How to Change Your Header Image in WordPress

Please note: This tutorial is designed for WordPress.org blogs. If you’re still using a WordPress.com blog, the process may differ. To unlock the full potential of WordPress, consider migrating from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.

The header is arguably the most important visual element on almost any WordPress blog. It’s often the first thing visitors see, so choosing and customizing your header image carefully is crucial. The header sets the overall look and theme of your blog or, in the case of a business website, helps shape your brand’s image. To create a recognizable online presence, keep your header image and style consistent with any connected social media profiles or other online resources.

By default, the header image is displayed at the top of every page and post on your site, and it is often accompanied by a website title and a series of menu options just beneath it. Many WordPress themes come with their own default header images, but you will always be better off using your own image, preferably one which is specifically tailored to your content and the style that you want to go for.

The optimal dimensions for a header image depend entirely on your currently selected theme. If you select an image which is too large or not of optimal dimensions, you’ll be able to crop it when you choose the image. You can either choose an image file from your computer or from your WordPress Media Library. Alternatively, and although this is not recommended, you can sometimes choose from a set of default images, or in some cases, have a random image displayed on each page. However, the exact settings available to you will depend entirely on the currently selected theme.

For the purpose of this tutorial, we’ll be using the latest default WordPress theme, Twenty Fourteen. Unlike some of the older WordPress default themes, this theme has a minimal set of header options available for it, and the default header for the theme is simply a black bar accompanied by a title. Follow the steps below to change your header image:

• Log into your WordPress administrator dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Header.

• Click “Choose File” and upload an image from your computer. You will have the opportunity to crop it before saving your settings.

• Alternatively, click “Choose Image” to choose an image from your media library. If you don’t have any images in your media library, simply drag and drop the image you want to use into the box which appears, select the file and click on “Set as header”.

• Click “Save Changes,” and the settings will take effect immediately.

Most themes, including Twenty Fourteen, also allow you to show or hide the header text or change its color. The header text is the title of your website, and you can change this by navigating to Settings > General in your administrator dashboard and specifying a new title in the field beside “Site Title.”