Profile Cover Photo
Your profile cover photo is the large banner image that appears at the top of your profile page. It's one of the first things visitors see, so choosing the right cover photo can make a big impact on how your profile is perceived.
What is a Cover Photo?
The cover photo is a wide banner image that spans across the top of your profile:
- Appears at the very top of your profile page
- Displays behind your profile picture and basic info
- Creates a visual first impression for visitors
- Can be repositioned and zoomed to get the perfect framing
How to Add a Cover Photo
There are three ways to add or change your cover photo:
Method 1: Upload Your Own Photo
- Go to your profile settings (click your profile picture, then "Edit Profile")
- Scroll to the "Profile Images" section
- Find the "Cover Photo" area
- Click "Change Cover" or the upload area
- Select an image file from your computer
- The image will upload and be set as your cover photo
- Click "Save Images" to save your changes
Method 2: Choose from Unsplash
- Go to your profile settings
- In the "Cover Photo" section, look for the "Choose from Unsplash" option
- Click to open the Unsplash browser
- Search for images by keyword (e.g., "nature", "abstract", "city")
- Browse the high-quality, free images
- Click on an image to select it
- The image will be automatically added with proper attribution
- Save your changes
Note: Unsplash images are free to use and include automatic attribution, making them a great option for professional-looking cover photos.
Method 3: Quick Edit from Profile
You can also edit your cover photo directly from your profile page:
- Visit your profile page
- Hover over the cover photo area (if you're viewing your own profile)
- Click the "Edit cover photo" button that appears
- Choose to upload a photo or select from Unsplash
- Your changes will be saved automatically
Repositioning Your Cover Photo
Once you've added a cover photo, you can reposition and zoom it to get the perfect framing:
- Go to your profile page
- Click "Edit cover photo" and select "Reposition"
- A repositioning tool will open
- Drag the image to move it left, right, up, or down
- Scroll with your mouse wheel (or pinch on mobile) to zoom in or out
- Preview how it looks in the frame
- Click "Save changes" when you're happy with the positioning
This is especially useful if your image is larger than the cover photo area and you want to focus on a specific part of the image.
Recommended Specifications
For the best results, follow these guidelines:
- Dimensions: 1200x400 pixels (3:1 aspect ratio) is recommended
- File Size: Maximum 25MB
- Format: JPG, PNG, or WebP
- Orientation: Landscape (wider than tall) works best
- Resolution: Higher resolution images will look better, especially on larger screens
Cover Photo Best Practices
- Choose High-Quality Images: Use sharp, clear images that look good at large sizes
- Consider Your Profile Picture: Make sure your cover photo complements your profile picture
- Keep Text Readable: If your cover photo has text, ensure it doesn't conflict with profile information
- Match Your Brand: Choose images that reflect your personality, interests, or brand
- Test on Mobile: Check how your cover photo looks on mobile devices
- Update Regularly: Consider updating your cover photo seasonally or when your interests change
- Use Repositioning: Don't be afraid to reposition to focus on the best part of your image
Removing Your Cover Photo
If you want to remove your cover photo:
- Go to your profile settings
- Find the "Cover Photo" section
- Look for a "Remove" or "Delete" option
- Confirm the removal
- Save your changes
Your profile will display without a cover photo, showing a default background instead.
Cover Photo vs. Background Image
It's important to understand the difference between cover photos and background images:
- Cover Photo: The banner at the top of your profile, behind your profile picture
- Background Image: A full-page background that covers the entire profile (set in Layout Customization)
- Both Can Coexist: You can have both a cover photo and a background image
- Different Purposes: Cover photos are for the header area; background images are for the full page
Learn more about background images in our Custom CSS & Backgrounds guide.
Troubleshooting
If you're having issues with your cover photo:
- Upload Fails: Check that your file is under 25MB and in a supported format
- Image Looks Blurry: Use a higher resolution image (at least 1200px wide)
- Wrong Aspect Ratio: Use the reposition tool to adjust how the image is cropped
- Changes Not Saving: Make sure you click "Save Images" after making changes
- Unsplash Not Working: Check your internet connection and try refreshing the page
Tip: Your cover photo is one of the first things people see when they visit your profile. Take time to choose an image that represents you well. You can always change it later, so don't be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find one that feels right!