X Header Dimensions
The X (Twitter) header size is 1500 × 500 pixels at a 3:1 aspect ratio. Upload at this exact size — it's the resolution X uses for retina display on the desktop profile.
Profile Picture Overlap
On every device, the profile picture floats over the lower-left of the header at roughly 133 × 133 pixels. Anything you put in that lower-left area gets covered by the profile circle. Design around it:
- Lower-left ~200 × 200 area: avoid logos, faces, text
- Center horizontal strip: best for tagline / brand message
- Right side: best for accent visuals or call-to-action
Mobile Crop
Mobile crops about 70 pixels off the top and 70 pixels off the bottom. Keep all critical content inside the center 1500 × 360 vertical area to stay visible on phones.
File Format
| Format | Use For | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | Logos, taglines, sharp graphics | Under 2 MB |
| JPG | Photos, scenery, gradients | Under 1 MB |
| GIF | Static only — animation not supported | Under 5 MB |
What to Put on Your X Header
The header is your account's first impression. High-impact uses:
- Tagline / value proposition (4-8 words, display-size text)
- Brand visuals that complement the profile picture
- Call-to-action ("Subscribe to my newsletter →")
- Visual proof (logo wall of clients, milestone numbers)
Keep text minimal — 4-8 words maximum at 60+ px display size. Anything more becomes unreadable on mobile.
Tips for a High-Quality X Header
- Upload at exactly 1500 × 500 — looks crisp on retina
- Keep critical content in the center 1500 × 360 safe zone
- Avoid the lower-left 200 × 200 area (profile picture overlap)
- Use display-size text: 60+ px
- Limit text to 4-8 words
- Save in sRGB at under 1 MB
- Need a header design tool? Use our X Header Maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the X (Twitter) header size?
The X header (banner) size is 1500 × 500 pixels at a 3:1 aspect ratio. Upload at this size for sharp display on retina screens — anything smaller looks soft on the desktop profile header.
Where does the profile picture overlap the X header?
On both desktop and mobile, the profile picture floats over the lower-left of the header at roughly 133 × 133 pixels. Avoid placing logos, faces, or text in that lower-left area — the profile circle sits on top.
Why does my X header look cropped on mobile?
Mobile crops the top and bottom of the header — about 70 px each side. Keep critical content in the center 1500 × 360 area to stay visible on phones.
What is the maximum file size for an X header?
X allows header images up to 5 MB. JPG usually fits well within that. Save in sRGB and pre-compress to under 1 MB for fastest loading.
Can I use a video as my X header?
No. X (Twitter) headers are static images only. Animated GIFs are accepted but only the first frame displays — they're effectively static. Profile videos are not supported on X.
What file format should I use for an X header?
Use PNG for headers with a logo, tagline, or sharp text — PNG keeps text crisp. Use JPG for headers that are mostly photo or scenery to keep file size small. Save in sRGB at under 1 MB.
What is the safe zone for an X header?
The safe zone — visible on both desktop and mobile — is roughly 1500 × 360 pixels in the vertical center. Avoid the top 70 px and bottom 70 px (mobile crop), and avoid the lower-left 200 × 200 area (profile picture overlap).
What are good X header design practices?
Treat the header like a billboard: 4-8 words maximum, a tagline or value proposition, brand colors, and visual elements that complement (not compete with) the profile picture in the lower-left. Display-size text (60+ px) only.