Updated: February 2025
LinkedIn Carousel Size & Specs Guide (2025)
Quick answer: Export your LinkedIn carousels as PDFs at 1080×1080 pixels (square) or 1080×1350 pixels (portrait), keep file size under 3 MB, and limit slides to 8–12 even though LinkedIn allows up to 20. Postiv.ai auto-formats every carousel to these specs so you never worry about blurry slides or upload errors.
Back to the LinkedIn Carousel Guide
Official LinkedIn Requirements
| Setting | LinkedIn limit | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1080×1080 (square) or 1080×1350 (portrait) | Stick with 1080×1080 for versatility; use 1080×1350 for storytelling emphasis. |
| File type | PDF, PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX (PDF recommended) | Always use PDF to preserve fonts and clickable links. |
| File size | 100 MB max | Keep under 3 MB to load instantly on mobile. |
| Slide count | Up to 20 | 8–12 slides perform best for retention. |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 or 4:5 | Avoid landscape; it shrinks on mobile. |
| Fonts | Any embedded font | Minimum 24 pt for body text, 48 pt for headings. |
Auto-format: Postiv.ai exports slide decks as optimised PDFs under 2.5 MB with embedded fonts and vector graphics intact.
Design Safe Zones
- Keep headlines and key visuals within the central 880×880 px area to avoid cropping.
- Leave 80 px padding on all sides.
- Avoid placing logos or CTAs within 60 px of the edges.
Compression Tips
- Vector-first: Design with shapes and text instead of raster images.
- Optimise images: Compress background images before importing (use TinyPNG or Squoosh).
- Limit gradients: Heavy gradients can bloat file size; use subtle overlays.
- Export via Postiv.ai: Our pipeline compresses intelligently without visible quality loss.
Accessibility Considerations
- Maintain contrast ratios of 4.5:1 between text and background.
- Avoid text smaller than 24 pt.
- Add descriptive alt text for each slide during upload.
- Use simple animations sparingly (PDFs won’t animate).
Testing Checklist
- ✅ Review on desktop and mobile preview.
- ✅ Confirm link hotspots work in exported PDF.
- ✅ Check file size; compress if over 3 MB.
- ✅ Ensure fonts are embedded (no substitution errors).
- ✅ Verify alt text plan for upload.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blurry slides | Exported as JPG/PNG and recompressed | Export as PDF or use Postiv.ai’s export. |
| Text cut off | Elements too close to edge | Reapply safe zone padding. |
| Upload fails | File exceeds 100 MB or unsupported format | Compress or convert to PDF. |
| Fonts changed on upload | Fonts not embedded | Outline fonts or export via Postiv.ai to embed automatically. |
Template Downloads
Free download: Grab 1080×1080 and 1080×1350 starter templates (Figma + Postiv.ai versions) when you create a free Postiv.ai account.
CTA: Let Postiv.ai Handle the Specs
- Automatic size enforcement for every export.
- Brand kits keep typography and colours consistent.
- Scheduling tool surfaces best-time slots for your audience.
FAQs
Can I upload PowerPoints instead of PDFs?
Yes, but LinkedIn converts them to static images, often introducing compression artefacts. PDFs remain crisp, so we recommend exporting from PowerPoint to PDF first.
What resolution should images be?
Design at 1080×1080 (1×). If you expect zooming or repurposing elsewhere, create at 2160×2160 (2×) and downscale when exporting to keep quality high.
Can I mix portrait and square slides?
LinkedIn applies the dimensions of the first slide to the whole deck. Stick with one aspect ratio per carousel to avoid inconsistent cropping.
How do I add clickable links?
Insert hyperlinks directly into your PDF editor or Postiv.ai slide. LinkedIn retains clickable links in documents when exported as PDFs.
Does LinkedIn compress my PDF?
Minimal compression occurs, but keeping your file under 3 MB ensures LinkedIn doesn’t apply aggressive optimisation. Preview after uploading to confirm clarity.