Your X header is a billboard above the conversation. Unlike feed posts, people see it when evaluating whether to follow-so clarity beats cleverness.
Baseline pixel dimensions
Recommended export: 1500 × 500 (3:1). Retina workflow: design at 3000 × 1000, then export a 1500 × 500 under the platform’s maximum file size.
Design constraints that survive releases
- Center-weighted composition-assume vertical crop bands on phones.
- No microcopy on outer 10–15% edges unless you accept periodic clipping.
- Avatar no-fly zone on the lower-left for desktop previews.
- Legible at half brightness-night-mode users still need contrast.
File formats & compression
JPG works for realistic photos; PNG preserves crisp logos. Run lossless or visually lossy compression before upload to stay under limits and reduce banding on gradients.
Match the rest of the profile system
After updating the banner, audit:
- Profile photo (still reads small?)
- Bio line breaks on mobile
- Pinned post alignment with current campaigns
- Link-in-bio destination parity with other networks
Pair with feed creative
When you publish image posts, keep typography styles aligned so the profile feels like one brand-not a banner from 2022 and posts from 2026.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the X (Twitter) header size?
- Use a 1500×500 pixel image (3:1 aspect ratio) as the common upload baseline. Some teams also produce a 3000×1000 master for sharper displays, then export down-watch X’s documented max file size.
- Why does my X banner look cropped on mobile?
- Clients crop banners differently by device width and safe areas. Keep logos and text near the horizontal center and away from extreme top/bottom bands.
- Can I use GIF banners on X?
- Assume static-only for reliability. Even if an animated GIF uploads, behavior can degrade or show only the first frame. Prefer crisp JPG/PNG for banners.
- Where does the profile photo overlap?
- On desktop layouts the circular avatar commonly overlaps the lower-left region of the banner. Avoid essential copy there.