The X header size is 1500 by 500 pixels, a 3 to 1 ratio. X shows the full image on desktop and crops the sides on mobile. Keep text and logos inside the central safe zone so nothing gets cut. Export it as a JPG under 2 MB for the sharpest result.
What Is the X Header Size?
The X header size is 1500 pixels wide and 500 pixels tall. That 3 to 1 ratio matches the size X recommends in its help pages. X accepts JPG, PNG and GIF files for the header image. Animated GIFs no longer move in headers, since X froze them in August 2024. Use a static JPG for photos and a PNG for graphics with sharp text. X allows header files up to 5 MB, but smaller files load faster on phones. Aim for under 2 MB so X skips its harshest compression pass. The old 1024 by 512 size is out of date and will stretch soft. Our guide to image sizes for social media covers the other platforms too.
The Safe Zone: Where Text Stays Visible
X shows the full 1500 by 500 header on desktop web browsers. On phones X crops the sides and shows only the centre of the image. X also trims about 60 pixels from the top and bottom on some screens. Keep text and logos inside the central 1200 by 400 pixel safe zone. Your round profile photo covers the lower left corner of the header. That photo is 400 by 400 pixels, so leave that corner clear. Design at double size, 3000 by 1000, if you want extra sharpness on retina screens. Export the final file once, because every extra resize softens the image. Our guide to crop an image to the perfect size helps you frame the shot.
How to Resize an Image for X Header in 4 Steps
Follow these four steps to resize any photo into a sharp X header.
Step 1: Open a free image resizer in your browser. Set the canvas to 1500 by 500 pixels before you upload anything.
Step 2: Upload the photo you want to use as your header. Pick a sharp original photo, because a blurry source stays blurry after resizing.
Step 3: Fit the photo inside the 1500 by 500 frame. Drag the photo until the main subject sits inside the central safe zone.
Step 4: Download the header as a JPG under 2 MB. Open the file on your phone and check the edges before you upload it.
Best Export Settings for a Sharp Header
Export photos as JPG at high quality so the file stays small and sharp. Use PNG when the design has sharp text, logos or flat colour blocks. Choose the sRGB colour mode so colours look the same on every screen. The X header size works best when the file stays under 2 MB. Avoid resizing the same image twice, because each pass adds blur. Our guide to resizing without losing quality shows the safe method step by step. Check the current specs in the X Help Center before you design.
Header Sizes for the Rest of Your X Profile
Your profile photo should be 400 by 400 pixels, shown as a circle. A single in-feed image looks best at 1600 by 900 pixels in landscape. Keep the header, avatar and post images in one style for a tidy profile. X was called Twitter until the rebrand in 2023, but the header size stayed the same. Match the header colours to your avatar so the profile looks planned, not random. Our Instagram story size guide shows the same safe-zone idea on another platform.
How to Check Your Header Before You Publish
Upload the header, then open your profile on a phone first. Phones crop the sides, so desktop alone never shows the full story. Ask a friend to open your profile on a different phone model. If text looks tight, move it toward the centre and re-upload. Our Instagram reel cover size guide uses the same check-before-you-publish habit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is placing text near the edges of the header. Mobile cropping cuts the sides, so edge text can vanish without warning. Another mistake is uploading a tiny image and stretching it to fit. Stretching turns a clear photo into a blurry mess very quickly. Never put a logo in the lower left corner, because your avatar covers it. Do not use an animated GIF, since X freezes it on the first frame. Always preview the header on a phone before you save it live. Our guide to compressing images for Instagram helps when the file is too large.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the X header size?
The X header size is 1500 by 500 pixels, a 3 to 1 ratio. Upload it as a JPG or PNG under 2 MB for best results.
Can I resize an X header for free?
Yes, free online resizers can resize any photo for X. Open the tool, set 1500 by 500 pixels, and download it.
Will my header look blurry after resizing?
No, a sharp source photo stays sharp after a careful resize. Start from the largest original photo you have available.
What file format is best for an X header?
JPG is best for photos because it stays small and looks sharp. PNG is better for graphics with text, logos, or flat colours.
The X header size to use is 1500 by 500 pixels. Keep text inside the safe zone and preview it on mobile. Then your header will look sharp on every screen.
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