Need a PFP that already fits? Describe one in the box above and download it as a 512 × 512 PNG. If you already have an image, here's what size and format Discord expects and how to make it look right in the circle.
The short answer
| Recommendation | |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square, 1:1 |
| Size | 512 × 512 px |
| Formats | PNG or JPG (GIF needs Nitro) |
| Safe area | Keep the subject in the center circle |
Discord's help center doesn't list a required pixel size for avatars. What it does say: PNG and JPG are supported, Nitro users can also upload a GIF, and after uploading you can crop, center and rotate the image. Because you can crop in the app, any square image works. 512 × 512 is a good default: it stays sharp on high-resolution screens and keeps the file small.
Why square, and why the center matters
Discord shows every avatar inside a circle. Your image is square, so the four corners never show. Anything important there, like text, a logo edge or the top of a hat, gets cut off.
The avatar also shows up much smaller than you upload it: big on your profile, smaller in the member list, and tiny next to each message. Two rules follow from that:
- Keep the subject centered with a little space around it.
- Keep it simple. One face or character on a plain background reads better at small size than a detailed scene.
The generator above does both on purpose. It frames a head-and-shoulders portrait, keeps space around the head so it fits the circle, and uses a plain background. The result page shows a circle preview so you can check before downloading.
Static vs animated avatars
- PNG / JPG: Anyone can upload these.
- GIF: Animated avatars are part of Discord Nitro's profile customization. Without Nitro, you can't use a GIF as your avatar.
Our generator makes still PNG images, so they work for every account.
Server avatars and server icons
Two different things are easy to mix up:
- Per-server avatar — your own picture in one specific server. This is a Nitro perk (per-server profiles). Use the same square format as your main avatar.
- Server icon — the picture for the server itself, set by the server owner or an admin in Server Settings. It also shows as a circle, so the same "square, centered subject" rules apply.
How to change your Discord PFP
- Download the PNG 512 × 512 from the result page.
- In Discord, open User Settings → Profiles.
- Choose Change Avatar and upload the image.
- Crop or center it if you want, then Save Changes.
Discord keeps your six most recent avatar uploads, so you can switch back to an older PFP later from the desktop or browser app.
The three downloads on this site
| Download | Size | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| PNG 512 × 512 | 512 px square | Your Discord avatar |
| PNG 128 × 128 | 128 px square | Small previews, other apps |
| Circle PNG 512 | 512 px, round, transparent | Banners, thumbnails, graphics |
Looking for a style first? Try the aesthetic Discord PFP ideas, browse the gallery, or head back to the Discord PFP maker.