LinkedIn Cover Photo: Size, Dimensions & Design Guide 2026
Get the perfect LinkedIn cover photo size and dimensions for 2026. Learn best practices, design tips, and how to change your cover image.
The ideal LinkedIn cover photo size is 1584 × 396 pixels with a 4:1 aspect ratio. This dimension ensures your header image displays correctly across desktop, mobile, and tablet without cropping important content.
Your cover photo is the first visual element visitors see on your profile. A professional, well-designed cover image reinforces your personal brand and makes a strong first impression.
Key Takeaways
- Optimal dimensions are 1584 × 396 pixels for personal profiles
- Company page covers should be 1128 × 191 pixels
- Keep important content within the center 1350 × 220 pixel safe zone
- Use JPG or PNG format under 8 MB file size
- Your profile picture overlaps the bottom left corner of the cover
LinkedIn Cover Photo Dimensions
According to LinkedIn's official specifications, here are the exact requirements:
Personal Profile Cover
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Recommended | 1584 × 396 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 4:1 |
| Minimum | 1000 × 250 pixels |
| Max file size | 8 MB |
| Formats | JPG, PNG, GIF |
Company Page Cover
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Recommended | 1128 × 191 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | ~6:1 |
| Max file size | 8 MB |
| Formats | JPG, PNG |
Why Size Matters
LinkedIn automatically resizes uploaded images. Using incorrect dimensions leads to:
- Unwanted cropping of important elements
- Blurry, pixelated appearance
- Distorted or stretched images
- Professional credibility damage
Start with exact dimensions to control your cover photo's appearance.
The Cover Photo Safe Zone
Your LinkedIn profile photo overlaps the cover in the bottom left area. Mobile devices crop additional edges.
What Gets Hidden
| Element | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom left | Profile photo overlap | Larger overlap |
| Left/right edges | Full view | May be cropped |
| Top area | Visible | May be reduced |
Safe Zone Best Practice
Design all critical content within the center 1350 × 220 pixels. This ensures:
- Text remains readable on all devices
- Logos stay visible
- Key imagery isn't cut off
- Mobile users see your full message
How to Change Your LinkedIn Cover Photo
Desktop Instructions
- Navigate to your LinkedIn profile
- Hover over your current cover photo
- Click the camera icon that appears
- Select "Change photo"
- Click "Upload photo" or choose from existing
- Adjust positioning using the crop tool
- Click "Apply" to save
Mobile App Instructions
- Open the LinkedIn app
- Tap your profile picture to access your profile
- Tap the camera icon on your cover photo
- Select "Upload from photos" or "Take photo"
- Adjust cropping as needed
- Tap "Save"
LinkedIn Cover Photo Ideas
Your cover photo should reinforce your professional positioning.
Minimalist Professional
Clean designs that work universally:
- Solid color matching your brand
- Subtle gradient backgrounds
- Abstract geometric patterns
- Professional textures
Best for: Executives, consultants, corporate professionals
Personal Branding
Make your cover an extension of your brand:
- Company logo with tagline
- Value proposition statement
- Brand colors and typography
- Professional headshot variant
Best for: Entrepreneurs, speakers, thought leaders
Industry Imagery
Stock photos relevant to your field:
- Technology: Data visualizations, circuits
- Finance: City skylines, abstract charts
- Creative: Design tools, color palettes
- Healthcare: Medical themes, wellness imagery
Best for: Specialists wanting to signal expertise
Achievement Showcase
Display credibility elements:
- "Featured in [Publications]"
- Conference speaking photos
- Award recognitions
- Client testimonials (with permission)
Best for: Consultants, agencies, service providers
Team and Culture
Humanize your profile:
- Team photos
- Office environment
- Company events
- Behind-the-scenes moments
Best for: HR professionals, company leaders, recruiters
Cover Photo Design Tools
Create professional covers without design skills.
Free Options
- Pre-sized LinkedIn templates
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Free stock photos
- One-click download
- Professional templates
- Brand kit integration
- Mobile and desktop editing
- Advanced editing capabilities
- Free tier available
- Collaboration features
Stock Photo Resources
- Unsplash - Free high-quality photos
- Pexels - Free photos and videos
- Pixabay - Free images and vectors
Cover Photo Best Practices
Do's
✅ Use high-resolution images (1584 × 396 minimum) ✅ Keep designs clean and professional ✅ Ensure colors complement your profile photo ✅ Test on mobile before publishing ✅ Update when changing roles or focus
Don'ts
❌ Use low-quality or pixelated images ❌ Place important content in crop zones ❌ Include contact details (use profile fields) ❌ Use distracting busy patterns ❌ Copy branded designs without permission
Cover Photo vs Banner vs Background
These terms refer to the same LinkedIn profile element:
| Term | Common Usage |
|---|---|
| Cover photo | Facebook terminology, widely used |
| Banner | Marketing and design contexts |
| Background image | LinkedIn's official term |
| Header image | Twitter terminology |
All have identical specifications:
- 1584 × 396 pixels
- 4:1 aspect ratio
- Under 8 MB
- JPG or PNG format
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size for a LinkedIn cover photo?
The best LinkedIn cover photo size is 1584 × 396 pixels with a 4:1 aspect ratio. This dimension displays correctly across all devices. Keep important elements within the center 1350 × 220 pixels to avoid cropping on mobile.
How do I change my LinkedIn cover photo on mobile?
Open the LinkedIn app, tap your profile picture to view your profile, then tap the camera icon on your cover photo. Select "Upload from photos" to choose an image, adjust cropping as needed, and tap "Save" to apply your new cover.
Why does my LinkedIn cover photo look blurry?
Cover photos appear blurry when uploaded at low resolution. Ensure your image is at least 1584 × 396 pixels before uploading. Avoid heavy JPEG compression, and consider using PNG format for sharper text and graphics.
Can I have different cover photos for LinkedIn and Facebook?
Yes, and you should. LinkedIn covers (1584 × 396) have different dimensions than Facebook covers (820 × 312). Create separate versions optimized for each platform to ensure proper display without cropping.
How often should I update my LinkedIn cover photo?
Update your cover photo when changing roles, companies, or professional focus. Many professionals refresh quarterly or when launching new initiatives. At minimum, review annually to ensure it still represents your current brand.
Should my LinkedIn cover include text?
Text is optional. If included, keep it minimal (5-7 words maximum) with large fonts (40pt+) for mobile readability. Many effective covers use imagery alone. Test text visibility on mobile before finalizing.
Optimize Beyond Your Cover Photo
Your LinkedIn cover photo is one component of a complete profile optimization strategy. Combined with a compelling headline, detailed about section, and strategic engagement, it contributes to the authority that attracts opportunities.
ConnectSafely.ai helps you build comprehensive LinkedIn presence that converts profile visitors into qualified leads. Our inbound approach focuses on strategic engagement that makes prospects reach out to you.
Ready to turn your optimized profile into an inbound lead machine? Start your free ConnectSafely.ai trial and attract prospects who already trust your expertise.
