To get a profile picture that looks right everywhere, crop a square (1:1) photo with your face in the centre, eyes about a third from the top, and a little space around your head, because Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Instagram and Google all display profile photos as circles. Upload at least 400 x 400 pixels (800 to 1000 is better for sharpness), use a plain or blurred background, and check how it looks at tiny sizes.
- Crop square, then imagine a circle inside it. Corners will be cut off.
- Face fills roughly 50 to 60% of the frame.
- Upload at least 400 x 400 pixels; larger is fine.
- Good light on your face matters more than an expensive camera.
- Crop to a perfect square with the free Image Cropper.
The profile photo that cut off the forehead
A fresh graduate in Rajshahi uploads a nice portrait to LinkedIn before applying for jobs. On his phone it looked fine. In the circle on LinkedIn, the top of his head is gone, his chin touches the edge, and a bright window behind him makes his face look dark. Recruiters will see this tiny circle next to his name dozens of times.
Two minutes of cropping and a photo taken facing the window instead of with his back to it would have made a completely different first impression.
Profile photo checklist
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square 1:1, displayed as a circle on most platforms |
| Size | At least 400 x 400 px; 800 to 1000 px recommended |
| Face size | About 50 to 60% of the frame |
| Eyes | Roughly one third from the top |
| Background | Plain, light or softly blurred |
| Light | Facing a window or soft daylight, no strong shadows |
| File | JPG under 1 MB is plenty |
How to crop your profile picture
- Pick the right photoSharp, well lit, looking at the camera, only you in the frame.
- Open the cropperUpload it to the free Image Cropper and choose the square ratio.
- Centre your facePlace your face in the middle horizontally, eyes about a third down.
- Leave breathing roomSome space above the head and around the shoulders, because the circle will cut the corners.
- Zoom for balanceHead and shoulders for professional sites; a bit closer for WhatsApp and social media.
- Download and testUpload, then check it at small size in a comment or chat list.
Different platforms, different goals
Taking a better photo with your phone
- Stand facing a window during the day. Avoid overhead room lights.
- Ask someone to take it from about two metres away at eye level, then crop. Selfies from close up distort faces.
- Use portrait mode for a softly blurred background.
- Take ten shots and choose the most natural smile.
Common mistakes
- Group photos or photos with someone cropped out (half a shoulder gives it away).
- Sunglasses, heavy filters or very old photos.
- Busy backgrounds that compete with your face.
- Tiny, blurry images enlarged to fit. See how to crop without losing quality.
Related guides
For CV photos specifically, read the CV photo tips guide. For framing, learn the rule of thirds.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What size should a profile picture be?
Upload a square photo of at least 400 x 400 pixels. 800 to 1000 pixels is a good size for sharpness on all platforms.
Why does my profile photo get cut off?
Most platforms show profile photos as circles, which cut off the corners of a square. Leave space around your head when cropping.
How much of the frame should my face fill?
About 50 to 60% for most profile photos, with your eyes roughly a third from the top.
What background is best for a professional profile photo?
A plain, light or softly blurred background that does not distract from your face.
Should I use the same profile photo everywhere?
For professional use, yes. A consistent photo helps people recognise you across LinkedIn, email and messaging apps.
Crop to 16:9, 4:3, square or freeform, zoom and compress in one step, right in your browser.
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