Blog
Notes on profile pictures
Sizing, sharpness and what actually makes an avatar work — practical writing from the team behind the free preview tool.
What makes a good profile picture?
The handful of fundamentals every good profile picture gets right — recognisable, well-lit, well-cropped and current — in plain English.
The best profile picture for your job search
Your photo travels with every application and message. How to choose a professional, approachable headshot that helps rather than hurts.
How to turn a group photo into a solo profile picture
How to crop just you out of a group shot for a clean, recognisable profile picture — and check it still reads at small sizes.
How often should you update your profile picture?
The signs it’s time for a refresh, sensible cadences for different platforms, and how to update everywhere at once.
Lighting for profile pictures: the simple guide
Good light is the single biggest upgrade to any profile picture. How to get soft, flattering lighting with nothing but a window.
How to pick a gaming avatar that stands out
Your gaming PFP shows up at barely 32 pixels. How to choose one that still reads on Discord, Twitch and Steam.
Dating app profile picture tips that actually work
How to choose and crop a dating app photo that reads as genuine and approachable — framing, expression and the crop check most people skip.
11 profile picture mistakes to avoid
The most common profile picture mistakes — from tiny faces to busy backgrounds and low resolution — with a simple fix for each.
Should you smile in your profile picture?
Smile, smirk or serious? How to choose the right expression for the platform and the impression you want to make.
Why your profile picture matters more than you think
It’s a tiny circle attached to almost everything you do online. How it shapes first impressions — and how to make yours work harder.
How to take a professional headshot at home
A step-by-step guide to shooting a professional-looking headshot with a phone, a window and ten minutes — no photographer needed.
Profile picture ideas to refresh your look
Genuinely good profile picture ideas grouped by the impression you want to give off — plus how to make each one work at small sizes.
Why your profile picture looks blurry (and how to fix it)
The four real causes of soft avatars — upscaling, compression, over-zooming and platform compression — and a simple fix for each.