How to make a Twitter banner image

07 Sep, 2022

Making a Twitter banner image is necessary for your profile. The process is very simple and, if you are a creatively minded person, also very enjoyable. Moreover, a good Twitter header helps to improve your personal branding as well. Make sure to have the correct Twitter banner size to achieve the best result.

In this article, you will learn how to make a Twitter banner image in a few simple steps. Your Twitter header could be a quote, your favorite image, or it can highlight your brand.

Different websites offer free templates to create banner images. Either you can select an image of your choice from those templates or you can use any online design tool to start creating your banner from a blank canvas.

Before creating your banner image, let's discuss how to add a cover image to your Twitter profile.

By the way, almost everyone running a Twitter also runs a Facebook. If you also want know how to design and add a Facebook banner image we got you covered as well.

How to add a cover photo to your Twitter profile

Besides creating your Twitter header image, it is also necessary to know how to upload it.

The process is quite simple and easy. If you don't know how to add a cover photo to your profile, all you have to do is follow the instructions mentioned below:

  1. Log in to your Twitter account and head towards your Twitter profile page.

  2. Click on the edit profile button located at the bottom of your header image area.

    Add Cover Image to Twitter "Edit Profile"-button

  3. Click on the small camera icon located at the header image area.

    Add Cover Image to Twitter "Upload image"-button

  4. After that, the file selection dialog box will open on your screen. Click on the file you want to upload as your cover image and click on the "open"-button.

    Add Cover Image to Twitter: Select the new image

  5. Click and drag the slider to adjust your cover image size as per your requirements.

    Add Cover Image to Twitter: Drag and drop the image until it fits your needs.

  6. Click on the Apply button and then click on the "Save"-button located at the top right corner of your screen.

    Add Cover Image to Twitter: Save the image using "Apply".

After that, you will see your updated cover image. This is how you can upload a cover image to your Twitter profile.

What is the size of a Twitter banner image?

You have to adjust your banner within the ideal size range. Or you will face problems while uploading a banner image as it won't fit in the header section.

The ideal size for a Twitter banner image is 1500 pixels wide by 500 pixels tall (1500x500 px). The aspect ratio for a Twitter banner image is 3:1. With this aspect ratio when considering your cover photo template.

While editing, exclude some areas from top and bottom for advanced customization. Check out the screenshot attached below:

The blocked (unusable) areas for Twitter Banners

How do I make a picture fit my Twitter header image?

As mentioned above, the ideal size for a Twitter banner image is 1500x500 pixels. Images that are not in this size range will have problems while uploading.

If your picture is not fitting your Twitter header, it's better to use image editing software. You can crop your image according to the mentioned size. Remember to ignore some space from top and bottom while making a banner image. Focus on the center.

For example, you can use Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Stencil, Snappa, etc. The latter three are even free.

Using this option will allow you to drag your image in the software and crop it as per the Twitter header image size guidelines.

Is there a way to find a Twitter user's avatar history?

No. Currently, there is no way to find out the avatar history of a Twitter user.

The only way to know someone’s Twitter avatar history is to keep a record yourself.

If you click on a user's avatar, it won't do anything other than enlarge the profile photo.

How to create a cover image for Twitter for free?

There are different tools that allow you to create a cover image for Twitter for free.

Tools like Canva and Stencil have the best selection of Twitter header layouts. You can use these simple design tools to create a professional Twitter header image.

Both of the tools are pretty good for creating graphics. Let's dig deeper into the essential steps needed to create a header image for your Twitter.

How to design a Twitter banner image with Stencil?

Stencil is a freemium design tool that allows users to create different graphics.

If you want to make a professional banner with Stencil, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Stencil app, and choose "Twitter Header" from the canvas resizer.

    Design Twitter Banner with Stencil (Step 1): Select "Twitter Header (1500x500)".

  2. Now, select a background photo from the presets. You can also upload a custom background through the Uploads section.

    Design Twitter Banner with Stencil (Step 2): Click on "Upload" in the side-bar.

    You will be able to see the safe area guide. This explains which part of your image will appear on different devices, right from your screen.

  3. Add the elements that you want to include in your banner image. You can add your logo or display text of your choice.

    Design Twitter Banner with Stencil (Step 3): Select "Upload Images" to upload your Twitter cover photo template or base-image

  4. After your banner image is ready, and you can download it by clicking the "Save"-button. After saving, hit the download button.

    Design Twitter Banner with Stencil (Step 4): "Download" your new Twitter header photo.

You can also use existing templates in Stencil and edit them as your banner image. Now, upload the banner on your Twitter using the steps mentioned earlier.

How to design a Twitter banner using Canva?

Canva is another famous design tool like Stencil. Here's how to create a Twitter banner by using Canva.

  1. Log in to your Canva. If you don't have one, then sign up using your Google Account or email address. It takes only seconds and it’s free. On the top right corner, click on the "Create a New design" button and then type "Twitter header".

    Create Twitter Banner with Canva (Step 1): Type "Twitter Header" into Canva to search for a template.

  2. Start designing with a blank page, or you can get started with an existing template for Twitter cover images.

  3. You can upload your images through the upload section. Otherwise, you can add elements and photos from the Canva library. After that, start creating your Twitter banner.

    Create Twitter Banner with Canva (Step 3): Select "Uploads" on Canva to upload your Twitter banner template image.

  4. When finished, click on the download button and choose the file format. You can download your image as PNG, JPG, or GIF. After that, open your Twitter account and upload your banner image.

    Create Twitter Banner with Canva (Step 4): Select the download icon for Canva

You can also publish your banner directly to Twitter by clicking the "Publish to Twitter"-button.

Templates for Twitter cover images

Here are some Twitter header templates that you can use for free:

Ideas for Twitter banners

If you’re having a hard time coming up with ideas for your banner, then you can choose images related to your brand. Sometimes, you need a picture to follow. So, if you are having a problem with the flow of ideas, you can have a look at these:

Display Your Work

Twitter Banner Image Example: Show-case your work

Use Perspectives

Twitter Banner Image Example: Use Perspectives

Use Patterns

Twitter Banner Image Example: Use Patterns

Use Your Colour Palette

Twitter Banner Image Example: Use Your Colour Palette

You can find more inspiration and ideas here:

Over to you

Now that you’ve learned how to create a Twitter banner, it’s time to get creative! It is always recommended to use images relevant to your brand as your header.

They showcase your work and represent your brand. For example, if you are an artist, you can use tools like Canva or Stencil to make a custom Twitter banner. If you are on LinkedIn, you should consider creating a custom banner too.

You can add your existing art pieces and your work as well. Other than that, you can add different customization elements to showcase your brand.