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Prepare Mastodon images by choosing the right crop and file size for where they will appear: profile avatars are downscaled to 400×400 pixels, profile headers to 1500×500, and post images have a separate 8.3-megapixel limit. Mastodon’s documentation lists formats and upload limits for each type; it does not require profile images to start at those exact pixel dimensions. You can resize images with a free image editor or browser-based tool, then upload and check the result.

Mastodon image size limits at a glance

Mastodon’s official documentation gives different rules for profile images and images attached to posts. Use the limits for the surface where you plan to display the image, rather than applying the profile limits to a post attachment or vice versa.

Image type Accepted formats in Mastodon documentation File limit Size or pixel limit
Avatar WEBP, PNG, GIF, JPG 2MB Downscaled to 400×400 pixels
Profile header WEBP, PNG, GIF, JPG 2MB Downscaled to 1500×500 pixels
Post image PNG, JPG, HEIF, WEBP, AVIF 16MB Downscaled to 8.3 megapixels; up to four images per post
GIF attachment GIF 16MB Less than 1 megapixel; the guide gives 1280×720 in parentheses

These are values in Mastodon’s official documentation, not a guarantee that every server accepts precisely the same uploads. An instance administrator can configure server-specific rules, so check your server if an upload is rejected. Mastodon’s profile guide covers avatars and headers; its posting guide covers attachments.

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What dimensions should a Mastodon avatar or header be?

Avatar: crop to a square

Mastodon says profile avatars are downscaled to 400×400 pixels and lists a 2MB maximum. A square crop is a practical starting point; keep a face, logo, or other important detail near the center so it remains visible when the avatar appears small. The documentation describes the downscaled result, not a mandatory source-image size.

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Profile header: use a 3:1 crop

The documented header target is 1500×500 pixels, a 3:1 width-to-height ratio, with a 2MB file limit. Crop the image to that shape and position important content where you want it in the composition. The documentation does not promise identical cropping or display across every Mastodon client.

What size should a Mastodon post image be?

Post images follow different rules from profile images. Mastodon’s posting guide lists PNG, JPG, HEIF, WEBP, and AVIF attachments up to 16MB, downscaled to 8.3 megapixels, with up to four images per post. It does not specify one preferred width and height for ordinary post images. Choose dimensions that suit the artwork and intended display; the 8.3-megapixel figure is a downscaling limit, not a required target.

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GIF attachments

For GIF attachments, the guide specifies a file limit of 16MB and a pixel count below one megapixel, with 1280×720 shown parenthetically. Mastodon converts GIFs to soundless MP4; static GIF files have the same limits.

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How to resize an image for Mastodon for free

A free image editor or browser-based resizer can crop to the needed shape and export a smaller file. Mastodon does not endorse a particular resizing tool. If you use an online service, consider its privacy terms before uploading images that should remain private.

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  1. Identify the image type. Decide whether you are preparing an avatar, profile header, regular post image, or GIF attachment. Check the corresponding row in the table above.
  2. Crop to the appropriate shape or pixel ceiling. Make an avatar square. For a header, use a 3:1 canvas such as 1500×500 pixels. For ordinary post images, choose a suitable width and height without treating 8.3 megapixels as a required source size. Keep GIFs below one megapixel.
  3. Export to an accepted format and check the file size. Use a format listed for that image type. Keep avatars and headers under 2MB, and post images and GIFs under 16MB, according to Mastodon’s documentation.
  4. Upload and review the result. Check that the crop, clarity, and placement look right in your profile or post. Mastodon documents downscaling for these images, so the uploaded result may be smaller than the original.
  5. If the upload fails, check your instance’s rules. Server configuration can affect the limits you encounter. Consult your server’s guidance or administrator rather than assuming that every instance uses identical settings.
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File size and image dimensions are different

File size measures how many bytes an image uses; dimensions describe its width and height in pixels. An image can be below the stated megabyte limit and still exceed a pixel limit. For post images, check both the 16MB file limit and the 8.3-megapixel limit; for GIF attachments, check the file limit and the below-one-megapixel rule. A profile image’s 2MB limit is also separate from its documented downscaling target.

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