LinkedIn Banner & Profile Design Guide - 100% Free

How to Design a LinkedIn Banner That Converts

Your LinkedIn banner is the first thing people see. It communicates your personal brand instantly.

A well-designed banner helps you stand out and makes a strong first impression.

Step-by-Step: Create Your LinkedIn Banner

1. Choose your dimensions: Use 1584 x 396 pixels
2. Select your main message: What do you want visitors to know immediately?
3. Pick 2-3 brand colors: Use the color picker tool above to find your palette
4. Add professional imagery: Photos, graphics, or minimal design elements
5. Keep safe zones: Important elements stay within center 1400 pixels
6. Export and upload: Save as JPG/PNG under 8MB at 72 DPI

What Makes a Banner Effective?

• Clear value proposition visible in 3 seconds
• Professional imagery that matches your industry
• Strategic color use (blue = trust, purple = creativity, green = growth)
• Social proof or key achievements (for client attraction)
• Core skills displayed visually (for job seekers)

Technical Specs

Optimal size: 1584 x 396 pixels
Safe zone: Center 1400 pixels (mobile won't crop this)
File format: JPG or PNG
Max size: 8MB
Resolution: 72 DPI

5 Banner Mistakes to Avoid

• Low-resolution images that look pixelated
• Text placed near edges (gets cropped on mobile)
• Too many competing elements (cluttered design)
• Generic stock photos with no personality
• Never updating after career changes

Free Design Tools

Canva: Free LinkedIn banner templates, easy to customize
Photopea: Browser-based Photoshop alternative
Remove.bg: Remove backgrounds from photos
Adobe Express: Free LinkedIn-sized templates

When to Update Your Banner

Update every 3-6 months or when you:

• Get a new job or promotion
• Launch a business or product
• Speak at a major event
• Win an award or certification
• Change your professional focus