How to fit landscape and portrait photos on instagram: Tips for optimizing your Instagram photo layout

Fitting both landscape and portrait photos on Instagram can be a challenge, as the platform inherently favors square and certain ratio images in its feed. But with a bit of know-how, you can keep your original photo orientations looking great—without awkward cropping or loss of key details. Instagram supports three main aspect ratios for photos in the feed: Square (1:1), Portrait (4:5), and Landscape (1.91:1). For portrait photos, aim for images sized at 1080 x 1350 pixels (the maximum portrait dimension), while landscape photos work best at 1080 x 566 pixels. When uploading, tap the expand icon in the lower left corner of the preview to automatically fit your landscape or portrait photo within Instagram's allowed dimensions. For mixed content, or to create a visually cohesive Instagram grid, many users add white borders or use collage templates. Several apps such as Canva, Adobe Express, or in-built phone editors help create these borders so you don't lose parts of your image. As a designer, I always think in terms of visual balance both in individual photo presentation and in creating a harmonious Instagram profile. Tools like a dedicated room planner or mood-board app let you experiment with layouts and cropping to maintain your aesthetic. For those working with interior imagery or design project showcases, leveraging a robust 3D Render Home tool can help ensure your spaces look flawless in any orientation, ready for Instagram’s formats.

Tips 1:

When preparing your images, keep key content (like faces or focal design elements) away from the edges to avoid accidental cropping. Use borders or canvas resizing to fit Instagram's requirements while preserving your artistic intent.

FAQ

Q: What is the best size for landscape photos on Instagram?

A: The optimal size for landscape photos is 1080 x 566 pixels, which fits the 1.91:1 aspect ratio supported by Instagram.

Q: Can I post portrait photos without cropping?

A: Yes, Instagram automatically fits portrait photos up to 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio) when you choose the correct orientation during upload.

Q: How do I add borders to my photos for Instagram?

A: You can use photo editing apps such as Canva or Photoshop Express to add white or colored borders, helping you maintain your image’s full orientation.

Q: Will adding borders affect image quality?

A: Adding borders typically retains original quality as long as your combined image size remains within Instagram's maximum (1080 pixels wide).

Q: What tools help designers prepare images for Instagram layouts?

A: Designers benefit from using advanced visualization tools, such as 3D renderers or layout planners, to create scene renderings and test how images will look in various formats before posting.