What image size works best for featured images in GeneratePress

byIncomeLegion

9.5K followers

4 weeks ago

Hey folks, I had to ask ChatGPT the following question, and it confirmed what I thought I already knew with the following answer.

MY Prompt for ChatGPT:

What image aspect ratio is right for featured images in a WordPress Blog using the GeneratePress Theme

The ANSWER Below:

. Run

• Most GeneratePress sites look best with a 16:9 featured image.
• Common sizes: 1200×675 or 1280×720. For higher quality on large screens, use 1600×900.
• Keep file size under ~200 KB if you can.

Why 16:9 works:

• It matches common blog layouts, cards, and social previews.
• It crops predictably across archives and single posts.
• It plays nicely with GeneratePress’s default featured image settings and many GP child sites.

Other good options (if your layout calls for it):

• 3:2 (e.g., 1200×800) gives a slightly taller look that can feel more editorial.
• 4:3 (e.g., 1200×900) if your blog grid/cards feel cramped with 16:9.
• Square is best avoided for featured images unless your design uses square cards.

Recommended setup in GeneratePress:

• In Customizer or Appearance > Customize > Layout > Blog, check how featured images display in archives and single posts. Keep the same ratio across both for consistency.
• Enable “Resize images” in your performance stack via an image optimizer, or set custom thumbnail sizes with a plugin like Regenerate Thumbnails after choosing your ratio.
• If you use GenerateBlocks hero sections, set the background image container ratio to match your featured image for consistent cropping.

Export-ready sizes to create:

• Standard: 1200×675 (16:9)
• Retina-friendly: 1600×900 (16:9)
• Social share fallback: 1200×630 (close to 16:9; works for Open Graph)

Optimization tips:

• Use WebP. Aim for 60–80% quality in your exporter.
• Serve responsive sizes (srcset). Most image plugins handle this.
• Keep consistent focal points; use WordPress’s crop tool if needed.

If you want, share your current blog layout (single post width, archive grid or list, and whether you use a hero), and I’ll recommend the exact ratio and pixel sizes for your setup.

Summary:

16:9 ratio in the new DSGNPop Image Studio is best for featured images if you are using GeneratePress. Run this prompt in ChatGPT if you are using a different theme, as this is not standard across all themes.