Want to learn how to optimize photos for Facebook?
Are you getting fuzzy text or clunky gradients in your Facebook images?
Here’s the scoop on the photo file types and compression to use when uploading photos to your Facebook Page.
Use these tips to get clear photos and sharp text on Facebook images!
How to Optimize Photos for Facebook
Facebook accepts uploads of .jpg, .gif, and .png file types. JPG is generally used for images with blended tones, like photos, and GIF and PNG are better for images of flat tones, like logos, text, and graphics.
Save photos for Facebook as sRGB JPGs at the least compression, or maximum file size. Facebook will apply another round of compression to your photos, so saving them as large files assures best results. I believe Facebook’s compression will be more than adequate to assure fast-loading photos on the web.
In Photoshop, choose 12 – Maximum Quality. Other than Facebook’s full photo custom tabs (which are limited to 400kb), I haven’t run into any file size restrictions. I uploaded a profile picture as a 2200px square, 3.1 MB file, and it worked fine.
There are other considerations about how large your images – in pixel dimensions – should be for upload. See this post for best sizes to upload!
How to Get Sharp Text on Facebook Images
On to those tough images with text or logos! It used to be that Facebook compressed ALL images you upload to JPGs. Now there’s a workaround for those fuzzy text graphics, like quote pictures or tips graphics. Save them as PNG files!
It appears that Facebook is now maintaining the PNG format when you upload one. PNG images I’ve uploaded look virtually the same on Facebook as on my computer monitor, with the same, or even larger, file size.
If you use advanced photo editing software like Photoshop, you know there are different kinds of PNG files. PNG8 is perfect for flat expanses of color with text, like the image shown below. PNG8 only supports a maximum of 256 colors, so it’s not suitable for photos, or graphics with gradient tones or glow effects.
If you have a photo with text or a logo that’s coming out fuzzy or with artifacts, try saving it as a PNG24. This format can have up to 16 million colors. Use PNG24 only as needed, as the file sizes can be large, causing slower load times on slow internet connections.
There’s no reason to save as a GIF file for Facebook, but if you have one you want to use, Facebook will accept GIFs. PNG is a better choice when saving new images, as PNGs have better color and compression than GIFs.
Hope this helps with how to optimize photos for Facebook!
Tom Treanor says
Louise,
I’m a big fan of your blog (but you know that)! Keep the great content coming…
Tom
Louise Myers says
Thank you Tom, and back atcha!
Alicia Arenas says
Louise, I’m so grateful to have found your blog and your expertise. I’m looking forward to learning from you. Thanks for the post!
Louise Myers says
Thanks so much Alicia! I feel the same about you, so I consider that a high compliment!
christybroccardo says
Fun fact, my daughter’s friend (a high school student) created the app for memegenerator, and my daughter is the one who designed the graphics for the app. Made my day to see it mentioned here today!
Louise Myers says
How totally awesome! Clever kids 😉
Thanks for making me smile!
Dyane says
Thank you so much for this enlightening article Louise! The image I use for my business is red. After the change to the FB Timeline, it looked orange. Now, I understand why. I will see if my graphics designer can fix it for me. I’m all thumbs when it comes to Photoshop. 🙂 Dyane
Louise Myers says
Thanks for visiting and commenting, Dyane! Best of luck with your page and the red image.
Deborah says
I am so thankful for this Facebook information. As a designer getting back into the business after kids, a lot has changed. Thanks for putting this info in one handy place.
Louise Myers says
Welcome Deborah, glad you enjoyed the post!
Alva says
So helpful! Thank you very much
Could you please try IMAGEmini Lite and give me some feedback? It is a image optimize application. You can find it in Mac App Store.
Louise Myers says
Sounds interesting, Alva, good luck with it!
Din says
Thank you! I spent the last 2 hours exporting, with horrible results sharing it afterwards in Facebook. Your PNG8 hint saved me! 🙂
Louise Myers says
So glad it helped!
Dominic says
The png worked a treat. Who knew it could be that simple. Thanks Louise. Great content 😀
Louise Myers says
It is simple, isn’t it, Dominic? Glad you found it useful!
Djordje says
How upload png images to facebook ?
Louise Myers says
Hi,
They work just the same as any images. For a new post, use the photo/video button. On a comment, click the camera icon.
x130 says
Been searching EVERYWHERE for this simple solution (PNG8 compression).
You’re a lifesaver!
Louise Myers says
So glad it helped!
Mary says
Hi Louise, thanks for posting this! Do you know if these workarounds and tips are still applicable?
Louise Myers says
As far as I know!
anonymous says
Louise, I read somewhere that the best dimensions for Facebook’s photo galleries are 960 px X 720 px. I post a lot of concert photos and it seems like Facebook compresses them arbitrarily. Oh, I also work in LightRoom more than in PhotoShop. What are your thoughts? Thanks for a great post.
Louise Myers says
Facebook is extremely flexible when it comes to photo post size. But they do compress photos to death. Not sure if the PNG file trick still works. It’s also possible that compressing and uploading small file sizes will save them from being mangled. I really haven’t looked into this topic for so long. It’s definitely due for an update.
Louise Myers says
You’re welcome!