Introduction
Let’s face it—your LinkedIn profile picture is often one of the first things people notice. It is your first impression, and we all know how much that matters in the professional world. However, the problem is that not everyone has time, budget, or access to professional photography. That’s where AI-powered apps come in.
I’ve tried many apps to create a Professional LinkedIn profile picture. In this post, I’ve narrowed them down to my three favorite options. I will introduce you to how they function, for whom, and a step-by-step on my top pick.
If you have been meaning to change your profile picture, here’s the guide you’ve been waiting for.
Why I Turned to AI-Generated Images
Like many others, I needed a LinkedIn photo that looked professional but could not afford a photographer or dedicate hours to learning Photoshop. So, I checked out AI tools. AI tools are very inexpensive, practical, and above all, effective.
Nonetheless, these tools aren’t created equal. A quick touch then very advanced. Three apps I tried with my observations are given below.
3 Apps You Can Use for LinkedIn Photos
1. Canva
Why I Love It: I have used Canva for everything from social media posts to resumes. This one did not fail me, even with LinkedIn photos. The interface was super intuitive and had advanced tools like background removal and filters.
Key Features:
- Background remover (Pro feature).
- AI-powered photo touch-up.
- Quite a few templates for LinkedIn banners and posts.
Price: Free with optional Pro features starting at $12.99/month.
Best For: Anyone who wants an all-in-one design tool, not just for profile pictures but for branding as well.
You can explore it here: https://www.canva.com/
Tutorial: How I Used Canva for My Profile Picture
Here’s exactly how I used Canva to create my profile picture:
1. Open Canva:

I went to Canva.com and typed “Profile Picture Maker” into the search bar.
2. Upload Your Photo:

I uploaded a photo of myself and dragged it onto the canvas.
3. Remove the Background:

Using the Pro feature, I clicked “Background Remover.” It only took seconds to clean up the image.
4. Enhance the Photo:

I adjusted the brightness and contrast and applied a subtle filter to make it pop.
5. Download:

I saved the final image as a high-resolution PNG and uploaded it directly to LinkedIn.
2. Fotor
Why I Love it: Fotor is ideal for anyone who wants to have a no-brainer approach. It comes with preset filters and one-click tools, which makes editing extremely easy.
Key Features:
- AI retouching that will make your skin look smooth and lit.
- Pre-designed LinkedIn templates.
Price: Free with premium features starting at $8.99/month.
Best For: People who want professional results but at the same time without too much effort.
My Experience: I tried some older photos in Fotor, and the AI enhancements are pretty impressive. Can be not as customizable as Canva so it might not be a good fit for everyone
You can explore it here: https://www.fotor.com/
3. Remini
Why I Love It: Remini specializes in restoring and enhancing low-quality images. If you ever had a picture that was just too blurry or pixelated, this is the app for you.
Key Features:
- AI upscaling to enhance image quality.
- Sharpening tools that make facial features pop.
Price: Free for basic tools; Pro version costs $4.99/week.
Best For: Used for Reviving old or low-resolution photos.
My Experience: I put Remini to the test on an older headshot, and it worked like magic. Clarity and detail that I was actually surprised by were added.
You can explore it here: https://remini.ai/
My Recommendation
Of the three for creating a Professional LinkedIn profile picture, I love Canva the most because it is versatile. It’s not just about photo editing; it’s a full design tool that can help you create LinkedIn banners, presentations, and more.
That being said, if you are working with low-quality photos, Remini might be a better fit. And if you want a fast, automated process, Fotor is worth a try.
Tips for LinkedIn-Worthy Photos
- Professional Attire: You can wear neutral colors with minimal patterns.
- Proper Lighting: Preferably done with natural lighting, but not with direct sunlight.
- Authenticity: AI is perfect for enhancement. Your photo should still look like you.
You can also check our blog on Building Custom AI Models for Fashion Marketing with Pic Copilot and Similar Apps
Conclusion
It does not have to be expensive or difficult to update the Professional LinkedIn profile picture. There are applications such as Canva, Fotor, and Remini to make it within a few minutes, professional looking.
Let me know about your experience with any of these applications. Have you tried any? Which is your favorite? Do let me know in the comments!
FAQ’s
Yes! As long as the photo accurately represents you, it’s perfectly acceptable to use an AI-enhanced image. Just avoid over-editing to the point where you look unrecognizable.
Not necessarily. Canva’s free version has plenty of features to create a professional photo. However, the Pro version unlocks tools like the background remover, which can make a big difference.
Absolutely. Apps like Canva, Fotor, and Remini aren’t just for profile pictures—they can help with LinkedIn banners, social media posts, resumes, and more.
Avoid overly casual photos (like selfies with friends or pets), busy backgrounds, and excessive filters that look unnatural. Aim for a clean, professional image.
Fotor is the easiest to use for beginners since it offers one-click enhancements. Canva is also beginner-friendly but offers more customization if you’re willing to explore its features.