When you open an Instagram profile, a photo split into connected pieces immediately shows your brand's visual language. We call this a grid or split-photo layout. In this article we answer the question how to make an Instagram grid: what it is for, the right dimensions, the step-by-step splitting and ordering method, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is a grid and why is it used?
A grid means splitting one large image into pieces that sit side by side in the Instagram profile feed. In the usual three-column profile layout, each square shows one part, and as you scroll the whole visual comes together as one piece.
You can use this technique in these situations:
- Product promotion: You can show a wide product photo panoramically on your profile.
- Campaign and seasonal announcements: A single banner design leaves a striking impression on your profile.
- Brand consistency: A series of visuals with matching colors and patterns makes your profile look orderly and professional.
Correct image dimensions and number of pieces
The most common approach for a grid is to split the photo into three pieces, because three columns are visible on the profile screen. When you divide an image into three, each piece displays neatly as a profile square.
Points to pay attention to:
- Prepare your source image at a ratio that can be split horizontally into three equal parts. For example, choose a size whose width is a multiple of 3.
- Aim for each square to be square (1:1), so the pieces appear on the profile without being cropped.
- Make sure the image resolution is sufficient. One blurry piece weakens the whole grid.
To check your image dimensions in more detail, you can look at our 2026 Instagram image sizes guide.
Step-by-step splitting and ordering
The following steps ensure you publish the photo in the correct order:
- Prepare the image: Save your design at a three-column ratio, with the edges cleanly cropped.
- Split it: Divide the image horizontally into three equal parts. You can do this with an image editor or a free tool. For an easy start, you can use the Instagram Grid Maker tool.
- Name the pieces: Add numbers such as 1, 2, 3 to the file names. This prevents confusion during publishing.
- Publish in reverse order: Instagram adds new posts to the top of the profile. So to start the grid from the top left, you must publish the last piece, image 3, first, and image 1 last.
- Check: Once the posts are done, review your profile and make sure the order is correct.
Tip: When publishing, if you add a short title and the same hashtags to each piece's caption, your profile layout will look more consistent.
Publishing several pieces one by one can take time. At this stage a planning tool makes your work easier: with Plexorin you can schedule your pieces in sequence on a calendar for automatic publishing, and track the publishing order from a single screen.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Result | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing the image at the wrong ratio | Pieces look cut off or have gaps | Choose a ratio whose width is divisible by three |
| Publishing pieces in the wrong order | The image looks reversed | Share starting from the last piece in reverse order |
| Using low resolution | Pieces come out blurry | Use a high-resolution source |
| Not publishing the pieces back to back | Other posts get between them on the profile | Schedule the pieces consecutively |
Finally, once the grid technique is set up, it can strongly change the look of your profile. During campaign periods or on special days, for example on meaningful dates such as November 10 or November 24 Teachers' Day, you can bring your brand's mood to your profile with a single large visual.