Starting a blog can be so much fun but it can also be overwhelming. For the next few weeks, I’m putting together my TOP HOW – TO’S for Aspiring Writers. These will help you get started and feel good about your work. This week we will focus on creating a blog header with a free and easy online editing tool.

(This post contains affiliate links, you can read my disclaimer HERE.)

How to make a header for your blog using PicMonkey.

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Step 1

Go to www.picmonkey.com.

This is how it will look: ( As of May 2017)

At the top center, you will find Edit, Touch Up, Design, and Collage. Choose the Design feature. A new window will open, (Start your Design), with these choices: Templates, Blank Canvas, Custom Size. Click on Templates.

Step 2

Go to your WordPress Dashboard and click on Appearance, then on Header. At the top under Header Image, you should see the size descriptions. Header Image sizes differ on WordPress because of the different Theme choices. This is what mine looks like: While you can crop images to your liking after clicking Add new image, your theme recommends a header size of 1400 × 425 pixels (px).

For Blogger – the platform allows you to adjust the width manually and choose a custom size. A good size is 1140 x 300. To adjust the size, you must go into your template designer and click customize. Then choose “adjust widths.”

Now you know what size of templates to look for.

Step 3

Click back on PicMonkey and click on the Category drop down button. Choose Facebook Cover. Most are 1702 x 630 px (pixels). Unless you decide to go with the paid subscription, choose one of the free covers.

Step 4

Once you’ve chosen your template, click on Customize. (Green button at bottom right)

Step 5

To change the text, simply click on it, choose a different font from the left and a new color from the pop up Text box. I’ve changed the text to Bilbo Swash Caps. Next I’ve increased the size to fit the banner box by using the pop up Text box. Move the Size button up or down or use the drop down size button. Make the script fit to your liking.

Step 6

To change the color of the banner, click on it. A pop up box named OverLay, Basic will appear. Click on the Color 1: and Color 2:. A box with multiple colors will appear. I’ve chosen to change my banner to HEX color #b64848 – Rust Red, with the same color for the border.

Step 7

Add your logo to the banner or change the picture by clicking on the butterfly icon to the left, click the drop down arrow, (Add your Own), to the top and choose your file. Only JPEG or PNG files can be uploaded. (How to Create your Logo Coming SOON!)

Step 8

Once you are satisfied with your banner, you need to adjust the size to fit into the measurements of your blog header requirements. Click on the top icon to the left. Next click on the bottom selection field, Resize. Type in your length measurement into the first box and check the box, (Keep Proportions), below it. Don’t worry about the width, most headers will allow you to crop the banner to make it fit. Keeping the proportions from becoming distorted is important.

Step 9

Now it’s time to save your creation! Click the Save button at the top left and choose SEAN for best results. If this file is too big to upload into your site, you can go back and save as Pierce. This is still a good quality but not as large of a file to upload.

PicMonkey and Pinterest

Using PicMonkey to create Pins is just as easy but I will create a how to just for you – Check back later as I am adding many HOW TO resources for bloggers.

Upcoming

Making a Collage for your Facebook Page, Twitter Banner or for Blog Posts is super easy and coming soon!

Questions?

If you have any questions about making graphics for any of your social media or your website, please send them to me or leave them in the comments below. I’ll be happy to help you in any way.

(This post contains affiliate links, you can read my disclaimer HERE.)