Instagram's New Grid Size: How to Create Puzzles, Split Images, and Grid Posts
The new taller Instagram grid layout has brought some serious design challenges and questions to social media managers and content creators. But even brand designers are now wrecking their brains to adapt.
Especially for those who use split images or static grids. If you’ve been creating “Instagram puzzles” or dividing a single image into multiple posts, this blog is for you!
How to Create Perfect Puzzles, Split Images, and Grid Posts that work with the new Instagram grid size
I will give you all the information you need to adapt your approach to ensure your designs still look great. Here’s everything you need to know to create beautiful and functional split images that work with Instagram’s new grid size.
Why You Need to Adapt Your Instagram Puzzles
Not all Instagram users have the new grid update yet, which means some viewers still see your profile in the traditional square format. This discrepancy requires careful planning to ensure your split images look good for everyone. Keep this in mind as you design your puzzles.
Tips for Designing Split Images for the New Instagram Grid
The Best and Easiest Puzzle or multi-post grid montage you can do right now, to make it work for both Instagram grid sizes if a 3-post Banner. I like to pin those to the top of my profile to let profile visitors see my most important message right away (in fact, you can bypass all the design challenges and get our Canva templates for these here).
For these 3-part Banners, you can leave margins on top and bottom to accommodate the square crops for people who don’t have the update or for those looking at your profile on a computer.
Here’s what you will do:
Create a project in Canva, Adobe or your favorite design tool with the size 3240 x 1350 pixels.
Create guides to separate each image at 1080, so you will have 3 x 1080x1350 contained in your image.
Create your safety margins so you can avoid adding content where they may be crops. That would be 33.75 pixels in each side, and 135 pixels on top and bottom — note that Canva doesn’t allow you to see fraction numbers in rulers, so you will have to approximate to 34 pixels if you’re using Canva.
If you want a continuous look, you can create a rectangular shapes like I did twice above that will not be affected if cropped between posts.
Keep your images and irregular elements contained in one single post. No more photos split in two posts for this.
In general, for any Instagram Static Grid Puzzle, Collage and Banner for the new Grid Only:
1. Do Not Split Your Photos, Logos or Design Elements Sideways Between Posts
The new grid preview size is 1012.5 x 1350 pixels (3:4 ratio), but Instagram still allows posts in a maximum ratio of 1080 x 1350 (4:5). Splitting photos between posts horizontally (left to right) is tricky because the edges will look cut off in the new grid preview. To avoid this, steer clear of horizontal splits.
2. Use Tall Images Split Into Top and Bottom Posts - but note if you do this, they will still be cropped for those who don’t have the new grid and Desktop views, so do it at your own risk
Feed posts are not cropped vertically for the new taller Instagram grid size. This means splitting a tall image into two posts (top and bottom) works seamlessly. For example, a single vertical photo divided into two posts will look continuous in the taller grid. But remember those images will still apprear cropped for the few people who do not have the grid update yet.
3. Add Margins Where Crops Occur
To make your split images work in the new grid, you can add 32.5-pixel vertical margins to each side of every post. While this requires manual calculations and precision, it ensures the images align correctly. However, apps for splitting images might not support this level of customization, and Canva doesn’t allow half-pixel adjustments, making this method complex but doable.
4. Stick to Solid backgrounds
Photos and gradient backgrounds will be cut off and not work for these puzzles. With one exception of posts that are 3 piece banners, in which you can use a gradient with one color on the top and another on the bottom.
Want to skip all the tips and get templates for your Instagram profile banners, ready to customize, post and pin to the top of your profile?
Grab our Tall Profile Pin Banners Canva Template Pack
with 13 designs to choose from and make beautiful banners in minutes to impress your Instagram profile visitors!
How to Create Split Images in Canva for the New Grid Size
Design Each Image Separately
Given the cropping challenges of the new grid preview, the best approach is to design each part of your split image as an individual post. Start by planning the overall look of your puzzle, then divide it into the required number of posts. Follow these steps:
Plan Your Design: Create a full image in Canva that represents the entire puzzle. Use the size 1080 x 1350 pixels for each post.
Decide on Puzzle Size:
3 Posts: 3240 x 1350 pixels
6 Posts (2 Rows): 3240 x 2700 pixels
9 Posts (3 Rows): 3240 x 4050 pixels
12 Posts (4 Rows): 3240 x 5400 pixels
Use Canva Grids: Divide your big image into equal sections with Canva grids.
Add Margins: Include 32.5-pixel vertical margins on each side of every post if you want perfect alignment.
Design Elements Carefully: Avoid splitting photos, logos, or icons between posts unless they are simple rectangular elements that can span multiple posts cleanly. Frames or straight lines can help tie your design together.
Skip the Full Image Step:
If you want to design each post individually from the start, here’s how:
Open Canva and select Instagram Post (4:5) (1080 x 1350 pixels).
Choose your puzzle size: 3, 6, 9, or 12 posts.
Design each part separately, ensuring all key elements stay within the visible area for both grid versions.
Promote Your Business to Profile Visitors with Profile Pin Banners
Pinned banners are a great way to highlight announcements, promotions, or branding. It’s the first thing your audience would pay attention to when they visit your Instagram profile. For pinned banners, a 3-post grid is the most effective. These banners stay at the top of your profile, ensuring consistent visibility. They are also the easiest ones to design to make them work in both the old square and new taller Instagram profile grids.
Simplify Your Content Design Process
Save time and effort by using my Canva templates for split images and profile banners. These templates are pre-sized for 3, 6, 9, and 12-post grids and are easy to customize for your brand. Whether you’re creating a puzzle or a static banner, these templates ensure your designs are perfectly aligned for the new Instagram grid size.
Optimize Your Instagram Strategy for 2025
Understanding how Instagram’s new grid size affects your profile is crucial for maintaining a professional and cohesive appearance. By following these tips, you can adapt your split images, puzzles, and static grids to ensure they look great for all users. With the right design approach and tools, you’ll stand out and keep your profile engaging.
💡 Want to master Instagram’s new grid format?
Join our Virtual Workshop: Creating Content for The New Instagram Grid to learn practical strategies and step-by-step tips to make your profile stand out! Reserve your spot today!
👩🏽💻 A quick Review of the Instagram Content Sizes You Should Know, especially if you create content in Canva, Adobe Express, Photoshop or any other design app.
Here are the current Instagram's current formats and ratios you need to know in 2025:
Square Posts & Old Grid Content:
Size: 1080 x 1080 px (1:1 ratio)
Ideal for users without the update who still see the classic square grid.
Current Feed Post Size:
Size: 1080 x 1350 px (4:5 ratio)
This is the recommended size for all feed posts and carousels.
Grid Preview on Updated Profiles (do not use to create content!):
Size: 1012.5 x 1350 px (3:4 ratio)
While the grid preview shows this ratio, Instagram does not allow direct uploads in this format.
Stories, Reels, Instagram Lives and Covers:
Size: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16 ratio)
Optimized for vertical content, ensuring full-screen visibility.
💡 Want to learn how to Adapt your content to the Instagram’s new grid format?
Join our Virtual Workshop: Creating Content for The New Instagram Grid to learn practical strategies and step-by-step tips to make your profile stand out! Reserve your spot today!
Want more Instagram tips? Follow @YourSocialTeam for the latest updates and insights tailored for creators and entrepreneurs.
Let me know if you'd like to add more keywords or modify the structure!
Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, an Instagram training business and content shop to help social media managers and Instagram savvy women entrepreneurs to beat the algorithm and grow their organic engagement (yes, even in 2021).
This year she also launched Your Template Club, a Canva Template subscription to provide social media managers and Instagram savvy business owners with content templates designed for engagement in their inbox.
In 2024 Manu also launched the first ever Reels Award Show, The Reelies Awards, created to recognize small entrepreneurs. Check it out and get involved.