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How to Fix Blurry Header and Profile Pictures on Twitter (Now X)

Wondering "Why does my Twitter profile picture look blurry?" Learn how to make a Twitter banner not blurry and discover top Twitter header templates here!
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Even though Twitter was rebranded in May 2024 and it's now known as X, one of the common frustrations with social media is blurry header and profile pictures. You can spend hours perfecting your profile images, only to find they look pixelated and lacklustre when you upload them to the site. 

So if you're wondering how to make your Twitter profile picture not blurry, you're in the right place. In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to make a Twitter banner not blurry, and we'll see how to make them look crisp and sharp. You won’t believe how easy it is to do once you know how!

If you're a community manager or you have different Twitter profiles, you might not have time to design a Twitter header from scratch. Here's where Envato Elements comes in handy. The subscription-based marketplace offers you social media templates, header templates and more!

Profile and Header Dimensions

First, let's start with the profile and header dimensions.

X's support page recommends sizing your header pictures to 1500 x 500 pixels and keeping the file size to under 2 MB. The profile picture size should be 400 x 400 pixels.

Here are some additional tips for updating your profile or header:

Images can be in any of the following formats: JPG, GIF, or PNG. (X does not support animated GIFs for profile or header images.)

Let’s experiment with uploading a header image in each of these formats and check out the result (note: only one of these formats will upload as an unblurred picture).

twitter profile pagetwitter profile pagetwitter profile page

Experiment 1: Uploading the Profile and Header Images as PNG

Step 1

I’m using Adobe Photoshop to resize my Twitter images. To create the profile photo, I create a new document 400 by 400 pixels in size. I File > Place my image, and then go to File > Save for Web (go to File > Export > Save For Web (Legacy) in Photoshop CC), saving the image as a PNG file. 

profile pic preppedprofile pic preppedprofile pic prepped

When I go to upload my profile photo to Twitter, I have no problem with the resolution of the image—it comes out crisp and clear. 

upload photoupload photoupload photo
profile photo profile photo profile photo

Step 2

To set up the header image, I create a new document 1500 by 500 pixels in size. I File > Place my image, then File > Save for Web and save as a PNG file. 

new documentnew documentnew document
placed imageplaced imageplaced image
PNG image preppedPNG image preppedPNG image prepped

Step 3

But when I go to upload the PNG, it looks a little...

uploaded PNGuploaded PNGuploaded PNG

...well, blurry.

final PNG logofinal PNG logofinal PNG logo

This Twitter banner looks blurry, but don’t panic, let’s soldier on...

Experiment 2: Uploading the Images as JPEG

Step 1

I repeat the steps, preparing my image in Photoshop and then going to File > Save for Web. This time, I save the file as a Maximum Compression Quality JPEG file.

save as jpegsave as jpegsave as jpeg

Step 2

Unfortunately, I’m still not totally happy with the uploaded result—there’s still quite a bit of visible blur on the image.

uploaded JPEGuploaded JPEGuploaded JPEG
JPEG resultJPEG resultJPEG result

This Twitter banner looks blurry as well, but I have just one final resort...

Experiment 3: Uploading the Images as GIF

Step 1

I head back to the Photoshop image, and this time choose GIF from the file format options.

save as GIFsave as GIFsave as GIF

Step 2

When I go to upload the image to Twitter, the result is noticeably better, without any of the more visible blurring you have with PNG or JPEG images. Success!

GIF imageGIF imageGIF image
final GIFfinal GIFfinal GIF

How to Make a Twitter Banner Not Blurry: The Verdict

Our experiments lead to one definite conclusion—uploading your header photo as a GIF file, rather than the more common PNG or JPEG formats, is the best way of minimizing blurring and keeping your images looking crisp and sharp.

Looking for social media image inspiration? Browse thousands of cool landscape-orientation photos, which are easily adaptable to Twitter’s header picture proportions. 

10 Top Twitter Header Templates From Envato Elements

Envato Elements is the place to go if you need professional and aesthetic Twitter headers and the best social media templates. Here's a hand-picked selection of some of the best ones:

1. Multipurpose Twitter Header Templates (PSD)

Multipurpose Twitter Header Templates (PSD)Multipurpose Twitter Header Templates (PSD)Multipurpose Twitter Header Templates (PSD)

This complete Twitter header Photoshop template is a must-have for anyone managing multiple Twitter accounts. The pack comes with 32 multipurpose templates that you can easily customize to fit a variety of businesses and purposes. 

2. Spring Collections Twitter Header Template (JPG, PSD)

Spring Collections Twitter Header Template (JPG, PSD)Spring Collections Twitter Header Template (JPG, PSD)Spring Collections Twitter Header Template (JPG, PSD)

Is your store having a spring sale? Advertise it with these aesthetic Twitter headers. The pack includes five different and customizable Twitter header templates.

3. Hotel & Travel Twitter Header Photoshop Template (JPG, PSD)

Hotel & Travel Twitter Header Photoshop Template (JPG, PSD)Hotel & Travel Twitter Header Photoshop Template (JPG, PSD)Hotel & Travel Twitter Header Photoshop Template (JPG, PSD)

Promote your hotel or hospitality service with this aesthetic Twitter header. Your online visitors will find a professional Twitter header with key info and beautiful images when they check out your profile.

4. Gaming Twitter Headers Pack (PSD)

Gaming Twitter Headers Pack (PSD)Gaming Twitter Headers Pack (PSD)Gaming Twitter Headers Pack (PSD)

If you have a gaming Twitter profile, this is just the kit for you! The download includes three different gaming Twitter header templates customizable in Photoshop. 

5. Jewelry and Accessories Twitter Header Template (JPG, PSD)

Jewelry and Accessories Twitter Header Template (JPG, PSD)Jewelry and Accessories Twitter Header Template (JPG, PSD)Jewelry and Accessories Twitter Header Template (JPG, PSD)

Are you a fan of white Twitter headers? This pack of white, aesthetic Twitter header templates are perfect for a jewellery business. Get five different PSD templates to customize to your needs.

6. Business Corporate Twitter Header Kit (JPG, PSD)

Business Corporate Twitter Header Kit (JPG, PSD)Business Corporate Twitter Header Kit (JPG, PSD)Business Corporate Twitter Header Kit (JPG, PSD)

Here's another pack of white Twitter headers that are perfect for businesses. Give a great first impression to your online visitors with them. The pack includes five customizable Twitter header Photoshop templates.

7. Gaming Twitter Headers Kit (PSD)

Gaming Twitter Headers Kit (PSD)Gaming Twitter Headers Kit (PSD)Gaming Twitter Headers Kit (PSD)

Looking for more gaming Twitter headers? This is a good pick if you like gaming Twitter headers with a futuristic or tech look. The kit comes with three editable Twitter header Photoshop templates.

8. Fitness and Yoga Twitter Headers (JPG, PSD)

Fitness and Yoga Twitter Headers (JPG, PSD)Fitness and Yoga Twitter Headers (JPG, PSD)Fitness and Yoga Twitter Headers (JPG, PSD)

White Twitter headers go well with fitness profiles, as you can see here. The white background will make your details and images stand out more to your visitors. Get this pack of Twitter header Photoshop templates with five different options today!

9. Fresh Business Startup Twitter Header PSD Template (JPG, PSD)

Fresh Business Startup Twitter Header PSD Template (JPG, PSD)Fresh Business Startup Twitter Header PSD Template (JPG, PSD)Fresh Business Startup Twitter Header PSD Template (JPG, PSD)

Here's a modern and aesthetic Twitter header kit for startups and new businesses. If you were looking for a red or blue Twitter header, this one could match your company's colours. You'll get three editable Twitter header Photoshop templates to use in your profile.

10. Gaming Twitter Header Templates (PSD)

Gaming Twitter Header Templates (PSD)Gaming Twitter Header Templates (PSD)Gaming Twitter Header Templates (PSD)

Let's close the selection with this cool pack of gaming Twitter headers. You'll find a blue Twitter header, a yellow one, and a green one to customize in Photoshop. Surprise your online visitors with this cool Twitter header!

Discover More Tutorials and Resources

I hope I answered your question of how to make my Twitter profile picture not blurry and that you learned a useful Twitter tip. You also know where to find aesthetic social media templates that are ready to use. If you'd like to explore even more useful tutorials, check these out: