When selecting a resolution for your Facebook cover photo, there are a few key factors to consider: the recommended dimensions from Facebook, how the image will look on various devices, and how much flexibility you want in cropping and positioning the photo. Facebook provides recommended dimensions but also allows for some flexibility. Understanding the ideal image sizes and resolutions can help you design a cover photo that looks great across devices and allows you creative freedom in utilizing the space.
Facebook’s Recommended Dimensions
Facebook recommends uploading a cover photo that is 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall. This size is optimized to display well on all types of screens that users may view your profile from. Images that are 720 pixels wide will also work, but anything smaller than that may be stretched or distorted on some displays. The height can vary between 300 – 360 pixels tall safely. Images are displayed at a maximum width of 820 pixels so larger widths will be scaled down. These recommended dimensions allow your photo to display properly whatever device your viewers are using.
Image Resolution
Along with the dimensions, Facebook recommends using images that are at least 72 DPI (dots per inch) to look best on high resolution displays. An image that is 820 pixels wide at 72 DPI will be approximately 11 inches wide at print size. However, higher resolutions above 72 DPI can typically be used safely, as Facebook will downsample larger images to optimize file sizes. Using images up to 150 DPI or more will usually yield better quality and clarity on the higher resolution screens found on modern laptops, tablets, and phones. Just keep in mind the larger your image’s resolution and dimensions, the larger the file size will be. Larger file sizes may mean longer upload times and more data required to view your images on mobile networks. There is rarely any advantage to using resolutions above 150 DPI for web display.
Considerations for Different Screen Sizes
When viewers look at your cover photo on different devices, smaller screens can display a cropped section of the full image. Facebook will automatically focus in on the most important central area of your photo. But you still want to make sure any essential elements like text or logos are positioned within the safe central portion that will be visible on all screens. Some guidelines for positioning with various displays in mind include:
- Phones under 480px wide will show about the center 400px wide area of your full cover photo.
- Older computers with lower screen resolutions may only display around 600 pixels wide rather than the full width.
- On desktop and laptop screens wider than 820px, the full photo will be visible but margins will be added on the sides.
Keeping the key part of your image within a 600 pixel wide safe area ensures it will display properly on the majority of devices. You can still use the full 820 pixel width for decorative backgrounds and accents outside of the central area that may be cropped on smaller screens.
Cover Photo Positioning
Facebook allows you to position your cover photo within the allowable display area so you can crop and frame it as desired. This gives you some flexibility for more creative images. Some positions you may want to adjust the photo to include:
- Centered on your profile picture below
- Pushed over to one side more for an asymmetrical composition
- Zoomed or cropped into just a portion of the full image
- Set lower or higher to be partly overlapped by your profile picture
You can preview what your photo will look like in different positions before confirming your selection. This is handy for getting the placement and framing just right.
Cover Photo Types
The optimal resolution depends somewhat on the content of your cover photo and what visual impression you want to create:
Text-Based Covers
If your cover image will contain any important text, such as headlines, logos, or quotes, you should use a higher resolution of at least 150 DPI. This ensures the text appears crisp and legible at any size. Text less than 20px height can look fuzzy or illegible at lower resolutions. You should also make the text large and thick enough to stand out well over busy background images.
Photo Covers
For cover photos featuring images of people, products, scenes, or graphics, a resolution around 100 DPI is usually sufficient. This provides enough clarity to appreciate the visual details in the image while keeping the file size reasonable. Full human figures should be positioned in the center safe zone to remain visible on all screens.
Pattern or Texture Covers
If your cover photo is a repeating pattern or background texture, you can likely get away with lower resolutions around 72 DPI. The fine details are less important visually than the overall look and colors. A higher resolution may needlessly bloat the file size without much added benefit.
Finding the Optimal Balance
Determining the best resolution ultimately depends on balancing visual quality against practical file size considerations. Some general guidelines include:
- 72 DPI is the recommended minimum for sharpness on all screens
- 100 – 150 DPI yields visually sharper images and text
- Above 150 DPI has minimal added benefit for web use
- Higher resolution means larger file sizes
- Keep key image elements in the center 600 pixel wide safe zone
Testing your image at different resolutions can help you find the ideal balance for your specific photo. With some experimentation, you can optimize both the appearance and file size for a great looking Facebook cover that works cross-device.
Tools to Create and Resize Cover Photos
You may need to resize, crop, or edit your original image to meet Facebook’s recommended cover photo dimensions and resolution. Some helpful tools for this include:
Image Editing Software
Programs like Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator, or Paint.net allow you to crop, scale, and adjust resolution precisely. They provide more control than online tools.
Online Editors
Websites such as PicMonkey, Canva, or Fotor offer user-friendly editing right in your browser. Many include templates sized for Facebook covers.
Facebook Cover Photo Tool
Facebook’s own cover photo tool lets you drag, zoom, and position your photo manually. You can preview placements before uploading the image file itself.
Conversion Sites
For a quick solution, sites like ResizeImage.net and Imgur allow you to upload an image and convert it to 820×312 px resolution for cover photos.
Creating a Visually Appealing Cover Photo
In addition to the technical specifications, you also want to ensure your cover photo is visually eye-catching and looks great design-wise. Some tips include:
- Use high-quality, striking images
- Avoid cluttering the central area where cropping occurs
- Use legible fonts if including text
- Choose colors that complement your profile picture and brand
- Make sure important elements fit compositionally when positioned
- Consider adding graphical elements like logos, icons or borders
A cover that connects to your brand identity and has compelling visuals will better draw viewers’ attention while conveying information about you or your business.
Customizing Covers for Key Dates
Consider updating your cover photo periodically for holidays, events, promotions or other key dates. Some ideas include:
- New Year’s themes
- Hearts and flowers for Valentine’s Day
- Fireworks and flags for July 4th
- Back to school sales in the fall
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials
- Holiday and seasonal designs in December
Limited time covers help drive anticipation for events and campaigns. Just schedule the image changes ahead of time using Facebook’s built-in cover photo scheduling tool.
Cover Photo Ideas and Inspiration
If you need ideas for great Facebook cover photos, look at other brands and profiles you admire for inspiration. Some sources of inspiration include:
- Competitor Facebook pages in your industry
- Big brand Facebook pages like Coca-Cola and Nike
- Cool Instagram feeds with stylish photography
- Graphic design galleries and illustration sites like Behance
- Stock photo sites like Shutterstock, iStock and Getty Images
You can also search directly on Facebook using hashtags like #facebookcoverphoto for examples. Steal ideas from elsewhere, but add your own twist for a unique look.
Conclusion
Optimizing your Facebook cover photo resolution helps ensure it looks great when viewers see it on any device. The recommended size is 820×312 pixels at 72 DPI minimum resolution. For best quality across screens, go with 100-150 DPI if possible. Position important elements in the central 600 pixels to avoid cropping. Balance image resolution against file size, going as high as makes sense for your specific photo. Creating a stunning, effective cover that represents your brand in the available space takes some effort, but the impact is worth it.