The best pin design depends on what you’re promoting. A recipe needs something different from a home makeover or a list of tips. Here are 15 design ideas that work, when to use each one, and the matching layout in PinMaker HQ.
1. The four-photo collage
Two photos on top, two below, and a bold title band across the middle. It’s the go-to design for roundup posts like “25 Fall Outfit Ideas”, because it shows variety at a glance.
Use it for: listicles, roundups, gift guides. Layout: Collage.
2. The mega collage
Six small photos around a title band. More photos signal “lots of ideas inside”, which suits big lists.
Use it for: “50 ideas” posts, mood boards, product lists. Layout: Mega collage.
3. Big title over one photo
One strong, full-height photo with big outlined text over the lower half. Simple and bold.
Use it for: single recipes, single projects, travel spots. Layout: Text overlay.
4. Title band on top
A solid color band across the top holds the title, and the photo fills the rest. People read the title first, then see the photo.
Use it for: how-to posts and guides. Layout: Top text.
5. Editorial bottom panel
A photo on top and a clean white panel below with the title. It feels calm and magazine-like.
Use it for: home decor, fashion, lifestyle. Layout: Bottom panel.
6. Polaroid frame
The photo sits inside a soft frame with the title below, like a printed photo.
Use it for: DIY, crafts, family and travel. Layout: Polaroid.
7. Before and after
Two photos stacked with “Before” and “After” labels. The contrast does the persuading.
Use it for: makeovers, cleaning, organizing, fitness progress. Layout: Before / after.
8. Side by side
Two photos next to each other above a title panel. Great for comparisons or a pair of looks.
Use it for: “this vs. that”, two outfits, two recipes. Layout: Side by side.
9. Hero plus details
One large photo on top and two smaller ones below the title. The big photo grabs attention; the small ones add detail.
Use it for: recipes (finished dish plus steps), room tours. Layout: Feature + 2.
10. Three tall strips
Three vertical photos side by side with the title underneath. It looks fresh in the feed because most pins don’t use it.
Use it for: outfits, three-step processes, three products. Layout: Three strips.
11. Split band
Two wide photos with a thin title band between them. Good when both photos matter equally.
Use it for: room before-and-after, two angles of one project. Layout: Split band.
12. Magazine cover
A full photo with a big left-aligned title at the top, over a soft dark fade. It feels like a cover.
Use it for: guides, interviews, travel stories. Layout: Magazine.
13. Left label
A solid block on the left side holds the title, with the photo behind it. Bold and easy to read.
Use it for: tips, product launches, eye-catching headlines. Layout: Left label.
14. Center card
A soft white card in the middle of the photo holds the title. It works even with busy photos.
Use it for: ultimate guides, travel, lifestyle. Layout: Center card.
15. Text-only quote or tip
No photo at all, just a bold title on a solid color. Perfect for quotes, tips and announcements.
Use it for: quotes, single tips, checklists, announcements. Layout: Text only.
Design rules that apply to every pin
- Use the 2:3 size. 1000 × 1500 pixels. See the best Pinterest pin size.
- Keep text short and large. Three or four lines at most.
- Highlight one keyword in an accent color.
- Stay on brand. Same fonts and colors, and your site name at the bottom.
- Make a few versions per post. Different layouts give the same post more reach. See how many pins to post per day.
Try these designs for free
All 15 designs are available in PinMaker HQ, a free Pinterest pin maker. Add your photos once and switch layouts with a tap to see which one suits your post best.