Updated by the HeadshotGenerator.pro team
Gravatar Profile Picture
A Gravatar profile picture follows your email address: when you comment on a blog, post in a forum or use a developer tool that supports Gravatar, your image appears automatically. Gravatar accepts JPEG, PNG or HEIC files smaller than 10 MB. Here is how it works.
One photo • 2 variations per generation • Packs from $9
Gravatar Profile Picture File Rules
- Formats: JPEG, PNG or HEIC.
- File size: smaller than 10 MB.
- Linked to: your email address, not to one website.
- Updates: other sites may take a while to show a new image.
From Gravatar Support's Avatars page, checked when this page was last updated.
How Gravatar Works
Gravatar stands for globally recognised avatar. Sites that support it look up your email address and show the image you uploaded to Gravatar, so you don't need to upload a photo to each site separately.
That also means the same picture shows up in many places, such as blog comments, forums and developer tools. Choose one you are happy for strangers to see next to your name.
A Headshot That Works Everywhere
Each site displays your Gravatar at its own size, often very small and sometimes as a circle. A centred head-and-shoulders crop on a plain or gradient background stays recognisable in all of them.
If you use a work email for Gravatar, pick a professional photo; if it's a personal email, a friendlier, casual photo may fit better.
Upload a square headshot so each site crops it consistently.
Gravatar for Developers and Bloggers
Many developer tools, code hosting sites and blogging platforms use Gravatar as a default avatar when you sign up with an email address. If your commits, comments or posts show a generic pattern instead of your face, you probably haven't uploaded a Gravatar for that email yet.
Adding a clear headshot once means it can follow you to new tools automatically. Use a photo you are comfortable being public, since sites that support Gravatar can display it to anyone who sees your contributions.
Recommended Looks in the Generator
After you upload your photo, pick these options in the generator. Each generation gives you 2 variations, and regenerating the same look is free.
Background: Gradient
Outfit: Semi-Formal (Button-Up Shirt), Navy
A gradient and button-up suit blogs, forums and developer tools.
Background: Clean White
Outfit: Casual (Crew Neck Tee), Grey
A simple, relaxed look for open-source and community sites.
Gravatar Profile Picture: Questions and Answers
Sources
- Avatars (Gravatar Support)