Introduction
Facebook cover photos are the large header images that appear at the top of a Facebook profile or page. When uploaded, cover photos are cropped to fit different screen sizes and devices. The original uploaded image can be up to 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall. This results in a minimum final cover photo size of 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall displayed on desktop, and 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels tall on mobile.
Background on Facebook Cover Photos
Facebook introduced cover photos in 2011 as a way for users to further customize their profiles. Prior to this, profile pictures were the main way to personalize Facebook profiles. With the addition of cover photos, users were given a larger canvas to express themselves and showcase interests, hobbies, beliefs and more.
Some key facts about Facebook cover photos:
- Launched in 2011
- Appears at the top of profiles and pages
- Publicly visible to anyone who visits a profile or page
- Can be updated frequently to refresh a profile’s look
Cover photos quickly became popular with users as a way to make their profiles stand out. They also became important marketing tools for brands and businesses on Facebook. An eye-catching cover photo can encourage visitors to engage more with a profile or page.
Cover Photo Dimensions
When uploaded, cover photos must meet the following size requirements according to Facebook:
- At least 400 pixels wide and 150 pixels tall
- No more than 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall
If a cover photo is uploaded that is smaller or larger than those dimensions, it will be automatically cropped and resized to fit.
The safe area for important content in a cover photo is 828 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall. Any text or imagery that a user wants to ensure remains visible should be positioned within this safe zone.
Content positioned outside the safe area may be cropped on some screens and devices.
Desktop Display Size
On desktop, cover photos appear 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall. This is the maximum upload size. So a photo uploaded at the full 851 by 315 pixels will display in its original size on desktop.
Smaller photos will be expanded to fill this space. Larger photos will be automatically cropped to fit.
Mobile Display Size
On mobile devices, cover photos display at 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels tall. This is larger than the original upload size in order to properly fit different phone screens in portrait orientation.
Facebook automatically crops and resizes cover photos to fit this mobile view. The safe area and most important content should reside within the center 600 pixels wide by 310 pixels tall portion of the original 851 by 315 pixel photo.
Image Format
Facebook recommends JPG, PNG, GIF or BMP format for cover photos. Other formats may not display properly.
The file size maximum is 100MB. For best image quality, Facebook recommends uploading the highest resolution image possible up to the 851 by 315 pixel size limit.
How Do I Find the Size of My Current Cover Photo?
If you already have a cover photo set for your profile and want to check its size, there are a couple easy ways to do so:
On Desktop
- Go to your profile page
- Right click on your cover photo
- Select “Open image in new tab” (may vary slightly depending on browser)
- The image will open by itself in a new browser tab
- Look at the image URL – it will show the file size in pixels
For example, the image URL may look like this:
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17191223_851_315.jpg
The 851×315 at the end indicates the cover photo is 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall.
On Mobile
- Go to your profile page in the Facebook app
- Tap and hold on your cover photo
- Select “Save Photo” from the pop-up menu
- Open your device’s Photos app
- Find the saved cover photo and tap it
- View the image details to see the resolution
For example, the image details may show 851 x 315 which is the full size.
How Do I Upload a New Cover Photo?
Uploading a new cover photo is easy to do on both desktop and mobile. Follow these steps:
On Desktop
- Go to your profile
- Click on the camera icon that says “Update Cover Photo”
- Select “Upload Photo”
- Choose a photo from your computer that is at least 400×150 pixels up to 851×315 pixels
- Click “Open”
- Position and zoom the photo how you want it to appear
- Click “Save Changes” to set the new cover photo
On Mobile
- Go to your profile in the Facebook app
- Tap on your cover photo
- Tap “Update Cover Photo”
- Select a new photo from your device’s library
- Pinch and zoom to position the photo how you want
- Tap “Use as Cover Photo” to set it
That’s all there is to it! You can upload a new cover photo at any time. Get creative and have fun customizing your profile’s look.
What Happens If My Photo Exceeds the Size Limit?
If you attempt to upload a cover photo that is larger than 851×315 pixels, one of two things will happen:
- Automatic cropping: Facebook will automatically crop and resize photos larger than the limit to fit.
- Error message: You may see an error message that the image is too large and to try a smaller file.
To avoid issues, check your cover photo dimensions before uploading. Use image editing software to reduce the size if needed.
The safe zone is only 828×315 pixels so any imagery outside this area may be cropped anyway. Stick to the recommended maximum of 851×315 for best quality and to ensure your cover photo looks its best on all devices.
Common Cover Photo Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Facebook cover photos:
How often can I change my cover photo?
You can change your cover photo as often as you like. There is no limit to how frequently it can be updated.
Can I use the same cover photo for my profile and page?
Yes, you can use the same cover photo for both your personal profile and business page if you administer both. The cover images are not connected.
What happens if I delete my cover photo?
Your profile will revert back to the default blue background. Simply upload a new photo whenever you want to restore or change your cover image.
What’s the difference between a profile and cover photo?
Your profile photo appears in a small circle and represents you personally. The cover photo is a large header that spans the top of your page. While the profile pic is always visible, the cover image is often partially obscured.
Does my cover photo show on mobile?
Yes, cover photos display on mobile as well as desktop, spanning the entire top portion of the screen. Mobile cover photos appear at 640×360 pixels after cropping.
Cover Photo Design Tips
Use High-Quality Photos
Upload the highest resolution version possible for crisp, clear images across all devices. Low resolution photos will look pixelated and fuzzy.
Include Relevant Images and Text
Make sure imagery and text align with your brand, interests, or purpose for easier identification.
Highlight Your Name and Photo
Position assets like logos, products, or text towards the edges to keep your profile picture and name unobstructed.
Try Different Orientations
Portrait and landscape orientations both work. Consider which highlights your content and layout best.
Use Bold Colors
Vibrant colors and contrasting hues help images stand out, especially against Facebook’s light blue background.
Conclusion
Facebook cover photos offer a great way to customize profiles and pages. Understanding the right cover photo sizes ensures your images look great across desktop and mobile. With the max limit of 851×315 pixels for uploads, most standard photos will meet requirements. Follow Facebook’s recommended guidelines, use quality images tailored to your brand or interests, and update your cover photo regularly to maximize your presence.