Nothing kills the vibe faster than a beautifully designed image that gets cropped awkwardly in the chat preview.
Size matters, but ratio is king.
WhatsApp displays header images differently depending on the aspect ratio you use. If your image doesn't match the recommended dimensions, it'll get cropped or stretched, ruining your carefully designed visual.
Recommended Image Specifications
File size limit: Under 5 MB
Supported formats: JPG, PNG
Aspect ratios:
Ultra wide (3:1) – Widest format, takes up maximum horizontal space
Wide (12:7) – Standard recommended format (also used for LTO templates)
Square (1:1) – Equal height and width
Carousel cards (17:10) – For multi-image carousel templates
How Each Ratio Looks in WhatsApp
Ultra wide (3:1):
Best for horizontal designs with text spread across the full width. Use this when you have a lot of horizontal content or want maximum screen coverage.
Wide (12:7):
The most versatile and commonly used ratio. Works well for most campaigns. This is also the aspect ratio used for Limited Time Offer (LTO) templates.
Square (1:1):
Good for product-focused images or designs that need equal emphasis on all sides. Works well for Instagram-style content.
Carousel cards (17:10):
If you're using a carousel template (multiple swipeable images), each card should be 17:10 to display correctly.
Video Specifications
If you're using video in your templates (where supported):
File size limit: Under 16 MB
Aspect ratios:
Landscape (12:7) – Horizontal video
Square (1:1) – Equal dimensions
Portrait (5:7) – Vertical video
Why Aspect Ratio Matters
If you use the wrong ratio, WhatsApp will automatically crop your image to fit. This can result in:
Cut-off text
Missing brand logos
Awkward framing that doesn't match your design intent
Example of what goes wrong:
You design a beautiful 16:9 image with text at the top and bottom. WhatsApp crops it to 12:7. Now the top and bottom text are cut off, and your message is unreadable.
The fix:
Always design within the safe zone for your chosen aspect ratio. If using 12:7 (wide), keep all important text and visuals within the 12:7 frame.
Pro Tips for Pixel-Perfect Images
✅ Design at the exact aspect ratio from the start
Don't create a 16:9 image and then try to resize it to 12:7. You'll lose content. Start with the correct ratio in your design tool (Canva, Figma, etc.).
✅ Test on multiple devices
Preview your template on both Android and iOS before launching. Cropping can look different across devices.
✅ Keep critical content centered
Even if you're using the correct ratio, keep your most important text and visuals in the center of the frame. This gives you a buffer zone in case of minor cropping variations.
✅ Use templates from Canva or Figma pre-sized to WhatsApp specs
Many design tools have WhatsApp-specific templates already sized correctly. Search for "WhatsApp message template" or "WhatsApp header image" in your design tool.
Quick Reference: Image Specs Cheat Sheet
Images (under 5 MB):
Ultra wide: 3:1
Wide: 12:7 (most common, also used for LTO templates)
Square: 1:1
Carousel cards: 17:10
Videos (under 16 MB):
Landscape: 12:7
Square: 1:1
Portrait: 5:7
Save this for later—it's a lifesaver when you're designing your next campaign.
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