What Is a LinkedIn Banner?
A LinkedIn banner (also called a background photo or cover image) is the wide, horizontal image displayed at the top of your LinkedIn profile, behind your profile photo. LinkedIn recommends dimensions of 1584x396 pixels with a maximum file size of 8 MB. The banner is one of the first things visitors see on your profile and occupies significant visual real estate. Unlike a profile photo that shows who you are, the banner communicates what you do, what you stand for, and why someone should connect with you.
Why Your LinkedIn Banner Matters
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card — and the banner is prime real estate for personal branding. Profiles with custom banners receive significantly more views than those with the default blue gradient. Recruiters, potential clients, and networking contacts form first impressions within seconds, and the banner contributes to that impression. A thoughtfully designed banner can communicate your expertise, current role, key achievement, or call-to-action (like a link to your portfolio or upcoming talk) without the visitor needing to read a single line of your profile.
Key Design Principles for LinkedIn Banners
Keep the design simple and uncluttered — the banner competes with your profile photo, name, and headline for attention. Use high contrast between text and background for readability on all devices. Place important content in the center and right side of the banner, as the profile photo covers the lower-left area on desktop. Use your brand colors consistently with the rest of your professional materials. Include one clear message: your job title, a tagline, or a call-to-action. Avoid busy patterns, clip art, or low-resolution images.
Best Practices for Banner Creation
Update your banner whenever you change roles, launch a project, or attend a conference. Use this tool's templates as starting points — they are designed for the exact LinkedIn dimensions. Test your banner on both desktop and mobile LinkedIn apps, as the visible area differs slightly between devices. Keep text to a minimum — 5-8 words maximum. Use professional, high-quality images. Export at the full 1584x396 resolution for the best quality. Revisit and refresh your banner every 3-6 months to keep your profile looking active and current.





