Headshot size and resolution: a practical fit worksheet
Updated November 7, 2026 · 5 min read
A headshot can look clear on a screen and still be a poor fit for a large print. Start with the destination’s requirements, then check the pixels left after cropping. A designer or print provider can tell you what their particular project needs.
Fylvy headshots are 768 × 1024 pixels. Those dimensions describe the image’s pixel grid; they do not by themselves guarantee that it will suit every screen placement or print.
Fill in the fit worksheet
Before ordering or sending a file, write down:
- Destination: Where will the image appear? Ask its owner or designer for the required dimensions, shape, file specifications, and any image rules.
- Available pixels: Record the image’s width and height in pixels. For a Fylvy image, start with 768 × 1024.
- Required crop: Mark the portion that will remain. A square crop from the full Fylvy image can be at most 768 × 768 pixels. Moving in closer reduces the available pixels further.
- Physical size, if printing: Write the intended width and height in inches.
- Target pixels per inch (PPI): Ask the designer or print provider what target they want for that use.
- Fit: Divide the available pixels in each direction by the target PPI. Compare the resulting dimensions with the intended print size.
For example, before cropping a 768 × 1024 image:
| Assumed target | Calculation | Approximate physical size |
|---|---|---|
| 300 PPI | 768 ÷ 300; 1024 ÷ 300 | 2.56 × 3.41 inches |
| 200 PPI | 768 ÷ 200; 1024 ÷ 200 | 3.84 × 5.12 inches |
These PPI values are examples, not universal print requirements. A crop changes the calculation: use the pixels remaining after the crop, not the original dimensions. For a maximum 768 × 768 square, the corresponding examples are 2.56 × 2.56 inches at 300 PPI and 3.84 × 3.84 inches at 200 PPI.
Preview the actual use
Place a copy into the intended layout, or ask the designer to do so. Check that the image can be cropped as needed without cutting away important parts of the portrait. Then check whether the remaining pixel dimensions meet the destination’s specifications.
Resizing software can add pixels, but it cannot recover original detail that was never captured or has been cropped away. Ask the person producing the final piece whether the resulting file is acceptable.
If you already have a suitable real photo with sufficient pixels and permission to use it, that may be all you need. If a project needs a larger source image or controlled framing, ask a photographer about the final dimensions before booking. The photographer comparison can help you choose a workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Does 768 × 1024 mean the image is ready for a large print?
No. Suitability depends on the final crop, physical size, viewing conditions, and the producer’s requirements. Check with the destination or designer.
Can I make a square without losing pixels?
A square taken from a 768 × 1024 image cannot retain its full height. The largest possible square is 768 × 768 pixels, before any closer crop.
Which PPI should I use?
Use the target specified for your project by the designer or print provider. The 200 and 300 PPI calculations above illustrate the arithmetic; they are not rules for every print.
Can increasing the pixel dimensions restore detail?
No. Resizing may create a larger pixel grid, but it cannot recover original detail. Review the result with the person responsible for production.
What should I check besides dimensions?
Check likeness, visible artifacts, the intended crop, and the destination’s rules. Use the identity-first selection guide to review generated results.
If the dimensions fit your intended use, Fylvy offers 40 AI-generated headshots in 10 preset looks for $39 once; usable results are not guaranteed. Read the Terms and Refund Policy, then start an order if it suits your project.