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How to Post Instagram Carousel Images in Full Size (4:5 Ratio)

Here’s how to make sure your posts upload correctly to not look cut off in the IG feed.

Written by Nola Gehring
Updated yesterday

If your Instagram posts look cut off in the feed, it’s usually because they were uploaded in a square format instead of Instagram’s full 4:5 size.

The 4:5 format (1080 x 1350) is the largest image size Instagram allows in the feed, and it helps your posts take up more screen space while people are scrolling. More space = more visibility and a better chance of stopping the scroll.


Step 1: Confirm your Canva design is the correct size

Open your design in Canva and check the dimensions. For full-size Instagram posts, the design should be:

1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio)

Most Coffee & Contracts carousel templates are already built in this format, so you typically won’t need to resize anything.

Once your design is ready:

  1. Click Download

  2. Select the slides you want to post

  3. Save them to your device

You can either download them to your computer and Airdrop to your phone, or download them directly from the Canva mobile app.


Step 2: Download the images to your phone

If you're using Canva on your phone:

  1. Open your design in the Canva app

  2. Select the slides you want to post

  3. Tap Download

  4. Save the images to your phone

Once the images are saved to your camera roll, you’re ready to post.


Step 3: Upload the post in full size on Instagram

When creating your post in Instagram:

  1. Tap Create Post (+)

  2. Select the images you want for your carousel

  3. Look for the two-arrow expand icon in the bottom corner of the preview

This toggle lets you switch between square view and full-size view.

Tap the icon to zoom out to the full 4:5 image before posting.

Then continue as usual:

  • Arrange your slides

  • Add music (optional)

  • Write your caption

  • Post


Important note if you use a scheduler

If you schedule your posts using a third-party scheduling tool, check the settings. Some schedulers default to square formatting, which can cause your images to appear cropped.

Make sure the tool allows you to publish posts in full size (4:5) so your graphics display correctly in the feed.

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