Your LinkedIn photo is what recruiters, clients and colleagues see first. LinkedIn publishes the exact limits for profile and background photos, so there is no need to guess. This guide summarizes them and shows how to prepare a photo for free.
LinkedIn photo requirements
| Item | What LinkedIn says |
|---|---|
| Profile photo size | From 400 x 400 px up to 7680 x 4320 px |
| Profile photo file size | Maximum 8 MB |
| File types | PNG or JPG (GIFs are not supported) |
| Background photo | Recommended 1584 x 396 px |
| Content | The photo should reflect your actual likeness |
If an upload fails, LinkedIn suggests trying a different browser, compressing the image on your device, and checking that the photo follows its profile photo guidelines.
A practical size to use
The minimum is 400 x 400 px, but a bit larger is safer because LinkedIn shows your photo at several sizes. A square crop of roughly 800 x 800 px with your face centered is a good, lightweight choice. Larger originals are accepted up to the limits above, but they add file size without making a small profile photo look better.
Tip: Crop to a square first, with your face in the middle. LinkedIn displays profile photos in a circle, so leave a little space around your head so it is not cut off.
Prepare your LinkedIn photo for free
- Crop to a square with the Crop tool, keeping your face centered.
- Clean the background if you want a plain backdrop: use the Background Remover, then set a color with the BG Color Changer.
- Resize to about 800 x 800 px with the Resize tool.
- Compress with the compressor if the file is near the 8 MB limit. Most photos will already be far below it after resizing.
- Save as JPG or PNG. If your image is WebP or HEIC, convert it first: WebP to JPG or HEIC to JPG.
Background photo (banner)
LinkedIn recommends a background photo as close as possible to 1584 x 396 px. That is a very wide, short shape (4:1), so a landscape image works best and important details should stay away from the edges. Your profile photo overlaps part of the banner, so keep key text and logos out of that area. For more detail, see our LinkedIn banner size guide.
Photo tips
- Use a recent photo where you are easy to recognize.
- Face the camera in good, even light and avoid heavy filters.
- Keep the background simple so your face stands out at small sizes.
Sources
- LinkedIn Help: Photo won't upload to your profile — 400 x 400 to 7680 x 4320 px, 8 MB, PNG or JPG, background photo 1584 x 396 px.
Checked against the official pages in October 2026. Platforms change their rules without notice, so confirm on the linked page before you publish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should a LinkedIn profile photo be?
LinkedIn accepts profile photos from 400 x 400 px up to 7680 x 4320 px, up to 8 MB. A square photo around 800 x 800 px with your face centered works well.
What file types does LinkedIn accept for profile photos?
PNG or JPG. GIFs are not supported. If your photo is WebP or HEIC, convert it to JPG first.
What is the best LinkedIn background photo size?
LinkedIn recommends getting as close as possible to 1584 x 396 px.
Why will my LinkedIn photo not upload?
Check the file is a PNG or JPG under 8 MB and at least 400 x 400 px. LinkedIn also suggests trying a different browser or compressing the image.
Should my LinkedIn photo be square?
A square crop is the easiest option. LinkedIn displays profile photos in a circle, so center your face and leave a little space around it.