Updated: October 2026
Templates only work when they tell you what goes on each slide. These ten do exactly that, with copy-and-fill skeletons you can drop into any design tool today.
To build one fast, use these structures in our free LinkedIn carousel editor: start from an editable template, rewrite the text, and download a 1080 x 1350 PDF. No signup is needed, and the free PDF carries a small Postiv watermark.
TL;DR: A great LinkedIn carousel template is a slide-by-slide structure, not just a pretty background. Below are 10 reusable layouts (listicle, how-to, before-after, myth-buster, framework, case study, stat-drop, and more), each with a slide map from hook to CTA, plus cover and CTA slide patterns and picks by role. Copy the structure, fill in your content, export a 1080 x 1350 PDF, and post.
What Makes a LinkedIn Carousel Template Actually Work
Most "templates" you find on Canva or Figma are background designs. They look nice, but they leave the hardest part to you: deciding what goes on each slide and in what order. A template that performs is really a structure. It tells you the job of slide 1, the rhythm of the middle slides, and how to land the close. If you want a tool that generates the structure and the design together, compare the options in our Canva alternative for LinkedIn carousels breakdown.
Three rules separate templates that get saved from templates that get scrolled past:
- One idea per slide. If a slide needs two paragraphs, it needs to be two slides. Crowded slides kill swipe-through rate.
- The hook lives on slide 1. Do not bury the payoff on slide 3. Slide 1 has to earn the swipe on its own.
- Every deck ends with one CTA. Pick a single action: follow, comment, book a call, or download. Two CTAs is zero CTAs.
Every template below is built around those rules. For the technical side (exact pixel dimensions, file size, and slide limits) see our LinkedIn carousel size guide. And if you are stuck on what to post rather than how to lay it out, our LinkedIn carousel ideas post is the companion piece with topic angles for every niche.
How to Read These Template Skeletons
Each template is written as a slide map. Slide 1 is always your hook. The final slide is always your CTA. The slides in between carry the value. You fill the brackets with your own content:
| Element | What it does | Keep it to |
|---|---|---|
| Slide 1 (hook) | Stops the scroll, promises a payoff | 1 bold line + 1 supporting line |
| Middle slides | Deliver one point each | 1 idea, 1 short headline, 2 to 3 lines |
| Second-to-last | Summarises or recaps the value | A list or one-line takeaway |
| Final slide (CTA) | Asks for one action | 1 instruction + your name/handle |
Aim for 8 to 12 slides. That range tests best for retention without losing people halfway. Now the templates.
1. The Listicle Template ("X ways to...")
The workhorse of LinkedIn. Easy to write, easy to skim, highly saveable because each slide is a standalone tip.
- Slide 1 (hook): "[Number] [things] that [deliver outcome]. (Number [3] is the one nobody does.)"
- Slide 2: Quick framing. Why this list matters right now.
- Slides 3 to 9: One tip per slide. Headline the tip, then 2 lines explaining it.
- Slide 10: Recap all tips in a single list so people can screenshot it.
- Slide 11 (CTA): "Want more like this? Follow [name]. Save this for later."
Best for: tips, mistakes, tools, lessons learned.
2. The How-To / Step-by-Step Template
Use this when you are teaching a process. The numbered structure gives readers a reason to keep swiping: they want the next step.
- Slide 1 (hook): "How to [achieve result] in [timeframe / number of steps]."
- Slide 2: The promise. What they will be able to do by the end.
- Slides 3 to 8: "Step 1," "Step 2," and so on. One step per slide, with a concrete instruction.
- Slide 9: "Put it together." A short recap of the full sequence.
- Slide 10 (CTA): "Try this and tag me, or DM me '[keyword]' for the template."
Best for: tutorials, frameworks, onboarding a skill.
3. The Before-After Template
A transformation story. The contrast does the persuasion for you, which makes this template ideal for case studies and product proof.
- Slide 1 (hook): "[Subject] went from [bad state] to [good state] in [timeframe]. Here is how."
- Slide 2: The "before." Paint the pain clearly.
- Slides 3 to 6: The turning points. What changed, step by step.
- Slide 7: The "after." Show the result with a number if you have one.
- Slide 8: The lesson. What the reader should take away.
- Slide 9 (CTA): "Want this result? Here is where to start: [action]."
Best for: client wins, personal growth stories, product results.
4. The Myth-Buster Template
Contrarian takes earn comments, and comments earn reach. This template sets up a common belief and then dismantles it.
- Slide 1 (hook): "Everyone tells you [common advice]. They are wrong."
- Slide 2: State the myth plainly so readers nod along.
- Slides 3 to 5: Why the myth fails. One reason per slide.
- Slide 6: The truth. What actually works instead.
- Slide 7: Proof or an example that backs your claim.
- Slide 8 (CTA): "Agree or disagree? Tell me in the comments."
Best for: hot takes, industry misconceptions, positioning yourself as a contrarian voice.
5. The Framework Breakdown Template
When you have a named method or model, this template turns it into a memorable, repostable asset. Naming the framework is what makes it stick.
- Slide 1 (hook): "The [Name] framework: how I [achieve outcome]."
- Slide 2: What the framework is in one sentence, plus the acronym or model.
- Slides 3 to 7: One component per slide. Letter or step, then the explanation.
- Slide 8: A simple visual or recap of the whole framework.
- Slide 9 (CTA): "Save this framework. Follow [name] for more like it."
Best for: thought leadership, signature methods, teaching content.
6. The Case Study Template
A deeper, data-led version of before-after. This template builds credibility with specifics and is excellent for agencies and consultants.
- Slide 1 (hook): "How [client/company] got [specific result] (with the exact playbook)."
- Slide 2: The challenge. What was broken or stuck.
- Slide 3: The goal. What success looked like.
- Slides 4 to 7: The actions. What you did, in order.
- Slide 8: The results. Lead with the headline metric.
- Slide 9: The takeaway. What others can replicate.
- Slide 10 (CTA): "Want results like these? Book a call: [link]."
Best for: agencies, B2B services, proof-driven selling.
7. The Stat-Drop Template
Built around one surprising number. The data is the hook, and each slide unpacks why it matters.
- Slide 1 (hook): "[Surprising stat]. Most people have no idea."
- Slide 2: Where the number comes from and why it matters.
- Slides 3 to 6: The implications. One takeaway per slide.
- Slide 7: What to do about it.
- Slide 8 (CTA): "Found this useful? Repost to share it with your network."
Best for: research roundups, trend reports, data-heavy niches.
8. The Hook-to-CTA Story Template
A narrative arc rather than a list. Use this when you want connection over information, like a personal lesson or a failure story.
- Slide 1 (hook): "I [did something risky / failed / quit]. Here is what happened."
- Slides 2 to 4: The setup and the tension. Build the story.
- Slide 5: The turning point.
- Slides 6 to 7: The resolution and what you learned.
- Slide 8 (CTA): "If this resonated, follow along. I share these weekly."
Best for: personal branding, founder stories, building a loyal audience.
9. The Comparison Template
Side-by-side decisions ("this vs that") help readers choose, which makes them save and share. This is also a strong template for product education without being salesy.
- Slide 1 (hook): "[Option A] vs [Option B]: which should you actually pick?"
- Slide 2: Why this decision matters.
- Slides 3 to 6: Compare on one dimension per slide (cost, speed, ease, results).
- Slide 7: The verdict, including who each option is right for.
- Slide 8 (CTA): "Still deciding? Comment your situation and I will weigh in."
Best for: buyer education, tool roundups, decision-making content.
10. The Checklist / Resource Template
Pure utility. People save checklists to use later, and saves are the single strongest signal that the algorithm rewards.
- Slide 1 (hook): "The [topic] checklist I wish I had when I started."
- Slide 2: Who it is for and how to use it.
- Slides 3 to 9: Group the checklist into themed slides, a few items each.
- Slide 10: "Save this and work through it one item at a time."
- Slide 11 (CTA): "Want the editable version? DM me '[keyword]'."
Best for: lead magnets, onboarding resources, evergreen reference posts.
Quick Template Picker
Not sure which structure fits your post? Match your goal to a template:
| Your goal | Best template | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Get saves | Listicle, Checklist | Standalone tips are easy to reference later |
| Get comments | Myth-buster, Comparison | Opinions and decisions invite replies |
| Build authority | Framework, Case Study | Named methods and proof signal expertise |
| Drive a CTA | Before-After, Case Study | Transformation primes the ask |
| Build connection | Hook-to-CTA Story | Narrative beats information for loyalty |
| Educate buyers | Comparison, How-To | Structured guidance reduces friction |
Cover Slide and CTA Slide Templates
Every template above opens with a hook slide and closes with a CTA slide. Those two slides carry most of the weight, so here are patterns you can paste in and fill. Keep the cover to one bold line plus one supporting line, and keep the close to one action.
Cover Slide Templates (Hook Patterns)
| Pattern | Copy-and-fill skeleton | Pairs well with |
|---|---|---|
| Number + outcome | "[Number] [things] that [deliver outcome]." | Listicle, Checklist |
| Result + timeframe | "How I [result] in [timeframe] (without [pain])." | How-To, Before-After |
| Mistake warning | "Stop [common action]. Do this instead." | Myth-Buster, Framework |
| Contrarian claim | "[Common advice] is wrong. Here is why." | Myth-Buster, Comparison |
| Story opener | "I [did something risky / failed]. Here is what happened." | Hook-to-CTA Story |
| Proof first | "[Specific result] for [client or audience]. The exact playbook." | Case Study, Stat-Drop |
Under the headline, add one supporting line that names who the deck is for or adds a swipe cue, for example "For [role]. Swipe for the full breakdown."
Closing CTA Slide Templates
| Goal | Copy-and-fill skeleton |
|---|---|
| Follow | "Found this useful? Follow [name] for [topic] every [week]." |
| Comment | "Which of these will you try first? Tell me in the comments." |
| Keyword | "Comment '[keyword]' and I will send you [resource]." |
| Save or repost | "Save this for later. Repost it if it helps someone on your team." |
| Book or visit | "Want help with [problem]? [Action] using the link in the comments." |
Pick one row, not two. A closing slide with two asks splits attention, and the reader does neither.
LinkedIn Carousel Templates by Role
The same ten structures work for every job, but some fit certain roles better. Here are two templates per role, each with an example topic to start from.
| Role | Template | Example topic |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | 8. Hook-to-CTA Story | "The hire I got wrong and what it taught me" |
| Founder | 5. Framework Breakdown | "The 3-question filter we use to decide what to build next" |
| Marketer | 7. Stat-Drop | "The one number in our last campaign report that surprised the team" |
| Marketer | 1. Listicle | "5 landing page mistakes to fix this week" |
| Consultant or agency | 6. Case Study | "How we rebuilt a client's reporting process, step by step" |
| Consultant or agency | 3. Before-After | "A client's onboarding before and after our audit" |
| Recruiter | 10. Checklist / Resource | "Interview prep checklist for candidates" |
| Recruiter | 4. Myth-Buster | "Myths about applying for jobs that quietly hurt your chances" |
| Sales | 9. Comparison | "Discovery call vs demo: what each one is for" |
| Sales | 2. How-To / Step-by-Step | "How to write a first message that earns a reply, in 4 steps" |
If you are still looking for topics, our LinkedIn carousel ideas post has more angles by niche.
How to Use a LinkedIn Carousel Template (Editor, Canva or Google Slides)
The steps are the same in any tool. Only the canvas setup and the export button change.
- Pick a template by goal. Use the Quick Template Picker above and copy the slide map into a notes app or document.
- Set the slide size to 1080 x 1350 pixels. Portrait gives you the most room on a phone. Postiv's free editor already uses 1080 x 1350. In Canva or Google Slides, start from a custom-size design or page. Square 1080 x 1080 also works, and the full breakdown is in our LinkedIn carousel size guide.
- Write one idea per slide. Replace each bracket with your own content. Start with the cover and CTA patterns above, then fill the middle slides.
- Style it so it reads on a phone. Apply your brand colors and fonts, use large text with strong contrast, and check every slide at phone size. In the editor, click any text to rewrite it, add your images, and reorder pages.
- Export one PDF. In the editor, click PDF. In Canva or Google Slides, download the whole deck as a single PDF. The free editor's PDF has a small Postiv watermark.
- Upload it to LinkedIn. Create a post, choose Add a document, upload the PDF and add a caption. Once it is live, our guide to scheduling and boosting a LinkedIn carousel post covers timing, queuing and promotion.
Carousel Specs Every Template Needs
A template only renders well if the file is built to LinkedIn's specs. Regardless of which layout you pick:
- Dimensions: 1080 x 1350 (portrait, 4:5) gives you the most room on a phone, and 1080 x 1080 (square) also works. Use one size on every slide.
- Format: Export as PDF. LinkedIn also accepts PPT and DOCX, but PDF preserves fonts and clickable links.
- File size: Keep it under 3 MB so it loads instantly on mobile.
- Slides: 8 to 12, even though LinkedIn allows up to 20.
- Text size: 24pt minimum for body, larger for headlines.
The full breakdown, including safe zones and compression tips, lives in our LinkedIn carousel size guide. Get the specs wrong and even the best template looks blurry in the feed.
From Template to Finished Carousel in Minutes
A slide skeleton gets you halfway. You still have to write the copy, design every slide, keep your brand colors consistent, and export a clean PDF. That is where most people stall.
Our free LinkedIn carousel generator covers the design and export half. Start from an editable template, write your hook, move elements, change fonts and colors, add your own images, and download the PDF with 1080 x 1350 slides. You can do all of it without signing up.
If you want help with the writing, that happens inside Postiv. Bob, the assistant in Postiv, helps you turn ideas and source material into carousel content, and you can bring your carousel into your workspace, use your Brand Kit, and schedule it alongside your other LinkedIn posts. A paid Postiv plan also exports without the watermark.
If you want to compare your options first, our roundup of the best LinkedIn carousel makers puts every serious tool side by side, including the manual template galleries and the AI-native ones.
FAQ
What is the best format for a LinkedIn carousel template?
The best format is a clear slide map: a hook on slide 1, one idea per slide in the middle, and a single call to action on the last slide. Aim for 8 to 12 slides in total and keep body text at 24pt or larger so it stays readable on mobile. Pick the structure that matches your goal.
What size should a LinkedIn carousel template be?
Use 1080 x 1350 pixels (portrait, 4:5) for the most room on a phone screen. That is the size Postiv's free carousel editor exports. Square 1080 x 1080 slides also work. Use one size on every slide, and export the whole deck as a single multi-page PDF.
Are there free LinkedIn carousel templates?
Yes. The ten slide-by-slide skeletons in this guide are free to copy into any design tool. Postiv's free carousel editor also gives you editable templates with no signup, plus a 1080 x 1350 PDF download. The free PDF has a small Postiv watermark, which a paid plan removes.
Can I edit these carousel templates with my own colors and logo?
Yes. In Postiv's free editor you can rewrite text, change fonts and colors, move and resize elements, and upload your own images or logo as PNG, JPEG or WebP files under 5 MB each. The free PDF includes a small Postiv watermark, and a paid plan removes it.
How do I turn a template into a LinkedIn carousel post?
Pick a template, replace each bracket with your own content, and apply your colors and fonts. Export the deck as a PDF at 1080 x 1350 pixels. Then create a LinkedIn post, choose Add a document, upload the PDF, and add a caption. Each page becomes a swipeable slide.
Can I create a carousel on LinkedIn?
Yes. LinkedIn no longer has a native carousel button, but you can post one by uploading a multi-page PDF as a document. Each page becomes a swipeable slide in the feed. Build your slides using any template, export to PDF, and attach it when you start a new post.
Are LinkedIn carousels still worth it in 2026?
Yes. Native organic carousel uploads were removed in late 2023, but the PDF document format replaced them and still earns strong reach, saves, and dwell time. Document posts remain one of the highest-engagement formats on LinkedIn, which is why templates that follow a proven structure keep performing.
