New Google Plus Cover Photo Design Ideas

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The new Google+ cover photo size is HUGE with lots of room for branding potential.

If you are asking about the size of the new Google Plus Cover Photo, it is up to 2120px wide by 1192px high or a similar 16:9 ratio.

You can upload a photo or choose one you have on hand, but for best results start with a 2120px by 1192px canvas in your favorite photo-editing software such as Photoshop. Your final image will most likely be scaled down, but by starting with a large image, you will be less likely to lose resolution during scaling. (You want to allow for folks with large monitors to view your nice and HUGE cover photo without it losing quality.)

Yikes! When did I need to update my new Google Plus Cover Photo!?

I agree with Gary Hyman that “this change came out way too quick.”

But I decided to throw something together. Playing on the fact that everyone across my social media networks said that the Google+ Cover Photo is HUGE, I first designed this:

…But quickly saw that the default display of one’s Google+ profile page does not include the entire cover photo. A snapshot – more like the lower two-thirds – is all that is in view at first.

Here’s how my initial attempt got “cropped” for most viewers:

After some design tweaking, I settled on my new Google+ cover photo for this latest layout:

I still can’t believe how HUGE it is. But I like it… Something different with less restraints than the Facebook cover photo designs I design.

Design Your Own: New Google+ Cover Photo Template and Design Guide

Ready to design your own Google+ cover photo and need a guide? I’m sharing the template I created that worked best for me. I’ve included the PSD I created, plus a JPG you might find helpful if you don’t have Photoshop.

• Download the New Google+ Cover Photo Photoshop template (PSD)
• View my Google+ Cover Photo guide image (JPG) below

Okay now I’m looking for your feedback and want to see what you’ve come up with…

Please share this post if you know someone that could use the info and comment below to let me know if these design tips are helpful.

Be sure to post your Google+ link, too, so I can stay connected there and see your new cover photo design.

Designer Rob Russo (40 Posts)

Rob has a strong background in advertising and marketing and a love for social media. He has worked with companies both large and small designing logos, print ads, websites, brochures, newsletters and more. Rob helps businesses — especially solopreneurs and start-ups — develop engaging marketing plans and an eye-catching brand identity with "design that sells." Otherwise, you’ll find him spending time with his wife and kids (and flock of chickens) on their family homestead. Oh, if you like to tweet, follow Rob on Twitter.

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