How to Create LinkedIn Posts in Canva: Size, Layout, and Export

A sharp LinkedIn post earns attention in a professional feed. Canva makes it easy to design 1080×1080 LinkedIn images, portrait creatives, 1200×627 link previews, and PDF carousels - with bold text, clean layouts, and export-ready files.

This guide walks through Canva LinkedIn post canvas setup, layout, carousel tips, typography, and export. Specs below reflect LinkedIn's 2026 image guidance - feed photos and link previews use different sizes.

LinkedIn post size in Canva

LinkedIn supports several image formats. Use the right size for the job:

Important: many older guides quote 1200 × 627 for every LinkedIn graphic. That size is correct for link previews. For uploaded photos, square (1080×1080) or portrait (1080×1350) usually fills more of the mobile feed. LinkedIn accepts aspect ratios from about 3:1 (wide) to 4:5 (tall) for uploaded images - design at least 1080 px wide when possible.

Keep important text and logos inside a safe margin (~40–50 px). Aim for files under 5 MB.

To create the canvas:

1. Open Canva.
2. Click Create a design → search LinkedIn Post.
3. Pick a square template, or use Custom size → 1080 × 1080 px (feed) or 1200 × 627 px (link preview).

For other formats:

See our Instagram posts, blog banners, and YouTube thumbnails guides for related sizes.

Step-by-step: build a LinkedIn post

1. Set the background

Pick one approach:

• Solid or gradient - click the background → choose a color or gradient from the toolbar.
• Photo - Elements → Photos → search your topic; drag an image to fill the canvas.
• Split layout - text left, visual right; see our equal-width sections guide.

Apply a semi-transparent overlay over busy photos so title text stays readable.

2. Add a focal image or graphic

• Elements → search icons, frames, or charts related to your topic.
• Use Effects → Background Remover (Canva Pro) to isolate a subject.
• Keep faces and key visuals in the center - LinkedIn crops differently on mobile and desktop.

Preview on a device mockup with the FREE Frame Mockups Bundle.

3. Add title text

1. Click Text → Add a heading.
2. Type a short hook - 4 to 8 words that state the insight or benefit.
3. Use a clean professional font (e.g. Montserrat, League Spartan, or Source Sans 3).
4. Size text so it fills roughly one quarter to one third of the canvas.

Typography tips:

• Lead with value - "3 Hiring Mistakes" beats "Thoughts on recruiting".
• High contrast - dark text on light blocks reads well in a busy LinkedIn feed.
• Limit fonts - one family, two weights maximum.
• Mobile-first - zoom to 33%; if the title is still readable, the post works in the feed.

4. Add supporting elements (optional)

• A subtitle or data callout in smaller type.
• Slide numbers for carousels ("1/7").
• Logo in a corner - keep it inside the safe zone.
• Brand Kit (Canva Pro) for consistent colors and fonts across posts.

5. Align and balance

1. Select multiple elements → Position → Tidy up.
2. Keep ~40–50 px margins from edges.
3. Avoid edge-hugging text - LinkedIn UI chrome can cover corners on some devices.
4. Zoom out to 33% for a feed-size check.

LinkedIn carousel posts in Canva

LinkedIn carousels are usually uploaded as a PDF document (multi-page), not as separate images.

1. Design slide 1 at 1080 × 1080 px (or 1080 × 1350 if you prefer portrait).
2. Click + Add page for each additional slide - keep the same dimensions.
3. Use a consistent header, footer, and margins.
4. Make slide 1 the hook - it is the feed preview.
5. Share → Download → PDF Standard (or PDF Print) → download All pages.
6. On LinkedIn, create a post → add a document → upload the PDF.

Carousel tips:

• 5–10 slides is a practical range for most posts.
• One idea per slide - avoid dense paragraphs.
• End with a clear CTA ("Comment X", "Save for later", "Link in comments").
• File size: keep the PDF well under LinkedIn's document limits (commonly cited around 100 MB); aim much smaller for fast loads.

Link preview images (1200 × 627)

When you share a URL, LinkedIn shows a card using the page's Open Graph image - typically 1200 × 627 (1.91:1). Design that asset like a mini billboard:

1. Custom size → 1200 × 627 px.
2. One headline, high contrast, centered safe zone.
3. Export PNG or JPG under 5 MB (ideally under 300–500 KB).

For blog posts, pair this with your on-page header - see blog banners in Canva (1600×800 header + 1200×630 OG).

Export settings

1. Click Share → Download.
2. Choose a format:
   • PNG - text-heavy graphics and flat design.
   • JPG (85–90% quality) - photo-heavy posts.
   • PDF - LinkedIn document carousels.
3. For multi-page designs, select All pages.

Canva can Publish or schedule to LinkedIn from Share when accounts are connected.

Size reference for other platforms

Use Magic Resize (Canva Pro) to adapt a square LinkedIn post to Instagram or OG sizes after the main design is done.

Design checklist

Before you publish, confirm:

• Feed image is 1080 × 1080 or 1080 × 1350 (not only 1200×627 unless it is a link card)
• Link preview assets are 1200 × 627 when sharing URLs
• Title is readable at 33% zoom
• Strong contrast and safe margins
• Carousel slides share one size and export as PDF
• File is under 5 MB for images

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using 1200×627 for every post - reserve it for link cards; prefer square/portrait for photos.
• Tiny text - LinkedIn feeds are skimmed on phones.
• Inconsistent carousel sizes - every PDF page must match.
• Low contrast logos - brand marks disappear on busy backgrounds.
• Wall of text on one slide - split into a carousel instead.

FAQ

What is the LinkedIn post size in Canva?

For uploaded images, start with 1080 × 1080 px (square) or 1080 × 1350 px (portrait). Search LinkedIn Post in Canva or set a custom size.

What size is a LinkedIn link preview image?

1200 × 627 pixels (1.91:1) - the landscape card shown when you share a URL.

Can you make LinkedIn carousels in Canva?

Yes. Design multi-page slides at one size (often 1080×1080), export as PDF, and upload as a LinkedIn document.

Conclusion

Canva is a fast way to create LinkedIn posts - design square or portrait feed graphics, 1200×627 link previews, and PDF carousels, then export PNG, JPG, or PDF. Save a Brand Template and batch posts for a consistent professional look.

For Instagram sizes, see Instagram posts in Canva. For Open Graph and blog headers, see blog banners. For gap-free layouts, see equal-width sections.