LinkedIn is one of the most important professional networking platforms, and your profile photo is often the first impression you make. Whether you’re updating your profile picture or sharing content on LinkedIn, getting the dimensions and format right is crucial. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about resizing photos for LinkedIn — from profile photos to banner images and carousel posts.
LinkedIn Profile Photo Size — The Complete Breakdown
Your LinkedIn profile photo is one of the most important images on your professional profile. It appears in multiple places across the platform — in search results, on your profile header, in your network’s activity feeds, and in messaging conversations. Getting the size right ensures your photo looks crisp and professional everywhere it appears.
For 2026, LinkedIn’s official specifications for profile photos are:
- Recommended size: 400 x 400 pixels (square format)
- Minimum size: 200 x 200 pixels
- Maximum file size: 10 MB
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square)
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
While LinkedIn will accept images smaller than 400 x 400 pixels, uploading at the full 400 x 400 dimensions ensures your photo displays at the highest quality on all devices and screen sizes. This is especially important for professional networking, where you want to present your best self.
How to Resize Your Photo for LinkedIn Profile
Resizing a photo for LinkedIn is a straightforward process, whether you’re using online tools, desktop software, or mobile apps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it right.
Using Online Resizing Tools
The easiest approach is to use free online resizing tools like Canva, Pixlr, or Photopea. These tools require no software installation and work on any device:
- Go to your preferred resizing tool
- Upload your photo
- Select or enter custom dimensions (400 x 400 pixels)
- Adjust the crop to frame your face centered and at eye level
- Download the resized image
- Upload to your LinkedIn profile
Using Adobe Photoshop
If you have Photoshop, resizing is simple and gives you maximum control over the final output:
- Open your image in Photoshop
- Go to Image > Image Size
- Set dimensions to 400 x 400 pixels
- Choose “Bicubic Sharper” for best quality when reducing size
- Click OK, then save as JPG at high quality (85-100)
Pro tip: If your original image isn’t square, use the crop tool first to create a 1:1 aspect ratio before resizing.
LinkedIn Banner Photo Size and Specifications
Your LinkedIn banner (also called your background image or header) is the large image that sits above your profile photo on your profile page. This eye-catching element helps your profile stand out and communicate your professional brand.
LinkedIn banner dimensions for 2026:
- Recommended size: 1584 x 396 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 4:1 (landscape)
- Minimum width: 1200 pixels
- Maximum file size: 10 MB
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
The banner appears on desktop views but may not show on mobile devices, making it an excellent space for brands, taglines, or professional imagery. Unlike your profile photo (which should be a clear headshot), your banner can include text overlays, company logos, or other visual elements that represent your professional identity.
LinkedIn Carousel Post Photo Sizing
If you’re sharing carousel posts on LinkedIn — those engaging posts with multiple swipeable images — getting the dimensions right is essential for visual impact and engagement.
LinkedIn carousel post image specifications:
- Recommended size: 1200 x 628 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 1.91:1 (landscape)
- Minimum dimensions: 1200 x 627 pixels
- Maximum file size: 10 MB per image
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
- Maximum images per carousel: 10 images
Carousel posts perform exceptionally well on LinkedIn, generating high engagement rates. Make sure each image in your carousel is sized consistently and optimized for mobile viewing, as most LinkedIn users access the platform via their phones.
Single Image Post Sizing for LinkedIn
When sharing a single image in a LinkedIn post (not a carousel), use these specifications for optimal display:
- Ideal size: 1200 x 628 pixels (same as carousel)
- Alternative size: 1200 x 1500 pixels (vertical format)
- Aspect ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5 (landscape to vertical)
- Maximum file size: 10 MB
LinkedIn displays images differently depending on whether they’re shared in posts, articles, or other sections. Using the 1200 x 628 dimension gives you the best balance for desktop and mobile viewing.
Professional Headshot Tips for LinkedIn
Your LinkedIn profile photo needs to be more than just the right size — it needs to make a strong professional impression. Here are essential guidelines for getting a great headshot for your LinkedIn profile:
- Professional attire: Wear business casual or formal clothing appropriate for your industry
- Clear face visibility: Your face should occupy about 60% of the frame
- Direct eye contact: Look straight at the camera with a natural smile
- Plain background: Use a neutral, soft background without distracting elements
- Good lighting: Ensure even lighting across your face, avoiding harsh shadows
- Professional quality: Use a good quality camera or work with a professional photographer
- Consistent with other platforms: Consider using the same photo across LinkedIn, your website, and other professional profiles
If you’re not happy with your current LinkedIn photo, consider getting a professional headshot taken. Our comprehensive guide to professional headshot hints and tips covers everything you need to know about creating the perfect image for your professional brand.
From the Hip Photo offers professional headshot photography with a one-hour minimum session. Our experienced photographers will ensure you look your absolute best for LinkedIn and all your professional needs.
File Format and Compression Considerations
Beyond dimensions, the file format and compression method you choose significantly impact your final image quality on LinkedIn.
JPG Format
JPG is the most common format for profile photos. It offers excellent quality at smaller file sizes, making it ideal for web use. When saving as JPG, use a quality setting between 85-95% to balance quality and file size.
PNG Format
PNG provides lossless compression, maintaining maximum quality. However, PNG files are typically larger than JPG files. PNG is especially useful if your photo has transparent areas, though LinkedIn profile photos are always displayed with a background.
File Size Optimization
LinkedIn accepts files up to 10 MB, but you don’t need anything near that size. Aim for 100-500 KB for profile photos and 200-800 KB for larger banner and post images. Smaller files load faster and provide a better user experience.
Why Professional Photography Matters for LinkedIn
While you can certainly resize any photo to fit LinkedIn’s dimensions, starting with a high-quality original image is crucial. Your LinkedIn photo is often the first impression potential clients, collaborators, and employers have of you.
Professional photography offers several advantages:
- Expert lighting: Professional lighting flatters your features and creates depth
- Composition expertise: Photographers know how to frame you for maximum impact
- High-resolution original: You get a large original file that can be resized to any dimension
- Multiple options: Professional sessions provide several photos to choose from
- Consistency: Professional photos maintain quality even when resized for different platforms
- Brand alignment: Professional photographers can align your image with your personal or business brand
Learn more about professional business photography in our guide to professional business photo tips. If you’re ready to invest in your professional image, contact From the Hip Photo to schedule your headshot session today.
Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Photo Sizing
What is the ideal LinkedIn profile photo size in 2026?
The ideal LinkedIn profile photo size is 400 x 400 pixels in a square format (1:1 aspect ratio). While LinkedIn accepts images as small as 200 x 200 pixels, uploading at 400 x 400 ensures the highest quality display across all devices and in all locations where your photo appears on the platform.
Can I use a photo that’s not perfectly square for my LinkedIn profile?
Yes, you can upload a non-square photo, and LinkedIn will crop it for you. However, you have much better control over the framing if you crop it to square format yourself before uploading. This ensures your face is centered and properly positioned in the final profile photo.
What file format should I use for LinkedIn photos?
JPG format is recommended for LinkedIn photos. It provides excellent quality at reasonable file sizes. PNG is also acceptable but typically results in larger files. Avoid GIF format unless you have a specific reason for using it. Save your JPG at 85-95% quality for the best balance of quality and file size.
How do I know if my resized photo will look good on LinkedIn?
The best way to check is to upload it to your LinkedIn profile and view it on both desktop and mobile devices. Pay attention to how it looks in the profile header, in search results, and in your messaging preview. Make sure your face is clear, your eyes are visible, and the overall composition is professional and flattering.
Should my LinkedIn banner match my profile photo?
Your LinkedIn banner and profile photo don’t need to match, but they should complement each other and work together to create a cohesive professional brand. Many professionals use their banner to display their company logo, a tagline, or imagery related to their industry. The profile photo should always be a clear, professional headshot.
What’s the best way to resize photos for LinkedIn on a Mac?
Mac users can use Preview (built into macOS) to resize photos. Open your image in Preview, go to Tools > Adjust Size, enter 400 x 400 for profile photos, and save. Alternatively, use free online tools like Canva or Pixlr, or professional software like Adobe Photoshop. Mac also includes built-in image editing in Photos app, though the resizing tools are more limited.
Getting your LinkedIn photos sized correctly is a simple but crucial step in building a strong professional online presence. Whether you’re updating your profile photo, creating a banner image, or sharing engaging carousel posts, following these 2026 specifications ensures your images look professional and polished every time. Ready to elevate your professional image with a truly outstanding headshot? Contact From the Hip Photo to book your session. We offer professional headshot photography with a one-hour minimum session to ensure you get the perfect image for your LinkedIn profile and all your professional needs.
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