When uploading a profile photo to LinkedIn, it’s important to ensure the image is formatted correctly for the platform. LinkedIn specifies profile picture dimensions of 400 x 400 pixels, with recommended minimums to optimize how the photo displays on mobile and desktop viewing.
LinkedIn Recommended Profile Photo Sizes
Here are the recommended minimum profile picture sizes for LinkedIn:
- 400 x 400 pixels – Optimal display across all devices
- 200 x 200 pixels – Minimum for clear mobile display
- 100 x 100 pixels – Minimum for thumbnail display
While LinkedIn accepts up to a maximum of 4 MB for JPG, PNG, or GIF profile pictures, staying close to the recommended 400 x 400 pixels will ensure your photo looks crisp and clear at any scale.
Creating a 400 x 400 Pixel Profile Photo in Photoshop
Follow these steps to create a LinkedIn profile photo with the ideal 400 x 400 pixel size in Photoshop:
- Open Photoshop and create a new 400 x 400 pixel image file. From the Menu, select File > New. In the New dialog box, enter 400 for the Width and 400 for the Height, then click OK.
- Open the photo you want to use for your profile picture. From the Menu, select File > Open and browse to the image file location to select it.
- Resize and position the photo layer to fill the entire 400 x 400 canvas. With the photo layer selected, choose Edit > Free Transform. Drag the corner handles to resize proportionally until the photo covers the entire document area. Reposition as needed.
- Add any final touches, like cropping to adjust framing or using adjustment layers to enhance color and lighting. Use non-destructive editing whenever possible.
- Save the finished 400 x 400 profile photo as a high-quality JPG. From the Menu, select File > Save As. Name the file, select JPG from the Format drop-down menu, and use maximum quality settings.
Following these steps will give you a polished LinkedIn profile photo at the 400 x 400 pixels recommended for ideal display. The maximum 4 MB file size gives you room to save it with minimal JPG compression too.
Exporting Different Sized Versions
To upload your photo to LinkedIn, you’ll need to export a copy at the 400 x 400 pixel size. But it’s a smart idea to also create smaller versions at 200 x 200 pixels and 100 x 100 pixels. Here’s how to quickly export resized JPG copies in Photoshop:
- With your finished 400 x 400 pixel profile photo open in Photoshop, go to Menu > Image > Image Size.
- Change the Pixel Dimensions to 200 x 200. Disable Resample to prevent blurring.
- Click OK to resize the image.
- Go to Menu > File > Save As. Name the file (e.g. profile-photo-200×200) and save as a maximum quality JPG.
- Repeat Steps 1-4, this time changing the Pixel Dimensions to 100 x 100 to generate a third JPG version.
This will give you a LinkedIn profile photo at 3 common sizes—400 x 400 pixels, 200 x 200 pixels, and 100 x 100 pixels—saved as individual JPG files you can easily upload.
Cropping Tips for LinkedIn Profile Photos
To ensure your profile picture looks great, keep these crop tips in mind:
- Get close with the crop. Head and shoulder shots are ideal for LinkedIn.
- Position the crop around your face. Your eyes and smile will convey approachability.
- Leave a bit more space in front of the face than behind it.
- Check for awkward cropping around joints or limbs.
- Frame the crop symmetrically and level.
Review your cropped photo and tweak as needed until you have a focused, friendly composition.
Photo Editing Tips for LinkedIn Profile Pictures
In addition to cropping, consider using these photo editing techniques in Photoshop to polish your profile picture:
- Eliminate blemishes and smooth skin moderately using Retouch tools.
- Soften facial lines and wrinkles subtly with airbrushing.
- Brighten eyes gently without an artificial look.
- Whiten teeth if needed, but maintain a natural color.
- Add slight Warming Filters to liven up skin tones.
- Boost contrast mildly to add definition.
- Apply sparing professional Sharpening to finish.
The goal is to look your best while retaining a natural, approachable feel. Soft, subtle editing often works best for LinkedIn headshots.
Background Tips for LinkedIn Profile Photos
Remember to mind your background when taking a LinkedIn photo:
- Choose a plain, conservative background like a solid wall.
- Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds.
- Soft, natural lighting is most flattering.
- Check for objects like plants “growing” out of your head.
- Blurring the background can help the subject pop.
A professional LinkedIn profile calls for a professional headshot background. Keep it simple.
File Format Tips for LinkedIn Profile Pictures
To ensure LinkedIn accepts your profile photo, stick to these file format best practices:
- Save photos as JPG files—the preferred format for LinkedIn.
- Maintain the highest JPG quality setting on export.
- For transparency support, PNG files also work.
- GIFs are accepted, but not recommended.
- Avoid large file sizes—keep JPGs under 4 MB.
Following LinkedIn’s recommendation of high quality JPG or PNG files will prevent issues approving your profile photo.
Professional Style Tips for LinkedIn Profile Pictures
To project an appropriate professional look in your profile photo:
- Dress professionally as you would for work.
- Avoid risky or overly casual styling.
- Keep makeup tasteful and natural looking.
- Style your hair neatly and conservatively.
- Clean glasses can look distinguished.
Your photo doesn’t need to be overly formal for LinkedIn. But maintain a polished, work-appropriate appearance.
Composition Tips for LinkedIn Profile Photos
Remember these key composition tips when taking your LinkedIn profile photo:
- Pose your body at a slight angle to the camera.
- Lift your chin parallel to the ground and lean slightly forward.
- Maintain good posture by straightening your back and shoulders.
- Look directly into the camera lens with a pleasant facial expression.
- Avoid crossing your arms, which can seem closed off.
A properly composed head-on profile portrait will make you look professional, friendly, and confident.
Common LinkedIn Profile Picture Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common profile photo mistakes on LinkedIn:
- Blurred or pixelated images from low resolution.
- Heavily cropped photos that cut part of your head off.
- Dark, backlit, or shadowy lighting.
- Distracting backgrounds with clutter.
- Tilted or off-center compositions.
- Outdated photos more than a few years old.
A current, high-quality, well-composed headshot will showcase your professionalism on LinkedIn.
Ideal LinkedIn Profile Picture Examples
Here are examples of ideal profile photos for LinkedIn:
Good | Better | Best |
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The “Best” example has ideal framing, lighting, and composition for a LinkedIn profile photo.
Conclusion
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile picture for the recommended 400 x 400 pixel size will ensure it displays well across desktop and mobile. Follow best practices for image editing, professional appearance, flattering composition, and avoiding common mistakes. With a high quality headshot that captures you at your professional best, your profile photo will leave viewers with a positive impression.