LinkedIn is the world's largest professional networking platform with over 900 million users across 200 countries.
It's where professionals build their personal brand, connect with industry peers, find job opportunities, and showcase their expertise.
Your LinkedIn profile banner (also known as your cover photo, background image, or header image) is one of the first visual elements visitors see when they land on your profile—making it crucial to get the size, dimensions, and measurements right for maximum impact.
Why Your LinkedIn Cover Photo Matters
Your LinkedIn banner (or cover photo) is prime real estate on your profile. This background image is displayed prominently at the top of your page and takes up significant visual space.
A well-designed banner immediately communicates your professional identity, industry focus, or personal brand message. It sets the tone for your entire profile before visitors even read your headline or summary.
Recruiters and potential clients form first impressions in seconds. A professional, properly-sized banner shows attention to detail and demonstrates that you take your online presence seriously.
On the other hand, a blurry, pixelated, or incorrectly cropped banner can undermine your credibility and make your profile appear neglected or unprofessional.
The Right LinkedIn Banner Size & Dimensions
LinkedIn recommends uploading a cover photo with exact dimensions of 1584 x 396 pixels. This is the optimal banner size and measurement that displays perfectly across all devices—desktop, tablet, and mobile.
The aspect ratio for your LinkedIn header is 4:1, which means your background image is four times wider than it is tall. This horizontal format gives you plenty of room to display your message, logo, or visual branding elements.
LinkedIn Cover Photo File Requirements
While LinkedIn accepts JPG and PNG formats for your background image, make sure your file doesn't exceed 8 MB. Both formats work well, but PNG is preferred if your cover photo design includes text or sharp graphics, as it maintains better quality.
Safe Zone & Measurement Guidelines
Keep in mind that LinkedIn crops your header image differently on mobile devices. The safe zone for important content is the center third of your banner horizontally. Avoid placing critical text or elements too close to the edges where they might get cut off.
Always preview your cover photo on both desktop and mobile before publishing to ensure it looks great everywhere. What looks perfect on your computer screen might appear cropped or misaligned on a smartphone.