Everything You Need to Know about Google Forms Header Image Size

Google Forms header images are banners that appear at the top of a Google form. It’s something every respondent notices when opening a form. Therefore, making the image appealing and relatable is somewhat necessary. 

With this blog, we intend to help you understand everything related to the header image in Google Forms. 

TL;DR

• The ideal size for a header image in Google Forms is 1600px by 400px at an aspect ratio of 4:11.
• Google Forms provides some in-built header images to select from for different use cases.
• You can upload an image of your liking, but make sure the image falls under the same size.
• The customization options in Google Forms are very limited.
• Banner blindness can happen, given the image is shown at the very top.
• A welcome page can be more effective than adding a header image.

Here are some jump links you can use to skip to your desired part. 

• How to add an image header in Google Forms?
• How to resize images for header?
• Drawbacks of using a header image

Let’s start by understanding the ideal size for the image. 

What Is the Ideal Size of the Google Forms Header?

The ideal size of the Google Forms header image is 1600px by 400px at an aspect ratio of 4:1. 

We have gone through several suggestions from the Google support forum and found the most recommended one to be this. People have tried using high-quality JPG images with sizes - 800px by 200px - but the images get pixelated upon adding. 

How to Add/Upload an Header Image in Google Forms?

To help you get a clear idea of how to add or upload an image header in Google Forms, let’s consider an example. 

Let’s create an RSVP form with Google Forms, and see how you can add and upload header images into it. 

Step 1 - Choose the Template

Go to Google Forms templates and select RSVP from the personal section. 

Step 2 - Adding/Replacing the Image

Upon selection you can see that there will be an existing header image. Suppose you don’t like it and want to change it. If that’s the case, click on the Themes - as shown in the screenshot. 

When you click on the Themes, another section will appear as shown below. In the newly opened section, you will find the element you are searching for. 

PS: Just below the Header Image button, there will be an option for you to optimize the color of the forms. Use it if necessary.

Once you click on the - Image uploaded - a popup will appear (as shown below). Google Forms offers some in-built images, which you can make use of. 

Browse through them and select something more relevant and appropriate to your forms. 

If you didn’t find any images for you to use, then move on to the next step.

Step 3 - Upload From Your System

Corresponding to in-built themes in Google Forms are two options - Upload and Photos. 

• Upload means you can choose one from your system and add it to the form.
• Photos refers to those images that you have saved in your google account. If you have any you choose them. 

And that’s it. 

You have successfully added your header image to your Google Forms. 

Related Read: How to make a file upload question in Google Forms.

How to Resize an Image for the Google Forms Header Image?

Now, this is a kicker when you are uploading one from your side. Since you are here, it’s possible that you weren't aware of the exact image size proportion (but you are now 😃). So, now you want to resize the image you have with you to fit in the form. 

Well, we have got you!

One way to go about it is by cropping the image you upload. 

As you can see you can crop out a section of the image you upload and fix it to be the header image. It might not be enough. If it is, then go for this. 

Unfortunately, this is the extent of customization Google Forms offer, and there isn’t much you can do. 

However, if you want the header image to be something unique, then we suggest designing one with the image size we discussed - 1600px by 400px.

Drawbacks of Header Image and an Effective Alternative

Now, you might be wondering if it is really worth the work. After all, it’s small and at the very top. Survey recipients might not even notice, right? 

Well, to be frank, the helpfulness of a relatable and visually appealing header image is very limited. On top of that, there are some drawbacks to it as well. 

• The header image (being so small) is too small to have any effect on respondent satisfaction.
• With the header image placed at the very top, it’s possible for the respondents to completely ignore it.
• It can’t really offer any base for brand style or personality.

So, what’s the alternative? A welcome page!

To give you an idea, here's a survey created with SurveySparrow... 

The above-given survey shows how appealing and engaging a welcome page can be. 

Moreover, the page will appear before the survey begins, offering an introduction about the survey to the respondents. With the right set of design, messaging, and other elements, the page can make an everlasting impression on your respondents. 

Here are some benefits of having a welcome page in surveys 

1. A positive impression on your target customers (survey respondents).
2. A good place to showcase your brand’s style and personality.
3. It's more likely to be noticed than the header image.
4. More opportunities to customize the image.
5. It can improve engagement and increase the response rate

So, if you ask us, we would suggest having a welcome page over a mere header image. Another thing to notice here is that the design options are either missing or very limited in Google Forms. It’s reasons like these reasons, more and more users are in the look for Google Forms alternatives.

Hope this was really helpful for you. 

If you like the template we presented earlier and want to use it, feel free to do so. SurveySparrow offers 1000+ such templates, which can be customized to your needs. Furthermore, they are completely free upon signing up.