Sick of your Facebook business page’s cover image cropping off at the ends when viewed via a mobile device?
It’s time to stop ignoring that dreaded cover image cut off…
We’ve got an easy DIY solution!
The Problem
You create a gorgeous, on-brand cover image for your Facebook business page, only to have the sides cropped off when you view your Facebook page via the app.
We’ve created a desktop-optimised cover image to illustrate the issue – see how the edges of the image and ends of words are cropped off along the sides of the mobile view in the example below?
Given that around 56% of Facebook users will only ever access your business page via mobile, this is certainly not ideal!
Why does this happen? Because cover images have a wider aspect ratio on desktop, and appear taller on mobile. Not because the powers that be at Facebook just likes to mess with you – but simply because a browser window on your laptop is wide, and a mobile device is tall.
The Solution
Designing a Facebook cover image that looks good in BOTH views can be confusing for DIYers. Here’s the secret…
Optimise for MOBILE first and foremost – leaving a buffer zone at the top and bottom for desktop.
The below example shows an update image, designed to mobile specs. Spot the difference!
The Specs
Create your Facebook cover image with a mobile-first design. Your canvas will be a minimum of 820 x 461 pixels, though you can increase this to 1230 x 691 to design in a higher resolution.
Here’s a handy cheat sheet pic you can save and reference later:
In whichever design program you use, when designing your cover image turn on the grid guide function – splitting your canvas into 6 rows. Because the dimensions/ ratio for desktop view are 820 x 312, the top and bottom rows of your canvas will be the parts of your image that disappear by default in desktop.
Note – you can design your image so that 2/6 of the top or 2/6 of the bottom will be the parts of your image that disappear in desktop view. You’ll just need to adjust the alignment (up or down) of your image when uploading to Facebook.
Best Practice
Yes, you’ll now be designing your cover images with a mobile-first approach, but it’s important that you still upload your cover photos via desktop. This ensures you’ll avoid mobile upload compression, which can reduce the crispness of your image.
Remember – always save your images as PNGs for best display online!
Not comfortable DIYing? Get a sharp, professionally designed cover image that makes your customers swoon! Contact us to make an enquiry or learn more about pricing and packages.