You upload a carefully designed header image to X (formerly Twitter). It looks perfect on desktop. Then you check it on your phone and the sides are cut off, your logo is cropped, or the text you placed at the bottom is hidden behind your profile photo.
This is one of the most consistent frustrations with X's profile design — and it comes down to one thing: X displays the header image differently depending on the device, and most people don't account for that when designing.
The Official X Header Image Dimensions
The recommended X header (banner) image size is 1500 × 500 pixels at a 3:1 aspect ratio.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 1500 px |
| Height | 500 px |
| Aspect ratio | 3:1 |
| Max file size | 5 MB |
| Formats accepted | JPG, PNG, GIF (static) |
These are the dimensions X recommends. But uploading at exactly 1500 × 500 doesn't guarantee your image will look right — because of how X crops it on different screens.
The Real Problem: X Crops Differently on Desktop vs. Mobile
Here's what actually happens when X displays your header:
On desktop, X shows the full 1500 × 500 image, but the bottom portion is partially covered by your profile photo and bio section.
On mobile, X crops the image more aggressively. The visible area is roughly the center of the image, and the left and right edges get cut off on smaller screens.
On the profile edit screen, X shows a preview that doesn't always match what the live profile looks like.
This means you can't just fill the entire 1500 × 500 canvas with important content. You need to work within a safe zone.
The Safe Zone for X Header Images
To ensure your content is visible on both desktop and mobile, keep all important elements — text, logos, faces — within this safe zone:
- Horizontal safe zone: 300 px from each side (so content between x=300 and x=1200)
- Vertical safe zone: Top 400 px of the image (the bottom 100 px is often covered by the profile section)
- Center focus: The center 900 × 400 px area is the safest region for critical content
Think of it like designing for a TV broadcast — you have a full canvas, but you design for the "action safe" area in the middle.
Step-by-Step: Design an X Header That Works Everywhere
1. Start With the Right Canvas
Create a new canvas at exactly 1500 × 500 px. In Canva, this is available as a preset. In Photoshop or Figma, set it manually.
2. Add a Background That Works at Any Crop
Use a background that looks good even if the edges are cut off. Gradients, patterns, and full-bleed photos work well. Avoid placing key elements near the edges.
3. Place Important Content in the Center
Your logo, tagline, or key visual should sit in the center 900 × 400 px area. If you're including a face or character, position it slightly right of center — the left side tends to get more overlap from the profile photo on mobile.
4. Leave the Bottom 100 px Clear
The bottom strip of your header is covered by the profile photo circle on desktop. Don't put anything important there.
5. Export at the Right Size
Export as JPG (for photos/gradients) or PNG (for graphics with text). Keep the file under 5 MB.
What Size Should Your X Profile Photo Be?
While you're updating your header, make sure your profile photo is also optimized:
- Upload size: 400 × 400 px minimum (higher is better)
- Display size: 200 × 200 px on desktop, smaller on mobile
- Shape: Displayed as a circle — keep important content away from the corners
- Format: JPG or PNG
Common X Header Mistakes
Using text that spans the full width: Text near the left or right edges will be cut off on mobile. Keep all text in the center third of the image.
Designing at 1500 × 500 but exporting smaller: Some design tools export at a lower resolution by default. Always check the exported file dimensions before uploading.
Using a GIF expecting animation: X supports animated GIFs for headers, but they often display as static images depending on the client. Don't rely on animation for important information.
Not checking on mobile after upload: Always view your profile on a phone after updating the header. The desktop preview in X's settings doesn't show you the mobile crop.
Fix Your X Header Size Now
If your current header is the wrong size or your content is getting cropped, resize it before re-uploading.
Set the output to 1500 × 500 and position your content in the center safe zone for a header that looks right on every device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct X (Twitter) header size in 2026? The recommended size is 1500 × 500 pixels at a 3:1 aspect ratio. Keep important content within the center 900 × 400 px safe zone to avoid cropping on mobile.
Why does my Twitter/X header look different on mobile? X crops the header image more aggressively on mobile screens. The left and right edges are often cut off, and the bottom is partially covered by the profile section. Design with a center-focused safe zone to avoid this.
What file format should I use for an X header image? JPG works best for photos and gradient backgrounds. Use PNG if your design includes text or a logo with sharp edges. Keep the file under 5 MB.
Can I use a GIF as my X header? Yes, X supports GIF headers. However, animated GIFs may display as static images in some X clients and third-party apps. Don't rely on animation to convey important information.
How do I stop my X profile photo from covering my header design? The profile photo overlaps the bottom-left area of your header on desktop. Leave the bottom 100 px of your header clear, and avoid placing important content in the bottom-left quadrant of the image.
