So you’ve got the new Facebook Timeline. What now? We suggest having some fun with “cover photo” creativity.
The new Facebook profile design gives you a lovely big space at the top of your page for an image of your choosing. Now your profile photo overlaps the cover photo at the bottom left. We think there’s a wealth of potential for anyone who wants to get creative with this space.
Take a look through the gallery below. Here we offer you a quick tutorial on how to make the most of this new option, but what you do with it is up to you.
Share your creative Timeline cover photo designs in the comments below (we’ll need a link to a screengrab, rather than a link to your profile), and you may see your design featured in a forthcoming Mashable gallery.
1. The New Timeline Profile
We’re big fans of the new “cover photo” option. It gives users a chance to be really creative with their profile page and express themselves more than the old design ever did.
2. Select Your Cover Photo
To get started, simply click on the “Add a Cover” option shown at the top of the new Timeline design.
The optimum size for this image is around 840 pixels wide by 310 pixels high, although Facebook will automatically re-size existing images.
3. Select Your Profile Photo
Next, to change your profile picture, simply click on the “Edit Profile Picture” drop-down menu to bring up your options.
This is a square image and has to be a minimum of 180 pixels by 180 pixels.
4. It’s Not Just About Photos
What you create is, of course, up to you. Instead of a photograph you could use an illustration or get clever with text.
5. Show Off Your Interests or Get Creative
Your Facebook profile is all about you, so why not take advantage of the new design to show off your interests?
You could use the cover image to showcase your photography, or offer your friends a glimpse of your favorite nature scape.
A cover photo of your preferred sport, juxtaposed with a profile image of you in action would be effective too.
Alternatively, play around with the photo-over-a-photo possibilities — we’re looking forward to seeing some creativity!
6. TIP: Your Profile Photo Remains Your Avatar
Be aware that only your friends with the new Timeline enabled will be able to see the full-fat cover photo version of your profile.
In addition, anyone you’re not friends with who stumbles on your privacy-protected Facebook page will only see your profile photo thumbnail.
Remember that your profile photo is still the little avatar image that appears on top of every page. You might want to consider keeping this a recognizable image of you.
7. TIP: Be Aware of the Default View
It’s also worth bearing in mind that, as this grab shows, the default view when someone clicks through to your profile is a cropped version of the cover photo.
The cover photo isn’t shown in its entirety unless the person scrolls up. So, if you want to be really clever, you need your creation to look effective in this view as well.
8. TIP: See Who Can View Your Timeline Design
By heading over to Facebook’s Timeline page (and scrolling down) you will be able to see how many of your friends can view your new design.
9. Now Show Us Yours…
So, now you know how to create a cool Timeline cover photo.
We want to see yours! Link us to an appropriately-sized screengrab of your shiny new profile and you might end up starring in the next Mashable gallery.
More About: Facebook, features, gallery, how tos, photography
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