Different uses come with different requirements for size and format. Knowing them saves you from cropped or pixelated photos.
CV
Portrait orientation with an aspect ratio of roughly 3:4 is standard. Typical dimensions run from about 3.5 × 4.5 cm to 4 × 5 cm. For digital applications a resolution of at least 300 dpi is advisable so the print stays sharp.
The profile picture is displayed square and cropped to a circle. LinkedIn recommends at least 400 × 400 pixels. A centred head-and-shoulders crop matters here, so nothing essential is lost in the round crop.
Other networks
A square format is ideal on Xing and comparable platforms too. Make sure the image is sharp, with sufficient resolution and good contrast.
Online applications
For applications submitted via a form or by email: the photo should be in portrait orientation (3:4 aspect ratio) and stay sharp despite a small file size. An image width of roughly 600 to 1000 pixels is enough for screen display, at a file size below about 1 MB. If the photo is embedded in an application PDF, 300 dpi is ideal so it stays sharp in print as well.
File format and size
- Format: JPG for photos (a good balance of quality and file size), PNG where needed
- Resolution: high resolution but web optimised; at least 300 dpi for print
- File size: as small as possible without visible quality loss
One photo, several formats
Ideally you keep one high-resolution original from which you can crop both portrait and square versions. The matching crop is explained separately. With AI you receive your portrait in high resolution right away — you can create your application photos now.