s important to pay attention to the recommended image dimensions. LinkedIn specifies profile photo sizes in order to create a consistent and professional look across the platform. Using the right photo dimensions will ensure your image renders properly on all devices and page layouts.
LinkedIn’s Recommended Photo Dimensions
LinkedIn recommends uploading a professional headshot photo in .JPG, .GIF, or .PNG format at a minimum size of 400 x 400 pixels. The maximum file size allowed is 8 MB.
Here are LinkedIn’s official recommended dimensions for profile photos:
- 400 x 400 pixels minimum
- 20,000 x 20,000 pixels maximum
- Aspect ratio between 1:1 (square) and 4:5 (portrait)
- File size less than 8 MB
- RGB color mode (standard)
- .JPG, .GIF, or .PNG image format
As long as your image meets these requirements, it should display properly throughout LinkedIn in different layouts and on all devices.
Why Photo Dimensions Matter
Using the correct photo dimensions is important for a few key reasons:
- Consistent Look: Standard sizes create uniformity across LinkedIn profiles.
- Faster Loading: Smaller file sizes load faster on web and mobile.
- Responsive Display: The right dimensions prevent distortion or blurring.
- Professionalism: Following the guidelines shows you understand LinkedIn etiquette.
In addition to the technical and visual benefits, uploading a properly sized photo demonstrates professionalism and respect for LinkedIn’s community standards.
Photo Size Do’s and Don’ts
When preparing your LinkedIn profile image, keep these photo size best practices in mind:
Do:
- Use a high-quality image at least 400 x 400 pixels.
- Pick a professional-looking headshot or waist-up photo.
- Make sure the file size is less than 8 MB.
- Crop the image to meet the recommended aspect ratio.
- Use image editing software to reduce file size if needed.
Don’t:
- Upload an overly small, blurry, or distorted photo.
- Use an informal selfie, group photo, or full-body image.
- Leave significant blank space around your head and shoulders.
- Use eccentric props, backgrounds, or poses.
- Forget to smile and make eye contact with the camera!
Photo Size Requirements for Other LinkedIn Features
In addition to your profile picture, keep LinkedIn’s photo best practices in mind when uploading images for these other features:
Cover Photo
- 1584 x 396 pixels
- JPG, PNG, or GIF format
- Landscape / horizontal orientation
- High-quality image that represents you or your company
Content Images
- 2048 x 2048 pixels recommended
- JPG, PNG, or GIF format
- Relevant, high-quality photos or graphics
- Maximum file size of 5 MB
Ad Images
- 400 x 400 pixels minimum
- 20,000 x 20,000 pixels maximum
- Square 1:1 aspect ratio
- JPG, PNG, or GIF format
- File size up to 8 MB
How to Check Photo Size
Here are some easy ways to check the size and dimensions of a photo before uploading it to LinkedIn:
- On Windows: Right click the image file, select “Properties”, and view the pixel dimensions.
- On Mac: Click the image, hit Command+I, and view the size and dimensions.
- Using image software like Photoshop, Paint, or GIMP: Open the image and check the dimensions.
- On your smartphone: View the image details in your Photos app.
- Online: Upload the photo to a site like PicResize which displays the size.
Many photo editing applications also allow you to resize and crop images to precise dimensions. Taking a few minutes to check and adjust your photo size will ensure it looks polished on your LinkedIn presence.
Ideal Photo Sizes for Different Profile Elements
To summarize LinkedIn’s recommended photo sizes:
| Profile Element | Ideal Photo Size |
|---|---|
| Profile Picture | 400 x 400 pixels minimum |
| Cover Photo | 1584 x 396 pixels |
| Shared Content | 2048 x 2048 pixels |
| Ads | 400 x 400 pixels minimum |
Using photos with the proper dimensions – especially for your profile picture and cover image – creates a complete, professional LinkedIn presence.
Cropping Tools to Adjust Photo Size
If your photo doesn’t quite meet LinkedIn’s recommended dimensions, you can easily crop and adjust the size using free online tools:
- PicResize – Crop, resize, add effects, and convert image formats.
- ImageResizer – Resize multiple photos at once.
- ResizeImage – Quickly crop and adjust image dimensions.
- CropCircle – Crop to circular and oval shapes.
Many smartphone photo apps, like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, also include tools to crop and resize pictures before posting them.
The key is to adjust the image to align as closely as possible with LinkedIn’s recommended photo sizes. Aim for a high-quality headshot, centered and filling the frame at 400 x 400 pixels or larger.
Tips for Creating a Compliant Photo
Following these best practices will ensure your LinkedIn profile photo meets the platform’s recommended specifications:
- Take a new, high-res photo instead of recycling an old one.
- Make sure the image is well-lit and framed correctly.
- Wear professional attire and smile – no selfies!
- Use image software to adjust the photo dimensions as needed.
- Save the photo using the PNG, JPG, or GIF format.
- Review LinkedIn’s profile photo guidelines again before uploading.
Putting some thought into your photo background, pose, clothing, and other details communicates professionalism – even before LinkedIn visitors read your profile content.
Uploading Your Compliant Photo to LinkedIn
Once you have a properly sized professional photo ready, here’s how to upload it to your LinkedIn profile:
- Access your account and go to your profile page.
- Click the pencil “Edit” icon that appears when you hover over your existing photo.
- Click the “Change photo” link.
- Browse and select your new 400 x 400 (or larger) profile photo file.
- Click “Save changes” to upload the new photo.
Your crisp, eye-catching photo will immediately update your LinkedIn profile. Following the recommended dimensions ensures it will display properly across desktop and mobile.
Conclusion
Using the ideal photo size of 400 x 400 pixels (or larger) creates a professional look on LinkedIn. Cropping and resizing your photo to meet LinkedIn’s specifications for profile pictures, cover images, content, and ads provides a complete and polished presence.
So don’t just quickly snap a selfie – put care into crafting a quality headshot that adheres to the recommended photo dimensions. The effort will be well worth the great first impression your LinkedIn profile photo makes on visitors.
