Tumblr's unique blend of blogging and social media requires understanding how images display across dashboards, blogs, and mobile apps. The right dimensions ensure your visual content looks stunning whether viewed on a custom blog theme or in someone's dashboard feed.
Here's everything you need to know about Tumblr image sizes.
Quick Reference Table
| Format | Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avatar | 128 × 128 | 1:1 | Displays at 64×64 in posts |
| Header/Banner | 3000 × 1055 | ~2.8:1 | Desktop display |
| Header (Mobile) | 640 × 360 | 16:9 | Mobile display |
| Dashboard Post | 540 × 810 | 2:3 | Standard post display |
| High-Res Post | 1280 × 1920 | 2:3 | Maximum quality |
| GIF | 540 wide max | varies | Under 3MB for no compression |
Avatar (Profile Picture)
Your avatar appears next to every post you make and in your blog's sidebar. It's small but essential for recognition.
Avatar Size (128 × 128)
Upload at 128 × 128 pixels. Tumblr displays it at 64 × 64 next to posts, so keep designs simple.
Avatar tips:
- Simple, recognizable imagery
- Works at very small sizes
- Consistent with your blog aesthetic
- High contrast for visibility
→ Create a 128 × 128 avatar
High-Resolution Avatar (512 × 512)
For sharper display on high-DPI screens, upload at a larger size.
→ Create a high-res avatar
Blog Header (Banner)
The header image spans the top of your blog. Different themes display headers differently, but Tumblr provides standard recommendations.
Desktop Header (3000 × 1055)
The maximum recommended size for desktop display. This wide format works well for panoramic images and branded banners.
Header content ideas:
- Blog title and tagline
- Featured artwork
- Aesthetic photography
- Brand identity elements
→ Create a 3000 × 1055 desktop header
Mobile Header (640 × 360)
Mobile and dashboard popovers display a cropped version. Design with both formats in mind.
→ Create a 640 × 360 mobile header
Recommended Header (2048 × 1152)
A balanced size that works well across devices while keeping file sizes manageable. This 16:9 ratio is versatile.
→ Create a 2048 × 1152 header
Minimum Header (640 × 360)
The minimum acceptable header size. Anything smaller may appear blurry.
Dashboard Post Images
Most Tumblr viewing happens in the dashboard, where images display at specific widths.
Standard Post (540 × 810)
Dashboard images display at 540 pixels wide. The 2:3 aspect ratio is ideal for single-image posts.
→ Create a 540 × 810 post image
High-Resolution Post (1280 × 1920)
Upload at higher resolution for users who click to expand. Tumblr scales down for dashboard display but preserves quality for full-size viewing.
→ Create a 1280 × 1920 high-res post
Maximum Resolution (2048 × 3072)
The maximum expanded size Tumblr supports. Ideal for detailed artwork or photography.
→ Create a maximum resolution post
Square Post (1080 × 1080)
Square images work well for certain content types and display cleanly in the dashboard.
→ Create a square post image
Photosets (Multiple Images)
Tumblr displays photosets in various grid layouts depending on image count.
Single Image Display
One image displays at 540 pixels wide (full dashboard width).
Two Image Row (245 × 245 each)
Two images side by side, each at 245 pixels wide.
→ Create a two-image photoset panel
Three Image Row (160 × 160 each)
Three images in a row, each at 160 pixels wide.
→ Create a three-image photoset panel
Photoset Planning
When creating photosets, consider:
- Row layouts and image relationships
- Consistent aspect ratios within rows
- Visual flow across the entire set
- Maximum 10 images from apps, 30 from web
GIF Specifications
Tumblr is famous for GIFs. Understanding the limits ensures your animations display smoothly.
GIF Width
Maximum width: 540 pixels (dashboard display width)
GIF File Size
- Under 3MB: No compression applied
- Over 3MB: Tumblr compresses, potentially reducing quality
GIF Best Practices
- Keep width at or under 540px
- Optimize frame count and colors
- Use efficient compression tools
- Test playback before posting
→ Create a GIF-sized canvas
Blog Theme Considerations
Custom Tumblr themes can display images differently. Consider these variations:
Theme Variables
- Post width varies by theme (400-700px common)
- Some themes have fixed-width or fluid layouts
- Mobile themes override desktop customizations
- Lightbox/modal views show full resolution
Designing for Themes
Upload at high resolution (1280px+ wide) so images look good regardless of theme settings. Tumblr scales down as needed.
Technical Specifications
- Formats: JPEG, PNG, WEBP, GIF
- Max file size: 10MB per image
- Max GIF size: 10MB (but 3MB recommended)
- Max images per post: 10 (app), 30 (web)
- Color space: sRGB
Content-Specific Recommendations
Photography
Use maximum resolution (2048 × 3072) for detailed photos. Viewers appreciate being able to examine details at full size.
→ Create a photography canvas
Digital Art
Match your art's native resolution or use 1280 × 1920 for a good balance of quality and load time.
→ Create a digital art canvas
Screenshots & Memes
540 × 540 or 540 × 810 works well for most memes and screenshots.
→ Create a meme canvas
Text Posts with Images
Keep images clear and readable. Avoid small text that becomes illegible at 540px width.
Mobile Optimization
Tumblr's mobile apps display content differently:
- Images scale to screen width
- GIFs auto-play in feed
- Tap to expand for full resolution
- Some theme features don't appear on mobile
Design with mobile viewers in mind—they're a significant portion of Tumblr's audience.
Common Mistakes
- Uploading too small: Images under 540px wide appear blurry
- Oversized GIFs: Large GIFs get compressed and lose quality
- Ignoring mobile crop: Headers crop differently on mobile
- Complex avatars: Detailed designs become muddy at 64px
- Inconsistent photoset ratios: Mixed ratios create awkward grids
- Not testing themes: Images may display differently than expected
Summary
Tumblr rewards high-quality visuals with engaged audiences. Upload at recommended resolutions and your content will look great across all viewing contexts.
Essential sizes:
- Avatar: 128 × 128 (or 512 × 512 for high-res)
- Header: 3000 × 1055 (desktop), 640 × 360 (mobile)
- Posts: 1280 × 1920 (scales to 540 wide in dashboard)
- GIFs: 540px wide max, under 3MB
Create beautiful Tumblr content that stands out in every dashboard.
