Are you looking to make your LinkedIn profile stand out with a custom photo frame? While LinkedIn provides built-in options like Open to Work and Hiring frames, many professionals want to showcase something more personalized—whether it’s to highlight their brand, services, or a specific message. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a unique photo frame for your LinkedIn profile, you’re in the right place.
LinkedIn offers two official photo frames: Open to Work for job seekers and Hiring for recruiters or companies adding to their teams. These frames are popular and effective for their intended purpose, but they can feel restrictive, especially if you offer services or want to spotlight your brand message. Additionally, sharing that you are #OpenToWork can be difficult for some, and it’s important to understand the pros and cons of turning it on.
If you want to express more than just “I’m looking for a job” or “We’re hiring,” creating a custom photo frame is a fantastic way to enhance your professional brand. Whether you want to spotlight your services, showcase your personal brand, or communicate a special message, a custom photo frame can make your LinkedIn profile photo truly unique.
Designing your own LinkedIn photo frame is simpler than you might think. All you need is a graphic design tool, and in this article, I’ll show you how to create a custom photo frame using two different platforms: Canva and PowerPoint. You can add any wording or design elements you want to reflect your brand or message.
Keep reading to learn how to create your very own LinkedIn photo frame!
Canva is a graphic design platform that provides a slew of image editing options that make creating images and documents a cinch. Rather than give you step-by-step instructions on how to use Canva, I created pages of templates. All you need to do is drop in your headshot and VOILA a gorgeous photo frame!
Most people think of PowerPoint just for presentation slide design but it actually offers image editing and animation tools, too. I know a PowerPoint expert, Michael Rielly, and as a favor to me, he created a bunch of LinkedIn photo frame templates in PowerPoint that you can download and use for yourself.
If you use one of Michael’s templates, consider learning more about and potentially donating to his nonprofit, The James D. Rielly Foundation, Inc. Their mission is to support the children and families of the military and first responders hindered by economic status, physical or mental challenges.
In case you want to do it yourself and not rely on a template, below you will find step by step instructions on how to create a photo frame yourself in PowerPoint.
Time needed: 15 minutes.
Create a Photo Frame for your LinkedIn Profile Photo in PowerPoint
Make sure the slide is blank without any text boxes.
Make sure you use a professional image, well-lit, of you looking directly into the camera, smiling
Hold your shift key down to make sure the oval is a perfect circle.
This will make sure that it’s just an outline of the circle
I am using a width of 40 pixels.
Think in terms of your brand colors. If you don’t want a full circle skip to the next step.
Delete all but two gradient stops. One should be the color of the circle, the other gradient stop should be 100% transparent. Increase/decrease the angle to get it to the position you want.
Congrats! I am sure it looks amazing!
Please note, if you want to use a custom photo and you are marked as “open to work,” you must select “Share with recruiters only” in the Edit job preferences settings. By sharing your status with all LinkedIn members, the photo frame that you worked so hard to create, will be hidden.
If you want to share your open to work status with all LinkedIn members, you are best not using a custom photo frame.
Creating a custom LinkedIn photo frame is a fantastic way to stand out and make your profile photo reflect your unique brand or message. Whether you’re using Canva or PowerPoint, the process is simple and allows for endless creativity. Don’t feel limited by the built-in Open to Work or Hiring frames—take control of your personal brand and create something that truly represents you.
Remember, your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make online, so make it count. A customized photo frame can be the perfect finishing touch that sets you apart and draws attention for all the right reasons.
If you’re looking for more ways to optimize your LinkedIn presence, be sure to explore the resources on this site. Need help with your profile? Contact me for expert assistance in taking your LinkedIn profile to the next level!
1. Can I still use a custom photo frame if I’m marked as ‘Open to Work’?
Yes, you can use a custom photo frame if you select “Share with recruiters only” in your job preferences settings. If you choose to share your status with all LinkedIn members, the custom frame will be hidden and replaced with LinkedIn’s official Open to Work frame.
2. What if I don’t have access to Canva or PowerPoint?
You can use any graphic design tool you’re comfortable with! Tools like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP (free software) can help you create a custom photo frame.
3. Does LinkedIn allow custom photo frames?
Yes, LinkedIn allows users to upload custom profile photos, which means you can add any design, including a custom photo frame. Just be sure your frame maintains a professional look and aligns with your personal brand.
4. How can a custom photo frame help my personal brand?
A custom photo frame can visually communicate your brand message, making your profile more distinctive and memorable. It’s a subtle yet effective way to signal what you’re about—whether that’s showcasing your services, career status, or unique personality.
5. Will a custom photo frame impact my profile visibility?
While the frame itself doesn’t affect LinkedIn’s algorithm, a professional and polished profile picture can lead to better engagement. A custom frame adds a personal touch that may increase curiosity and encourage profile visits.
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Donna,
Thanks for sharing excellent work.
Great content and super helpful tools – thank you Donna
This is helpful, but how do I add the custom text to the circle in PowerPoint? I think it’s missing in step 7, 8 or 9 above. Thank you.
Thank you, Donna for sharing
Thank you for sharing. It was very helpful.
Thank you, it has been a great help!!!
Great help, thank you Donna.