X (Twitter) · Image sizes

Match the X surface: header, timeline, or avatar

The profile header is a wide 3:1 strip under your circular photo. Timeline images prefer clean 16:9. The avatar is a small circle in every reply. Crop each one on purpose.

Three files people mix up on X

Header banners fail when branding sits under the avatar or only on the far edges phones trim. Timeline posts fail when a 3:1 banner or a square logo is forced into a 16:9 card. Avatars fail when a group shot leaves your face in a corner the circle removes.

Facebook covers and LinkedIn banners are different ratios. Stretching them into 1500×500 warps faces and pushes type into the avatar pocket. Reuse the photo if you want—re-crop for X.

Open the guide for the surface you are editing. Each page has pixels, a checklist, and a browser crop with the relevant safe zone.

Quick picks

Match the task to the guide so you do not export the wrong ratio.

  • Redesigning the strip behind your name → Header banner; keep the avatar pocket empty of logos.
  • Attaching a photo to a post → Post image at 16:9; do not reuse the banner export.
  • Only updating the circle in replies → Profile picture; prefer a sharp square upload.
  • Coming from LinkedIn or Facebook → Re-crop; do not stretch those covers to 3:1.

Frequently asked questions

What is the X (Twitter) banner size?

1500×500 pixels (3:1). Leave the lower-left clear for your profile photo and keep critical type off the far edges.

What size are X post images?

1600×900 (16:9) is a strong default for single-image posts. Multi-image layouts can crop cells more tightly—center what matters.

Can I use a Facebook cover as my X header?

Not without a fresh crop. Facebook’s cover ratio is wider relative to height in a different way; stretching it looks wrong under the X avatar.

What size should my X profile picture be?

Upload a square—800×800 when you can. X displays it as a circle on the profile and in the timeline.