Social platforms can resize or crop uploads depending on the placement, device, and current interface. A strong workflow focuses on aspect ratio first, then uses familiar pixel dimensions and generous safe margins. Always check the platform's current publishing guidance before a high-value campaign because requirements can change.
Reliable canvas sizes to start with
- Square post: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1) for flexible feed graphics.
- Portrait feed post: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5) for more vertical screen space.
- Story, Reel, TikTok, or Short: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
- Landscape video or thumbnail: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9).
- Facebook landscape post: 1200 x 630 pixels for common link-style artwork.
- Pinterest pin: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3) for a vertical composition.
- LinkedIn square post: 1200 x 1200 pixels for a reusable professional graphic.
Design principle: treat the outer edge as a buffer. Keep logos, faces, captions, and calls to action away from corners where cropping and interface overlays are most likely.
Design one concept for several ratios
Start with the format that matters most, then identify the elements that must survive every version: the subject, headline, logo, and call to action. Keep those elements grouped loosely near the center. Background textures and decorative photography can extend toward the edge because they are safer to crop.
Do not stretch a finished image to fit a new ratio. Resize the canvas, scale the background to fill, then reposition each text and image layer. Portrait and landscape layouts often need different line breaks rather than a smaller copy of the same composition.
Plan safe areas for vertical video
A 9:16 canvas is shared by stories, Reels, TikTok, and Shorts, but each app overlays controls. Keep key text out of the extreme top and bottom and leave breathing room near the right side. Preview on a phone-sized screen; typography that looks large on desktop can become difficult to scan on mobile.
Use readable type and export settings
Use one display font and one supporting font at most. Strong contrast matters more than decorative effects. For photo-heavy designs, JPG is usually efficient. For flat graphics, screenshots, transparency, or small text, PNG can preserve cleaner edges. Export in the RGB color space used by browsers and mobile displays.
Create a correctly sized design
Open the social media size library to choose a platform preset, or use the custom size designer when a campaign requires exact dimensions. Add a background, upload images, place text, and export a separate file for every ratio you plan to publish.