What image size do I need for a Facebook cover photo?
Facebook (and other platforms) crop cover and banner images differently on mobile versus desktop, so getting the dimensions and composition right in advance avoids important content being cut off.
General guidance
Platform-specified pixel dimensions change periodically, so check the current numbers on the platform's own help page before an important upload. As a working principle, cover photos are wide (much wider than tall) and get cropped differently across devices.
Keep important content centred
Faces, logos and text should sit centred and away from the very edges, since edge content is what gets cut off first when the crop changes between mobile and desktop.
Preparing the image
Crop to the platform's ratio with the Image Editor, and use the Aspect Ratio Calculator to confirm your pixel dimensions match cleanly before uploading.
Working out exact pixel dimensions
Once you know the aspect ratio a platform expects, the Aspect Ratio Calculator works out matching pixel dimensions from a starting width or height, so the image is not distorted when the platform displays it.
The same principle applies elsewhere
Profile pictures, post images and story formats each have their own expected shape across platforms — the process is the same each time: check the current requirement, crop with the Image Editor, and compress the result with Image Compress before uploading.
Why platforms change their requirements over time
Social platforms periodically update their recommended image sizes as screen resolutions and app designs evolve — a dimension that was correct a year ago may now display slightly differently, which is why checking the platform's current help page before an important upload is worth the extra minute.
