LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking sites, with over 800 million members worldwide. Having an attractive LinkedIn profile is important for establishing your personal brand and making a good first impression on potential employers and connections.
A key part of your LinkedIn profile is your cover photo, which appears at the top of your profile page. Choosing the right cover photo size and dimensions is important for ensuring it looks good on all devices.
LinkedIn Cover Photo Dimensions
LinkedIn recommends your cover photo be 1584 x 396 pixels. This size ensures your photo will display properly on desktop, mobile devices, and different screen sizes. Here are the key dimensions for a LinkedIn cover photo:
- Width: 1584 pixels
- Height: 396 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 4:1
LinkedIn cover photos display differently depending on the device used to view them. On desktop, the full 1584 x 396 image will be shown. On mobile devices, a cropped version will be displayed.
To ensure your photo looks good on mobile, LinkedIn recommends focusing the key visual elements in the center 1100 x 220 pixel range. This will make sure the most important parts of your photo are visible on mobile screens.
Creating a LinkedIn Cover Photo on Canva
Canva is a popular free online design tool that makes it easy for anyone to create high-quality graphic designs. It has pre-made templates for different sizes, including LinkedIn cover photos.
Here are some tips for designing a LinkedIn cover photo on Canva:
- Go to Canva.com and click “Create a Design.”
- Search for “LinkedIn Cover” and choose the 1584 x 396 pixel template.
- Browse Canva’s photo and illustration options to find an attractive background image.
- Upload your own photo if you want your headshot in the cover image.
- Add text, shapes, and graphic elements to personalize your design.
- Make sure key information falls within the central 1100 x 220 pixel range.
- Download your completed design as a JPEG or PNG file.
Canva has many free background images, graphics, and fonts to help you quickly design an eye-catching LinkedIn cover photo. Using their pre-sized templates takes the guesswork out of getting the right dimensions.
Cover Photo Size Do’s and Don’ts
When designing your LinkedIn cover photo, keep these size and layout tips in mind:
Do:
- Use the recommended 1584 x 396 pixel dimensions.
- Make sure your headshot and text are legible at smaller sizes.
- Focus key details in the center 1100 x 220 pixel range.
- Use high-resolution photos for crisp, clear images.
- Pick eye-catching colors that represent your brand.
Don’t:
- Stretch a small photo to fit the cover size.
- Use text too small to read on mobile screens.
- Place important visuals on the far left or right edges.
- Choose dark, cluttered or distracting background images.
- Use pixelated, blurry, or poor-quality photos.
Avoid common mistakes like stretching a photo to fit or placing visuals at the edges. Test your design on both desktop and mobile to ensure it looks professional.
Cover Photo Size on Desktop vs Mobile
One important consideration for LinkedIn cover photos is how they display on desktop versus mobile. Here is a comparison of the cover image size on different devices:
| Device | Cover Photo Size |
|---|---|
| Desktop | 1584 x 396 pixels |
| Mobile | 1140 x 228 pixels (cropped) |
As you can see, desktop displays the full wide cover photo. On mobile devices like smartphones, the photo is cropped closer to a square shape.
This means any text or important visual elements placed on the far left or right edges of your cover photo will get cut off on mobile screens. Keep key information concentrated in the center 1100 x 220 pixel range for optimal visibility.
Tips for the Perfect Cover Photo Size
Follow these tips when sizing and designing your LinkedIn cover image:
- Use the recommended dimensions: Create your photo at 1584 x 396 pixels for the proper size.
- Focus visuals in the center: Keep important details within 1100 x 220 pixels so they show on mobile.
- Simplify your design: Too many competing elements can make your cover messy and hard to read.
- Use high res images: Pixelated or blurry photos will look unprofessional.
- Be consistent: Use the same profile and cover photo across your social media channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended dimensions for a LinkedIn cover photo?
LinkedIn recommends cover photos be 1584 x 396 pixels with an aspect ratio of 4:1. This size will ensure your photo displays properly across desktop and mobile.
What size should I make my cover photo to look good on mobile?
Keep key visuals within the 1100 x 220 pixel range in the center of your cover photo. This area will be visible on mobile screens when the full image is cropped.
What is the cover photo size on desktop versus mobile?
On desktop, the full 1584 x 396 pixel photo is shown. On mobile, it is cropped to around 1140 x 228 pixels to fit the smaller screen.
Can I use any photo for my LinkedIn cover image?
You can use any photo as your cover image as long as it is high-resolution and meets the recommended 1584 x 396 pixel size. Be sure it projects a professional image.
Should I include my headshot on my cover photo?
It’s recommended to include your headshot in your cover image so your photo and brand are visible when people land on your profile page. Place it in the upper right corner.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn cover photo is valuable virtual real estate to make a strong impression. By following the recommended 1584 x 396 pixel dimensions and using design tools like Canva, you can create a cover image that looks fantastic on any device.
Focus on quality over quantity of visuals, and place important information front and center. Test your cover photo on desktop and mobile screens to ensure your branding and message come through clearly to anyone who visits your profile.