When designing a Facebook cover in Adobe Illustrator, it’s important to know the correct dimensions so that the cover displays properly on Facebook pages. The standard size for a Facebook cover image in 2023 is 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall.
What are the exact dimensions for a Facebook cover image?
The precise dimensions for a Facebook cover image are:
- Width: 820 pixels
- Height: 312 pixels
These dimensions create a cover photo that will span the full width of a Facebook page on desktop and mobile devices. The 820 pixel width allows the cover image to adapt responsively to varying screen sizes, while the 312 pixel height ensures the key aspects of the image are visible.
Why are these dimensions important?
Getting the dimensions right for a Facebook cover image is crucial for the following reasons:
- Fit – The 820 x 312 pixel size ensures the cover fits the header space properly.
- Visibility – The height of 312 vertical pixels captures the most important visual aspects in the image.
- Resolution – Having at least 720 pixels on the width ensures crisp and clear display on high resolution screens.
- Responsiveness – The 820 pixel width enables flexible resizing across different devices and screen sizes.
Images that are sized incorrectly will appear distorted, cropped or pixelated on Facebook pages. The 820 x 312 pixel dimensions are optimized to make covers look visually appealing.
How can I create a 820 x 312 pixel cover in Illustrator?
Here are the steps to create a properly sized Facebook cover in Adobe Illustrator:
- Open a new document and input the dimensions as Width: 820 pixels and Height: 312 pixels.
- Select “Pixels” as the unit of measurement to ensure the proper cover size.
- Design your cover artwork within the boundaries of the artboard.
- Use high resolution images and vector graphics for best quality.
- Save your cover image as JPG or PNG format.
- Export the image at 100% size to retain the 820 x 312 dimensions.
Setting up your Illustrator document correctly from the start will make the cover design process smooth and efficient.
What ratio should I use for a Facebook cover image?
The aspect ratio for a Facebook cover image should be:
- 820:312
- Or 2.63:1
This extra wide aspect ratio allows the image to span the full width of the Facebook page. When cropped for mobile, the key visuals and text will remain intact in the center of the cover.
Can I use a different size for my Facebook cover?
It is not recommended to use non-standard dimensions for your Facebook cover image. Sticking to the 820 x 312 pixel size will guarantee proper fit and display across all devices and platforms. If you use a different size, the cover may appear warped, distorted, blurry or pixelated to viewers.
For example, if you use a square 1000 x 1000 pixel image, Facebook will still crop and resize it to 820 x 312 pixels. This may cut out important parts of your image.
For best results, always design your cover in the standard 820 pixel width by 312 pixel height.
What template should I use in Illustrator?
Here are some recommended templates to use in Adobe Illustrator when designing a Facebook cover image:
- Basic 820 x 312 Pixels Artboard – This gives you a blank canvas at the exact cover dimensions.
- Cover Template with Guides – Includes vertical guides to mark the important content areas.
- Cover Template with Image Slots – Provides layered image placeholders to add visuals easily.
- Cover Template with Text Areas – Contains predefined text boxes for headings and subtitles.
Using an Illustrator template tailored for Facebook covers will help speed up the design process and alignment of elements. Make sure to choose a template that matches the 820 x 312 size.
Where can I download a Facebook cover template for Illustrator?
Here are some recommended places to find Facebook cover templates for Adobe Illustrator:
- Creative Market – Website offering a wide range of layout templates, graphic templates and design assets.
- Graphic Burger – Provides an assortment of free and premium design templates.
- Freepik – Features free templates and editable vector graphics.
- Adobe Express – Adobe’s own collection of easy templates for social media graphics.
- Canva – Offers an array of templates sized for Facebook covers and other uses.
The best templates will be sized at 820 x 312 pixels and work seamlessly with Illustrator. Look for templates with organized layers, image placeholders, guidelines and preset text areas to customize.
What are the key design elements to include?
Here are some key design elements worth including on a Facebook cover image:
- Branding – Logos, text, colors to represent your brand identity.
- Visuals – Eye-catching imagery related to your brand or message.
- Text – Important headlines, taglines or descriptive text.
- Call-to-Action – Buttons, offers or messages prompting visitors to take action.
- Contact Info – Address, phone, website details for users to reach you.
Focus these elements in the left and central zones of the cover. Keep text brief and legible. Ensure visuals are high-resolution and attention-grabbing. The cover should quickly communicate your brand and value proposition to visitors.
What design tips should I follow?
Some useful design tips for creating great Facebook covers in Illustrator include:
- Use the rule of thirds to balance elements in the composition.
- Make text pop with high contrast colors and fonts.
- Add interesting textures, patterns and layers to images.
- Incorporate illustration or iconography to make it more engaging.
- Use drop shadows, gradients or depth effects to add dimension.
- Utilize bold, bright, saturated colors that stand out.
- Focus important information towards the left third of the cover.
- Be consistent with your overall brand identity and style.
Well-composed, visually striking covers catch more attention on Facebook timelines. Take time to create an on-brand, professional looking design in Illustrator.
What is the key text area for covers?
The most important text area on Facebook covers is the left-hand side, spanning about the first third of the image width. This is the area that will be fully visible on all desktop and mobile displays. Any essential text, like headlines or Calls-to-Action, should be positioned in the left zone.
The left aligned text allows covers to adapt gracefully to different News Feed widths. Positioning text elsewhere may result in it being obstructed on narrower screens. Give your text the best chance of being read by keeping it left aligned.
Should I include a logo on the cover?
Yes, it is recommended to feature your brand logo on your Facebook cover image. This visually reinforces brand recognition whenever someone visits your Page. Just make sure not to make the logo too big or dominant.
Some effective ways to incorporate a logo on your cover include:
- Resize it to fit in the top left or bottom left corner
- Overlay it transparently onto an image background
- Place it near the left aligned text area
- Use a small icon version of your logo
Choose a logo variation that looks visually balanced against other elements in your layout. Let it serve as a supporting design accent, not the main focus.
Should I use graphics or photos on my cover?
Both graphics and photos can make very compelling Facebook covers. The best option often depends on the aesthetic of your brand:
- Graphics are ideal for brands with a bold, geometric, illustrated or abstract style.
- Photos are great for brands with a photographic, lifestyle-driven, or natural style.
You can also combine both graphical and photographic elements for a mixed media look. The cover should reflect the overall visual identity of your brand.
What are some examples of great Facebook covers?
Here are some examples of excellent, effective Facebook covers to draw inspiration from:
- TOMS – Rustic photo with bold stamped text overlay
- GoPro – Extreme sports action shot
- Buzzfeed – Colorful illustrated characters
- Starbucks – Vibrant graphical pattern
- WWF – Dramatic environmental photo
- The North Face – Mountain wilderness adventure scene
Study covers from top brands. Analyze how they use imagery, text, color and style. Then apply similar principles tailored to your own brand essence. Craft custom graphics and photos that capture attention.
Conclusion
Designing a custom Facebook cover that represents your brand is an impactful way to engage your audience. Use Illustrator to create covers with the optimal 820 x 312 pixel dimensions. Craft visually appealing graphics or photos featuring your logo, messaging and visual identity. Position important text and calls-to-action in the left third. A well-designed cover reinforces your brand and makes a great first impression on visitors.