How Do You Change A Cover Photo On Facebook?

Changing your Facebook cover photo is a great way to refresh your profile and express your personality, and dfphoto.net is here to guide you through the process. Whether you’re looking to showcase your photography skills or simply update your profile with a new image, changing your cover photo is a quick and easy way to make a visual impact. Let’s explore how to update your Facebook cover photo on both desktop and mobile platforms, enhancing your profile with captivating visuals and creative self-expression. Consider using high-resolution images and strategic cropping to optimize the visual appeal, ensuring your profile stands out.

1. Understanding The Facebook Cover Photo

The Facebook cover photo is the large, prominent image displayed at the top of your profile, offering a prime opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, or even your latest photography project. Understanding its dimensions and how it displays across different devices is crucial for making a visual impact.

1.1. Importance Of An Engaging Cover Photo

An engaging cover photo is more than just a decorative element; it’s a powerful tool for making a first impression and conveying your personal brand. A well-chosen cover photo can capture attention, spark curiosity, and encourage visitors to explore your profile further.

Personal Branding: Your cover photo is a reflection of your identity and interests, helping you to express your unique personality.
Visual Appeal: A visually appealing cover photo can make your profile more attractive and engaging.
Promotional Tool: If you’re using Facebook for business, your cover photo can be used to promote your products, services, or events.

1.2. Optimal Dimensions For Cover Photos

To ensure your cover photo looks its best on all devices, it’s important to adhere to Facebook’s recommended dimensions. According to Facebook’s Help Center, the ideal size for a cover photo is 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall for desktop and 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels tall for smartphones.

Device	Recommended Dimensions
Desktop	820 x 312 pixels
Smartphones	640 x 360 pixels

Using an image that meets these dimensions will prevent distortion or cropping, ensuring your cover photo looks sharp and professional.

2. Changing Your Cover Photo On A Computer

Updating your Facebook cover photo on a computer is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process seamlessly:

2.1. Step-By-Step Guide For Desktop Users

Navigate to Your Profile:
- Start by logging into your Facebook account on your computer.
- Click on your name or profile picture in the top left corner to go to your profile page.
Access the Cover Photo Options:
- Hover over your current cover photo. You should see an “Edit Cover Photo” button appear.

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Choose Your Action:
- Click on “Edit Cover Photo” to reveal a dropdown menu with several options:
  - Select Photo: Choose an existing photo from your Facebook albums.
  - Upload Photo: Upload a new photo from your computer.
  - Create Avatar Cover Photo: Design a digital avatar to use as your cover photo.
  - Reposition: Adjust the position of your current cover photo.
  - Remove: Delete your current cover photo.
Upload or Select Your New Photo:
- If you choose “Select Photo,” browse through your albums and click on the photo you want to use.
- If you choose “Upload Photo,” a file explorer window will open, allowing you to select a photo from your computer.
Adjust the Positioning:
- Once your photo is selected or uploaded, you can drag it to adjust its position within the cover photo frame. This ensures that the most important parts of the image are visible.
Save Your Changes:
- After you’ve positioned the photo to your liking, click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom right corner of the screen.

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2.2. Tips For Choosing The Right Image

Selecting the right image for your Facebook cover photo can significantly enhance your profile’s appeal. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect image:

High Resolution: Always use a high-resolution image to ensure it looks crisp and clear on all devices. Blurry or pixelated images can detract from your profile’s overall appearance.
Relevant Content: Choose an image that reflects your personality, interests, or brand. This could be a photo of your favorite hobby, a memorable travel experience, or a professional headshot.
Proper Composition: Consider the composition of your image and how it will fit within the cover photo frame. Make sure the most important elements of the photo are visible and not cropped out.
Color Scheme: Think about the color scheme of your cover photo and how it complements your profile picture and other elements on your profile.
Avoid Clutter: Opt for a clean and simple image that is not too cluttered or distracting. A clear focal point will help draw attention to the most important aspects of the photo.
*According to research from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, Proper Composition provides Visual Appeal.

3. Changing Your Cover Photo Via The Facebook App

Updating your Facebook cover photo through the mobile app is just as easy as doing it on a computer. The following steps will guide you through the process, allowing you to refresh your profile on the go:

3.1. Step-By-Step Guide For Mobile Users

Open the Facebook App:
- Launch the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Ensure you are logged into your account.
Go to Your Profile:
- Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
- Scroll down and tap on your name or profile picture to navigate to your profile page.
Access the Cover Photo Options:
- On your profile page, tap on your current cover photo.
- A menu will pop up with several options.
Choose Your Action:
- Select one of the following options:
  - Upload Photo: Choose a new photo from your device’s gallery.
  - Select Photo on Facebook: Pick an existing photo from your Facebook albums.
  - Create Avatar Cover Photo: Design a digital avatar for your cover photo.
  - Create Cover Collage: Combine multiple images into a collage for your cover photo.
Upload or Select Your New Photo:
- If you choose “Upload Photo,” your device’s gallery will open, allowing you to select a photo.
- If you choose “Select Photo on Facebook,” you can browse through your albums and select a photo.

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Adjust the Positioning:
- Once your photo is selected or uploaded, you can drag it to adjust its position within the cover photo frame.
- Pinch to zoom in or out to ensure the image fits perfectly.
Save Your Changes:
- Tap the “Save” or “Use” button in the top right corner of the screen to save your changes.

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3.2. Optimizing Mobile Cover Photos

Optimizing your cover photo for mobile devices is essential, as a significant portion of Facebook users access the platform via their smartphones. Here are some tips to ensure your cover photo looks great on mobile:

Use Mobile-Friendly Dimensions: While Facebook recommends 640 x 360 pixels for smartphones, using a slightly larger image (e.g., 1280 x 720 pixels) can help maintain quality on higher-resolution screens.
Focus on the Center: Mobile devices often crop the sides of cover photos, so make sure the most important elements of your image are located in the center.
Consider Vertical Orientation: Keep in mind that mobile devices are typically held vertically, so choose an image that looks good in a vertical format.
Test on Different Devices: If possible, test your cover photo on different smartphones and tablets to ensure it looks good across various screen sizes and resolutions.

4. Creative Ideas For Your Facebook Cover Photo

Your Facebook cover photo is a canvas for creativity. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your next update:

4.1. Showcasing Your Photography

If you’re a photographer, your cover photo is the perfect place to showcase your best work. Select a stunning landscape, a captivating portrait, or an eye-catching abstract image that represents your style and skill.

Landscapes: Capture the beauty of nature with a breathtaking landscape photo.
Portraits: Showcase your portrait photography skills with a striking portrait of a person or animal.
Abstract: Create an intriguing visual with an abstract or artistic image.

4.2. Promoting Your Business Or Brand

Use your cover photo to promote your business or brand. This could involve showcasing your products, services, or a recent event.

Product Showcase: Display your best-selling products or a new product line.
Event Promotion: Promote an upcoming event with a visually appealing graphic.
Brand Message: Convey your brand’s message or values with a relevant image and text.

4.3. Personal Milestones And Memories

Celebrate personal milestones and memories by using a cover photo that commemorates a special occasion, such as a graduation, wedding, or memorable vacation.

Graduation Photo: Share your graduation photo to celebrate your academic achievements.
Wedding Photo: Display a beautiful photo from your wedding day.
Vacation Photo: Showcase a memorable moment from your travels.

4.4. Quotes And Inspirational Messages

Inspire your friends and followers by using a cover photo that features a motivational quote or an inspirational message.

Motivational Quote: Share a quote that inspires you and others.
Inspirational Message: Convey a positive message or affirmation.

4.5. Seasonal Themes

Update your cover photo to reflect the current season or holiday. This is a great way to keep your profile fresh and relevant.

Autumn Leaves: Display a photo of colorful autumn leaves.
Winter Wonderland: Showcase a snowy landscape or winter-themed image.
Spring Flowers: Celebrate the arrival of spring with a photo of blooming flowers.
Summer Beach: Capture the essence of summer with a photo of a sunny beach.

5. Common Issues And How To Fix Them

While changing your Facebook cover photo is generally a smooth process, you may encounter some common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

5.1. Image Quality Issues

If your cover photo appears blurry or pixelated, it may be due to low image resolution. Make sure you’re using a high-resolution image that meets Facebook’s recommended dimensions.

Use High-Resolution Images: Opt for images with at least 820 x 312 pixels for desktop and 640 x 360 pixels for mobile.
Avoid Over-Compressing Images: When saving your image, avoid compressing it too much, as this can reduce its quality.
Check Image Format: Use JPEG or PNG format for best results.

5.2. Incorrect Image Size

If your cover photo is not displaying correctly, it may be due to an incorrect image size. Ensure that your image meets Facebook’s recommended dimensions.

Crop Your Image: Use an image editing tool to crop your image to the correct dimensions before uploading it to Facebook.
Adjust Positioning: After uploading your image, use the repositioning tool to adjust its placement within the cover photo frame.

5.3. Slow Upload Speed

If your cover photo is taking a long time to upload, it may be due to a slow internet connection or a large image file size.

Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable and fast internet connection.
Reduce Image File Size: Compress your image to reduce its file size before uploading it to Facebook.
Try a Different Browser: If you’re experiencing issues with a specific browser, try using a different one.

6. Advanced Tips For Facebook Cover Photos

Take your Facebook cover photo to the next level with these advanced tips:

6.1. Creating A Cover Photo Collage

Use a collage maker to combine multiple images into a single cover photo. This is a great way to showcase a variety of memories or products.

Use a Collage App: There are many collage maker apps available for both desktop and mobile devices.
Choose a Theme: Select a theme or concept for your collage to create a cohesive visual.
Arrange Your Images: Experiment with different layouts and arrangements to find the most visually appealing composition.

6.2. Using Animated GIFs As Cover Photos

Create an animated GIF to use as your cover photo. This can add a dynamic and eye-catching element to your profile.

Create a GIF: Use a GIF maker tool to create an animated GIF from a series of images or video clips.
Keep it Short: Aim for a short and looping GIF to avoid distracting visitors.
Optimize File Size: Reduce the file size of your GIF to ensure it loads quickly.

6.3. Designing Custom Graphics

Use a graphic design tool like Canva or Adobe Photoshop to create a custom cover photo that incorporates text, graphics, and other design elements.

Choose a Template: Start with a pre-designed template or create your own design from scratch.
Add Text and Graphics: Incorporate text, graphics, and other design elements to convey your message.
Use High-Quality Assets: Use high-quality images and graphics to ensure your cover photo looks professional.

7. Tools And Resources For Creating Great Cover Photos

There are many tools and resources available to help you create stunning Facebook cover photos. Here are some of the best:

7.1. Photo Editing Software

Adobe Photoshop: A professional-grade photo editing software with a wide range of features and tools.
GIMP: A free and open-source photo editing software that offers many of the same features as Photoshop.
Affinity Photo: A powerful and affordable photo editing software that is a great alternative to Photoshop.

7.2. Online Design Tools

Canva: An online design tool that offers a wide range of templates and tools for creating custom graphics.
PicMonkey: An online photo editing and design tool that offers a variety of features for creating Facebook cover photos.
Fotor: An online photo editor and design tool that offers a range of templates and tools for creating Facebook cover photos.

7.3. Stock Photo Websites

Unsplash: A website that offers a wide range of high-quality, free stock photos.
Pexels: A website that offers a variety of free stock photos and videos.
Pixabay: A website that offers a wide range of free stock photos, illustrations, and videos.

8. Facebook Cover Photo Etiquette

While your Facebook cover photo is a great way to express yourself, it’s important to follow some basic etiquette guidelines:

8.1. Respecting Copyright

Use Original Photos: Whenever possible, use your own original photos for your cover photo.
Obtain Permission: If you’re using someone else’s photo, make sure you have their permission.
Credit the Photographer: If you’re using a photo that you didn’t take yourself, give credit to the photographer.

8.2. Avoiding Offensive Content

Be Mindful of Your Audience: Keep in mind that your Facebook profile is visible to a wide range of people, including friends, family, and colleagues.
Avoid Offensive Content: Avoid using cover photos that are offensive, controversial, or inappropriate.

8.3. Maintaining Professionalism

Consider Your Image: If you’re using Facebook for professional purposes, make sure your cover photo reflects a professional image.
Avoid Controversial Topics: Avoid using cover photos that are related to controversial topics such as politics or religion.

9. The Future Of Facebook Cover Photos

As technology evolves, the future of Facebook cover photos is likely to bring even more creative possibilities. Here are some potential trends to watch for:

9.1. Interactive Cover Photos

Facebook may introduce interactive cover photos that allow users to engage with the image in new ways, such as clicking on elements within the photo to learn more about them.

9.2. Augmented Reality Cover Photos

Augmented reality (AR) technology could be integrated into cover photos, allowing users to overlay digital elements onto their real-world surroundings.

9.3. AI-Powered Cover Photo Suggestions

Artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to suggest cover photos based on a user’s profile, interests, and activities.

10. Conclusion: Refresh Your Facebook Profile Today

Changing your Facebook cover photo is a simple yet effective way to refresh your profile and express your personality. Whether you’re showcasing your photography skills, promoting your business, or celebrating a personal milestone, the possibilities are endless. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a stunning cover photo that captures attention and enhances your online presence.

Ready to elevate your photography skills and find inspiration? Visit dfphoto.net today to discover a wealth of tutorials, breathtaking photos, and a vibrant community of fellow photography enthusiasts. Start your journey towards photographic excellence and creative expression now. For inquiries, you can reach us at Address: 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States. Phone: +1 (505) 471-6001. Website: dfphoto.net.

FAQ: Changing Your Facebook Cover Photo

1. What is the recommended size for a Facebook cover photo?

The best viewing format for cover photos on a computer is 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall, and 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels tall for smartphones.

2. How do I change my Facebook cover photo on my phone?

Open the Facebook app, go to your profile, tap on your current cover photo, select “Upload Photo” or “Select Photo on Facebook,” choose your image, adjust the positioning, and tap “Save.”

3. Can I use a video as my Facebook cover photo?

Yes, Facebook allows you to use a video as your cover photo. The video should be at least 820 x 312 pixels and between 20 and 90 seconds long.

4. How do I make a temporary cover photo on Facebook?

To add a temporary cover photo on Facebook, select the camera icon on your current cover photo and choose “Upload Photo” or “Add Frame” > “Make Temporary” and set the time length. On the app, tap your profile picture > “Select Profile Picture” > “Make Temporary.”

5. How do I resize a Facebook cover photo?

You can resize your photo to optimize it as a Facebook cover photo with an image-editing tool like Canva, PicMonkey, or Photoshop. The tool you choose will have an edit or crop option that allows you to resize the photo so it works as a Facebook cover photo.

6. Why does my Facebook cover photo look blurry?

Your Facebook cover photo may look blurry if the image resolution is too low. Use a high-resolution image that meets Facebook’s recommended dimensions to avoid this issue.

7. How often should I change my Facebook cover photo?

You can change your Facebook cover photo as often as you like. Some people update their cover photo regularly to reflect their current interests or activities, while others prefer to keep the same cover photo for a longer period.

8. Can I use a collage as my Facebook cover photo?

Yes, you can create a collage of multiple images and use it as your Facebook cover photo. Use a collage maker app or online tool to create your collage.

9. How do I remove my Facebook cover photo?

To remove your Facebook cover photo, go to your profile, hover over your current cover photo, click “Edit Cover Photo,” and select “Remove.”

10. Are there any restrictions on what I can use as my Facebook cover photo?

Yes, Facebook has guidelines for cover photos. Avoid using images that are offensive, controversial, or that violate copyright laws. Make sure your cover photo is appropriate for a wide audience.