What Size Should a Headshot Be? Your Guide to Headshot Dimensions & Picture Size

Headshots are an essential part of professional branding. Whether you're an actor auditioning for a role, a corporate professional updating your LinkedIn profile, or simply building your personal brand online, the right headshot size can make a world of difference. But here's the catch: many people are confused about the "right" headshot size. With so many different platforms and uses, what is the standard? Let's dive into the world of headshot dimensions and get you clear on what works best for your needs.

The Basics of Headshot Size and Dimensions

What is the Standard Headshot Size?

The most commonly asked question in the world of headshots is: what size should a headshot be? When it comes to print headshots, the standard size is typically 8x10 inches. This size is widely used in industries like acting and modeling, where physical portfolios or submission materials require a traditional printed format.

For digital headshots, the size varies depending on where you plan to use it. Some platforms or purposes require specific sizes, but the rule of thumb for headshot dimensions is that they should be large enough to retain clarity and detail, yet optimized for online uses.

For both type of headshots, it should capture the recent and daily characteristic of you. Make sure you present a clean, confident and professional look to the camera that fits right with the dimension of your photo. Read more on: How to Look Best in Every Photo.

Digital vs. Print: Differentiate Between the Requirements for Digital and Printed Headshots

When dealing with digital versus print headshots, the resolution and file size come into play. A print headshot requires a high resolution (300 DPI and above), which is optimal for physical printing, especially for large portfolios or acting headshots. On the other hand, a digital headshot for websites or social media can have a lower resolution (typically 72 DPI), but it should still be high enough for clarity, especially when displayed on a large screen.

Key Headshot Dimensions

Headshot dimensions are simply the width and height of your image. For example, an 8x10-inch headshot is 8 inches wide and 10 inches tall. Understanding these dimensions is critical because they affect how your photo look across different platforms and how it will appear after printed.

For digital platforms, it's important to note that most services and websites will ask for a headshot with specific width and height parameters in pixels, not inches. Keep in mind that the most crucial part of headshot dimensions is maintaining the aspect ratio (the proportional relationship between width and height) to avoid distortion.

Specific Headshot Dimensions for Different Use Scenarios

Actor Headshot Dimensions

For actors, headshots are a vital tool used to showcase their look to casting directors. The industry standard for actor headshot dimensions is 8x10 inches, which works perfectly for both print and digital submission.

For digital actor headshots, the file should be at least 300 DPI for high-quality printing. File types like JPEG or PNG are preferred, as they offer good quality and compatibility across different platforms. When submitting your headshot for online auditions, be sure to follow specific guidelines provided by casting agencies, as they may have requirements regarding the resolution, size, and file type.

LinkedIn Headshot Dimensions

Your LinkedIn headshot is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression with potential employers, clients, or connections. The recommended LinkedIn headshot dimensions are 400x400 pixels. This is a square format, it ensures that your photo fits well in the LinkedIn profile section without being cropped awkwardly.

Since LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, the image should be sharp, well-lit, and in focus. Avoid overly casual or distracting backgrounds and a proper facial expression to maintain professionalism. Always upload a high-resolution photo to ensure your profile stands out.

Corporate and Business Headshots

Corporate and business headshots typically appear on company websites, email signatures, and business cards. These headshots often follow the traditional 3:4 ratio (i.e., 600x800 pixels, 1200x1600 pixels, etc.) for consistency and visual appeal.

While these dimensions are not set in stone, the goal is to ensure that the headshot is professional, recognizable, and in line with your company's brand identity. If you're creating a set of headshots for your company, maintain uniformity and brand style across all team members’ images. The size and dimension might also vary depending on whether it’s for online use or printed material like brochures or flyers.

Social Media Profile Pictures

When it comes to social media, platforms like Facebook and Instagram often have more flexible requirements for profile pictures. However, it's still important to use the appropriate dimensions to avoid cropping and distortion.

For Facebook, the recommended profile picture dimensions are 170x170 pixels. For Instagram, the ideal headshot size is 320x320 pixels. Even these sizes may seem small, you should always opt for high-quality, high-resolution images that will appear crisp on all screen sizes. Since social media is less formal than LinkedIn or corporate headshots, it is prefered to add a bit of personality and creativity in these images.

How to Adjust a Headshot into the Right Dimension (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Choosing the Right Tools

Resizing a headshot is straightforward, especially with the right tools. Whether you’re using paid software like Photoshop or free tools like GIMP or the resizers in your photo gallery, you can easily adjust your image dimensions into the one you are expecting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a simple guide to resizing your headshot:

1. Open your image in the tool of your choice (e.g., Photoshop or an online resizer).
2. Select the resize option (look for "Image Size" or "Resize").
3. Maintain the aspect ratio by ensuring that the box to lock the proportions is checked. This prevents distortion.
4. Input the desired dimensions (e.g., 400x400 pixels for LinkedIn, 8x10 inches for a printed headshot).
5. Check the resolution (ensure it’s set to 300 DPI for print or 72 DPI for digital).
6. Save the image in a suitable format (e.g., JPEG or PNG).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter pixelation or blurry images after resizing, it’s usually because the original image is too small. Always start with a high-resolution image to prevent quality loss. Additionally, ensure that your resized image doesn't exceed the platform's file size limits, as larger files may not upload. There are many free online image convert and compression tool to adjust your image, generally webp images are much smaller than jpeg and png with the same dimension.

Key Takeaways and Best Practices

Summary Table

Final Tips

1. Always use a high-resolution image to avoid pixelation when resizing.
2. Keep multiple versions of your headshot for different uses (e.g., LinkedIn, acting, corporate).
3. Stay consistent with headshot dimensions across platforms to ensure a cohesive personal brand.

Conclusion

Choosing the right headshot size is critical to presenting yourself in the best way. Whether you're submitting your image to a casting director, updating your LinkedIn profile, or creating a corporate bio, getting the right dimensions and resolution is key for making a strong first impression. By following these guidelines, your headshot will look professional, polished, and ready for any platform.