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Substack image sizes

Substack uses separate assets for its email banner, square publication logo, horizontal wordmark, square cover image and social preview. The current recommendations are 1100×220, at least 256×256, at least 1344×256, at least 600×600 and at least 1200×630 pixels respectively.

One source conflict is preserved rather than hidden: Substack lists 1200×630 for social previews and calls the ratio 14:10 in the same bullet, even though those numbers do not match. The detail page follows the explicit pixels and explains the discrepancy.

Quick reference

FormatDimensionsRatioMax size
Email Banner1100 × 220 px5:1
Publication Logo256 × 256 px1:1
Publication Wordmark1344 × 256 px5.25:1
Publication Cover Image600 × 600 px1:1
Social Preview Image1200 × 630 px1.91:1

Email Banner1100×220px

Substack recommends a 1100×220-pixel PNG for an email banner. It may be taller, and Substack's broader image guide recommends a transparent background for this publication design element.

The email banner appears in publication emails rather than on the web version of a post. Substack's dedicated email-header guide recommends uploading it as a 1100×220 PNG.

Dimensions

1100 × 220 px

Aspect ratio

5:1

Formats

PNG

Best practices

  • Start at 1100×220 pixels and export as PNG.
  • Use transparency when the banner is a logo or wordmark rather than a full-bleed image.
  • Send a test email to inspect the banner in real inbox layouts.
Full specs, tips, and FAQ →

Publication Wordmark1344×256px

Substack says a publication wordmark should be a horizontal image at least 1344×256 pixels. The website editor can resize its displayed appearance without changing the recommended source dimensions.

The wordmark carries a publication name in a wide header-friendly shape. Substack's current theme guide sets the source minimum at 1344×256 pixels.

Dimensions

1344 × 256 px

Aspect ratio

5.25:1

Best practices

  • Use a horizontal image at least 1344×256 pixels.
  • Keep the publication name large enough to remain readable when the header is resized.
  • Design the wordmark and square logo as separate assets instead of forcing one crop to do both jobs.
Full specs, tips, and FAQ →

Publication Cover Image600×600px

Substack recommends a publication cover image at least 600×600 pixels. A square source keeps the cover usable in compact publication and discovery surfaces without depending on a wide crop.

The publication cover image is separate from the email banner, logo and social preview. Substack's image guide sets a minimum square source of 600×600 pixels.

Dimensions

600 × 600 px

Aspect ratio

1:1

Best practices

  • Use a square image at least 600×600 pixels.
  • Keep the focal point and any title treatment legible at thumbnail size.
  • Create a separate square composition instead of center-cropping the email banner.
Full specs, tips, and FAQ →

Social Preview Image1200×630px

Substack recommends social and post preview images at least 1200×630 pixels. The same official bullet also says preview images use a 14:10 ratio, which does not match 1200×630, so this page uses the explicit pixel dimensions and records the conflict rather than silently reconciling it.

The social or post preview image is the thumbnail used when a Substack post is represented outside the full article. Substack's current image guide gives an explicit minimum of 1200×630 pixels.

Dimensions

1200 × 630 px

Aspect ratio

1.91:1

Best practices

  • Export at least 1200×630 pixels and keep critical content near the center.
  • Use Substack's smart-cropping option when faces or subjects are cut off.
  • Do not treat the source's 14:10 statement as equivalent to 1200×630; the published guidance conflicts.
Full specs, tips, and FAQ →

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Frequently asked questions

What are the main Substack image sizes?

Email banner: 1100×220; logo: at least 256×256; wordmark: at least 1344×256; cover image: at least 600×600; social preview: at least 1200×630 pixels.

Does Substack publish conflicting preview guidance?

Yes. Its current help page pairs 1200×630 pixels with a 14:10 ratio, although those shapes differ. This guide uses the explicit pixel dimensions and flags the conflict.

Guide last verified: August 28, 2026. This hub summarizes 5 formats and cites 3 sources across this page and the linked format pages.

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