Header (help-center ideal)
Recommended2048×1152 16:9
Tumblr appearance help cites 2048×1152 (16:9) as the ideal header image size.
Use in toolTumblr · Image size
Tumblr Header Size
Tumblr appearance help recommends about 2048×1152 (16:9) for header images. Keep subjects centered for theme crops, then download in your browser.
Browser crop · stays on your device
Crop your Tumblr header
2048 × 1152
Add a photo to crop
Upload a wide photo—or try the sample—then keep the subject in the center band before you download.
Size specs
Start with Tumblr’s documented 2048×1152. Themes can re-crop—keep the hero in the center band.
Publish
Export this for Tumblr upload.
| Asset | Pixels | Ratio | Notes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Header (help-center ideal) Recommended | 2048×1152 | 16:9 | Tumblr appearance help cites 2048×1152 (16:9) as the ideal header image size. | Use in tool |
What Tumblr shows
Reference sizes and crops—not always separate upload files.
Older theme-style alternate
3000×1055 ~2.84:1
Many older guides used ~3000×1055. Themes differ—prefer 2048×1152 unless your theme docs ask for the wider strip.
Use in tool| Asset | Pixels | Ratio | Notes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Older theme-style alternate | 3000×1055 | ~2.84:1 | Many older guides used ~3000×1055. Themes differ—prefer 2048×1152 unless your theme docs ask for the wider strip. | Use in tool |
Tumblr headers follow help-center 16:9—and themes still re-crop
Tumblr’s appearance help lists an ideal header around 2048×1152 (16:9) with a roughly 10 MB file cap. That is the honest default for 2026 uploads when you follow official guidance.
Custom themes and mobile layouts can still trim the sides or change height. Keep logos and faces in the center safe band. Treat far edges as atmosphere.
Older internet guides often cited 3000×1055 (~2.84:1). That ratio still appears in theme communities. If your theme documentation asks for it, use the alternate preset—do not stretch a 16:9 file into 2.84:1 and hope.
The avatar is a separate square. Leave room if your theme overlaps the avatar on the header, and never stretch the header into the avatar slot.
Good vs weak crop
Same header strip—keep the avatar pocket clear and the subject in the open band.
Survives theme crops
- Hero in the center band
- True 2048×1152 export
- Quiet far edges
Edge-only branding
- Only logo on the extreme left or right
- Wrong legacy ratio stretched into 16:9
- Soft upscale from a tiny phone shot
Before you upload
Tick these off against your crop preview—nothing is saved.
Related surfaces compared
Similar-looking slots often use different ratios—do not reuse one export for all of them.
Header image
2048 × 1152
This page. Blog banner per Tumblr help.
Avatar
512 × 512
Square identity—separate export.
Photo post
1280 × 720
Feed still—different job.
| Surface | Typical size | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Header image | 2048 × 1152 | This page. Blog banner per Tumblr help. |
| Avatar | 512 × 512 | Square identity—separate export. |
| Photo post | 1280 × 720 | Feed still—different job. |
Themes decide the final crop—center the hero anyway
Official pixels get you a clean master. Themes decide what visitors see. Center the subject so both default Tumblr chrome and custom CSS have something safe to keep.
- Preview after every theme change—not only after the first upload.
- Avoid tiny type as the only branding.
- Coordinate with the avatar without cloning the same crop.
2048×1152 vs older 3000×1055 guides
Prefer Tumblr help’s 2048×1152 unless your theme explicitly wants the wider ~3000×1055 strip. Those are different artboards. Reuse the photo, then re-crop.
- Default: 2048×1152 (16:9).
- Alternate: 3000×1055 when theme docs ask.
- Always verify on the live blog.
File requirements
JPEG, PNG, WEBP, and sometimes GIF are supported for headers. Prefer sRGB. Keep weight reasonable under Tumblr’s appearance caps.
- Help-center ideal
- 2048 × 1152 px (16:9)
- Older theme-style alternate
- 3000 × 1055 px
- Formats
- JPEG, PNG, WEBP (GIF may be allowed)
- File cap (help)
- About 10 MB
Common mistakes
- Following an outdated 3000×1055 guide without checking Tumblr help or your theme.
- Putting the only wordmark on a far edge phones trim.
- Uploading a soft screenshot of another social cover.
- Ignoring the avatar overlap on some themes.
How to use the crop tool
Upload a wide photo, choose Header (2048×1152), drag until the subject clears the center band, then download. Switch to 3000×1055 only when your theme requires it.
- Prefer JPG for photographs.
- Re-check after you change themes.
After you download
From this download to a live upload in a few minutes.
- 1
Download the 2048×1152 JPG (or PNG) from the tool.
- 2
In Tumblr appearance options, update the header image.
- 3
Check desktop and mobile theme layouts.
- 4
If the logo sits off-screen, re-crop toward the center and upload again.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Tumblr header in 2026?
Tumblr appearance help cites an ideal around 2048×1152 (16:9). Keep critical content centered because themes may re-crop.
What about 3000×1055?
That wider ratio appears in older guides and some themes. Use it when your theme docs ask—otherwise prefer 2048×1152.
Is the header the same as the avatar?
No. Headers are wide banners. Avatars are squares. Export separately.
Can I crop Tumblr headers here?
Yes. The in-browser crop stays on your device until you download and upload to Tumblr yourself.