What Is a LinkedIn Banner?
A LinkedIn banner, also called a cover photo or background image, is the wide horizontal image behind your profile picture at the top of your LinkedIn profile. It is one of the largest visual elements visitors see before they scroll, which makes it a strong place to reinforce your personal brand, company message, or current focus.
LinkedIn recommends uploading a banner at 1584 x 396 pixels. The platform scales and crops the image on different devices, so important text and logos should stay in the center of the frame rather than at the far edges.
How to Design a LinkedIn Banner That Gets Noticed
Effective banners follow a few practical rules:
- One clear message: Pick a single headline, role, or call to action instead of filling the space with multiple ideas.
- Readable typography: Use large, high-contrast text. Avoid thin fonts or low-contrast color pairs that disappear on phone screens.
- Respect the profile photo safe zone: On desktop, your circular profile photo overlaps the bottom-left corner of the banner. Keep critical text out of that area.
- Plan for mobile crop: LinkedIn shows a narrower slice of the banner on mobile. Center your message so it survives side cropping.
- Use images you own: Stock photos, custom photography, and uploaded brand assets are fine when you have rights to use them.
LinkedIn Banner Dimensions and Safe Zones
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommended upload size | 1584 x 396 px |
| Aspect ratio | 4:1 |
| File formats | PNG or JPG |
| Desktop profile photo overlap | Bottom-left corner |
| Mobile visible width | Roughly 40% of full banner (center crop) |
The live preview in this tool highlights the desktop safe zone covered by your profile photo and lets you switch to a mobile crop view so you can check whether your headline still reads clearly before you download the file.
How to Create Your LinkedIn Banner with This Tool
- Pick a template or start from the default design.
- Edit the headline, role, website, and tagline fields. Toggle any element off if you want a cleaner layout.
- Choose fonts, background style, and colors, or upload your own background image.
- Upload a profile photo and adjust the name and headline in the mockup to see the full profile context.
- Switch between desktop and mobile preview, then turn on the safe zone overlay.
- Click Download LinkedIn Banner to save a PNG at 1584 x 396 pixels.
Everything runs in your browser. Uploaded images stay on your device and are not sent to a server.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of a LinkedIn banner?
LinkedIn recommends 1584 x 396 pixels. This tool exports at that exact size so you can upload the PNG directly to your profile settings.
How often should I update my LinkedIn banner?
Update it when your role, campaign, or brand focus changes. There is no fixed schedule, but a relevant banner helps your profile look current to recruiters, clients, and connections.
Can I use copyrighted images?
Only if you have permission or a valid license. Upload images you own, royalty-free assets you are allowed to use, or custom graphics you created yourself.
Does a custom LinkedIn banner really make a difference?
Yes. Profiles with a clear, polished banner look more intentional than the default placeholder. A strong banner supports the story told by your headline, photo, and featured content.
Does the download include the profile mockup?
No. The PNG export contains only the banner artwork at 1584 x 396 pixels. The profile preview helps you judge spacing and safe zones before export.
Polish Your Profile Before You Upload the Banner
Use the preview above to confirm your message survives mobile cropping and stays out of the profile photo safe zone, then download the PNG and upload it under Add profile section > Add background photo in LinkedIn settings. Pair the new cover with a strong headline and a recent profile photo so the top of your profile tells one consistent story.
After the banner is live, preview your next post opening lines with the LinkedIn Post Preview tool so your feed content matches the professional tone your cover photo sets. Explore more LinkedIn tools for QR codes, text formatting, and publishing workflows.