If you plan on using Linkedin for personal branding, you will need to make sure your profile stands out from the rest. One way to do so is by using a feature Linkedin has added recently which allows you to customize your cover photo. This feature was only available to premium members but no longer.
Linkedin.com Cover Photo Requirements:
Before you start designing a beautiful cover photo, keep in mind the following required specs.
Recommended Size: 1000px x 425px
Maximum File Size: 4MB (if image is too big, use Trimage to compress it)
File Type: File type JPG, GIF or PNG
Also, your profile image & header will overlap the bottom part of your profile cover photo. Make sure not to place important information within that section of your image since it will be covered. You can learn more about all the requirements directly here.
Let’s move on to the 3 tools to help you create a cover photo on Linkedin:
1. Canva
This is my favorite tool to create any type of graphic without requiring major editing. It hasn’t been in the market for longbut it truly help change the overall graphic design landscape for online websites.
Not only it’s free but it comes with all sorts of pre-designed templates to help you get started with ease as well as creativity. Also, you can literally buy stock photos directly on the platform without having to import or upload any of them. They usually start at $1/image.
Try Canva.com for designing Linkedin Cover Photos
2. Picmonkey
Picmonkey was among the top tools used by many individuals for their social media graphic needs, even before Canva.com. What sets Picmonkey aprt from Canva is the fact that it enables you to edit graphics with ease and not simply create new ones. It’s free to use but does offer a premium affordable version as well.
Try Picmonkey.com for Linkedin Cover photo designs
3. Pixlr
I usually compare this tool to a very basic version of Adobe Photoshop. Two things I love about Pixlr is that it’s free and it’s web based meaning that you don’t need to install anything on your computer to make it work.
Remember that this tool requires some graphic knowledge as well as it doesn’t have pre-configured Linkedin cover photo templates for you to start with. You will have to create a new file and set the dimensions needed before getting started with your design.
Try Pixlr to design advanced Linkedin Cover Photos
Keep in mind that there are many any other tools out there but those are the main ones I’ve used personally with success. They fit any budget, easy to use and do offer advanced editing capabilities such as Pixlr. I recommend you test all 3 and see which one fits best for your needs and ease of learning.
Have fun!