X (Twitter) header size guide
The right X header size is 1500 by 500 pixels, a 3 to 1 ratio. Upload your own image below to preview it inside the exact frame, see the centered safe area to keep key content in, and check where your profile photo overlaps the header.
Keep text and logos inside the dashed safe area. The circle marks where your profile photo overlaps the header in the lower left. Uploads stay in your browser and are never sent anywhere.
X header specs at a glance
| Recommended size | 1500 x 500 pixels |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | 3:1 |
| File types | JPG, PNG, or GIF |
| Max file size | About 2 MB |
| Color mode | RGB |
| Safe area | Center, away from edges |
How to design a header that is not cropped
X shows your header at different heights depending on the screen, so the top and bottom can be trimmed and the lower left is covered by your profile photo. The reliable approach is to fill the full 1500 by 500 canvas with your background, then keep anything that has to be seen inside the centered safe area. A few rules keep it clean:
- Design at 1500 by 500 pixels so the header is sharp on large screens.
- Keep text, logos, and faces inside the centered safe area.
- Leave the lower left clear for your profile photo.
- Export under 2 MB, using JPG for photos and PNG for flat graphics.
Why image quality matters
A header is one of the first things a visitor sees, so a blurry or stretched image reads as a red flag. Always start from the full size rather than scaling a small image up, because enlarging adds softness that cannot be undone. If you add alt text describing the header in your profile settings, people using screen readers get the same context as everyone else, which is a small effort that makes your profile more welcoming.
Once your header is set, polish the rest of your presence. Use our X post preview to see how your posts will look in the timeline, and the tweet screenshot generator to turn a strong post into a shareable image.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best X header size?
- The recommended X header size is 1500 by 500 pixels, which is a 3 to 1 ratio. Designing at that exact size keeps your header crisp on large desktop screens and gives X room to scale it down cleanly on phones.
- What is the X header aspect ratio?
- The X header uses a 3 to 1 aspect ratio, meaning it is three times as wide as it is tall. As long as you keep that ratio, the header will not be stretched. The standard size that matches it is 1500 by 500 pixels.
- What file types can I use for an X header?
- X accepts JPG, PNG, and GIF files for the header. JPG or PNG is best for a still image, since they keep photos and flat graphics looking clean. Animated GIFs are not recommended for headers and may not animate.
- What is the maximum X header file size?
- The maximum file size for an X header is about 2 MB. If your file is larger, export it again at a lower quality setting or save it as a JPG, which usually produces a much smaller file than a PNG for photos.
- Why does my X header look cropped?
- X trims the top and bottom of the header by different amounts across phones, tablets, and desktop, so the visible height changes by device. Keeping the important content inside the centered safe area is what stops it being cut off.
- Where does the profile photo cover the header?
- Your profile photo sits in the lower left and overlaps the bottom of the header. Avoid placing logos, faces, or text in that corner, since the round photo will hide part of whatever is behind it on your profile.
- What is the safe area on an X header?
- The safe area is the centered band of the header that stays visible on every device. Because the edges and corners can be cropped or covered, keeping key elements in the middle is the reliable way to make sure people see them.
- Does this tool upload my header image?
- No. When you choose an image, the preview is created with a local object URL in your browser and is never sent to a server. It is only used to show your design inside the 3 to 1 frame so you can check the safe area.
Want more than a one off tool? Xpert drafts posts in your voice, schedules them at your best times, and keeps score with you.
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