Your Facebook cover page is the large header image that appears at the top of your profile. It’s one of the first things people notice when they visit your page, so it’s important to choose an eye-catching and meaningful photo or graphic. Your cover photo can say a lot about your personality, interests, and goals. Follow these tips to create a cover page that represents you!
Use a high-quality, relevant photo
The best Facebook cover photos are clear, crisp images that relate to your life. Pick a beautiful landscape from your travels, a fun moment with friends, or a picture that shows off your hobbies. Make sure the image isn’t blurry, dark or pixelated. You want people to see what your photo is at first glance. Consider adding text overlays to make the photo more personalized. Just don’t overcrowd the image.
Showcase your personality
Your cover photo is a chance to express who you are. Select an image that captures your unique interests, talents and goals. For example, if you’re an aspiring musician, post a photo of you playing guitar or singing on stage. If you love to cook, feature a shot of you in the kitchen whipping up a tasty dish. Landscape photographers can use their best nature scenes. Pick something that sparks conversation about your passions.
Feature people who inspire you
Highlight special people in your life by including them on your cover page. Post that great shot of you and your best friend laughing together or a heartwarming picture with your significant other. You can also pay tribute to someone you admire by using their photo or quote. Remember to get permission before featuring others.
Promote causes that matter
Your cover image is a chance to raise awareness about issues you care about. For example, share an infographic about climate change or an illustration for a social justice movement. You can create your own graphic using an online design program or borrow one from an organization you support. Just make sure it’s easy to understand at first glance.
Capture travel adventures
Let your Facebook friends join in on your travel adventures by making your cover photo a beautiful landscape or iconic site from your journeys. Frame the shot so the location is the star. Add your location or a simple caption so people know where it was taken. You can change your cover photo whenever you take an epic trip or return from a great getaway.
Use motivational quotes
Uplifting quotes set against beautiful backdrops make inspiring cover photos. Find motivational sayings from influential leaders, authors, artists or historical figures. Pair the text with images that enhance the message. For example, put a nature quote against a serene forest scene. Or use a dreamcatcher background for a saying about achieving goals.
Show your school spirit
Students can rep their school pride with cover photos featuring campus shots, school colors, mascots, logos or scenes from games and events. You can take the photos yourself or find options on your school’s website or social media. Showing your school spirit lets everyone know where you’re studying or teaching.
Support your business
Entrepreneurs should use their cover image to promote their brand. Post an appealing photo of your product or service. Show yourself hard at work on a project. Include your company name, logo or slogan. Just make sure the text doesn’t overwhelm the image. You want a professional-looking cover that tells people what you do.
Highlight accomplishments
Did you just run a marathon? Complete a huge work project? Graduate? Share your major accomplishments with an inspiring cover photo. Post a picture from the finish line, an image of you in work mode or a fun grad day shot. This shows friends your latest success and motivation.
Go artsy
Show off your artistic side with creative cover photos you designed yourself. Use a graphic design or photo editing program to overlay inspiring quotes, doodles or text on bold backgrounds. Or post your own drawings, paintings and photographs. The cover image is a great place to exhibit your visual talents.
Use the right dimensions
Facebook cover photos display 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall on desktop, and 640 x 360 pixels on mobile. Keep these dimensions in mind when selecting and editing your image. You want the key focus centered so it shows up properly on all devices. The photo will look cut off if you use the wrong ratio.
Change it frequently
One of the best things about your Facebook cover photo is that it’s easy to update anytime. Take advantage by changing it regularly to stay fresh. You might swap it out weekly, monthly or by season. Or update it when you have exciting news or major events. Frequent new photos will keep your profile engaging.
Cover Photo Ideas
Not sure what to pick for your cover photo? Here are some specific ideas to spark inspiration:
| Theme | Cover Photo Ideas |
|---|---|
| Travel | – Scenic destination shots |
| – You at famous sites/landmarks | |
| – Beach sunsets | |
| – Mountain peaks | |
| – Colorful architecture | |
| Nature | – Forest trails |
| – Blooming flowers | |
| – Butterflies/insects | |
| – Lakes/rivers | |
| – Ocean waves | |
| Hobbies | – Playing sports/instruments |
| – Cooking favorite dishes | |
| – Knitting/crafting | |
| – Cars/motorcycles | |
| – Video games | |
| Family | – With your parents |
| – With your siblings | |
| – With your kids | |
| – With your grandparents | |
| – With your pets | |
| Friends | – Girls’ night out |
| – Road trips | |
| – Beach days | |
| – Concerts | |
| – Parties | |
| School | – Campus shots |
| – School colors/logo | |
| – Acceptance letter | |
| – Graduation caps | |
| – Game day celebrations | |
| Work | – At your desk |
| – With colleagues | |
| – Company logo | |
| – Business conference | |
| – Your products/services |
Design Tips
Follow these design principles to make your cover photo stand out:
Use the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a photo composition technique. Imagining your frame divided into thirds vertically and horizontally, place key subjects at the intersection lines or along the dividers rather than dead center. This creates an appealing off-center focus.
Include Negative Space
Negative space refers to empty areas around the main subjects. Rather than cramming everything together, strategic use of blank space brings a clean look and draws eyes to what’s important.
Choose Complementary Colors
Complementary hues like blue and orange or purple and yellow create vibrant contrast when paired together. Using them in your cover photo makes the image pop.
Simplify the Design
Resist the urge to clutter your cover image. Have one obvious focal point and minimal text overlays. Too many elements compete for attention.
Try Unique Perspectives
Shoot upward for towering height. Kneel down low to the ground. Move side to side for diagonal lines. Experiment with positioning your camera at creative vantage points.
Focus on Faces
Faces naturally draw the eye. When using a group photo, make sure people’s faces are clearly visible. Have them look toward the camera.
Add Texture and Patterns
Overlaying subtle textures like grunge or whimsical patterns brings depth and visual intrigue. Just make sure they don’t distract from the main image.
Play with Lighting
Backlighting creates striking silhouettes. Side lighting adds dramatic shadows. Dawn or dusk blue hour produces colorful skies. Candlelight and string lights add magical ambiance.
Incorporate Motion
Blurred motion implies action and energy. Try panning techniques to follow movement. Include vehicles, people in motion or splashing water.
Tools for Creating Cover Photos
Don’t have the perfect shot already? You can create awesome cover photos using these free online tools:
Canva
Canva makes graphic design easy even if you’re not a pro. It provides tons of customizable templates for social media images, including Facebook cover size. Upload your own photos or use millions of free stock images and illustrations. Add text, shapes, filters and graphics to design an eye-catching cover.
PicMonkey
PicMonkey is a user-friendly photo editor with endless options for spicing up images. Crop and touch up your photos. Swap backgrounds. Insert text or graphics. Employ special effects. PicMonkey has pre-sized Facebook cover templates so you can quickly create and share amazing cover photos.
GIMP
GIMP is a free open-source image editing program similar to Photoshop. It offers advanced photo editing tools plus drawing and interface customization options. GIMP empowers you to turn basic images into works of art fit for a Facebook cover shot.
Pablo
Pablo takes the work out of creating visual content. Choose an image from their library or add your own. Select a pre-designed template or start from scratch. Customize fonts, colors palette and layouts. Pablo’s drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to craft great looking graphics in minutes.
Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark Post provides all the features you need to design brilliant social graphics. Search their photos or upload your own. Add text, stickers, shapes and animations. Personalize with filters and palettes. Then download your Facebook cover image masterpiece with one click.
Get Inspired by These Examples
Still seeking inspiration for your cover shot? Check out these awesome examples:
Ponder Well’s cover effectively captures their brand. The simple design highlights their tagline against a relevant background.
This music lover’s cover celebrates their passion with a fun, vibrant design. The guitar overlay pops against the pink and blue.
Showing school spirit, this cover features the university’s colors, logo and motto. Clean text is easy to read.
This travel-lover’s cover features a stunning vacation sunset with location noted. Strong contrast and rule of thirds composition.
Conclusion
Your Facebook cover photo is valuable online real estate. Take advantage by posting unique images that represent your personality and interests. Showcase your life adventures, causes, family and work. Choose eye-catching photos with great composition. Update frequently to give followers new glimpses into your world. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect cover shot to make your profile pop!