How to Create SEAMLESS 3-Post Instagram Banners with NEW 2025 Grid IN PHOTOSHOP in a Few Easy Steps
Creating a cohesive and visually striking Instagram feed has never been easier. With this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to design a seamless 3-post banner grid that makes your profile look professional and on-brand. Whether you’re a designer, influencer, or business owner, this tutorial will help you stand out in the ever-evolving world of Instagram.
The Instagram Format Shift: From Square to 3:4 and Its Impact on Seamless Grid Banners
Instagram's recent transition from the traditional square format to a 3:4 layout has created unexpected challenges for those wanting to create their own seamless grid banners. The square format made it easier to plan and execute flawless grids, but the new ratio often results in misaligned posts and unwanted gaps that break your feed’s cohesion.
I’ve found a solution that might just have cracked the code!
For those who prefer to jump straight into the solution without rebuilding everything from scratch (I wouldn’t blame you—I've been there too!), here’s a downloadable asset designed to simplify your workflow:
Pre-Set Banner Size: The asset includes the correct banner dimensions you need to work on.
Corrected 4:5 Frames: Enjoy Artboards that are already set up and corrected for the new 3:4 format.
DIY PDF Guide: If you prefer to understand the process and build it yourself, a rough, yet comprehensive PDF is provided.
Bonus: Within these Artboards, your banner design is dynamically linked. Simply save your banner, and it will automatically sync with the Artboards—keeping your seamless grid perfectly aligned, no matter what.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Canvas
Open Photoshop and create a new file with the dimensions 3106 x 1350 px.
Design your layout while keeping at least a 100 px margin on the left and right sides of the canvas.
Save your work as a PSD file to allow future edits.
Why 3106 x 1350 px?
This resolution divides perfectly into three Instagram posts, ensuring that your design maintains the correct aspect ratio and avoids unwanted cropping when viewed on your Instagram Grid
Step 2: Creating Artboards
Start a new file with Artboards enabled.
Set the dimensions to 1080 x 1350 px (the standard 4:5 Instagram post size).
Duplicate the artboard three times and snap them next to each other.
Enable snapping by going to View > Snap in Photoshop.
Why use Artboards?
Artboards let you break your large canvas into smaller pieces that can be exported individually, ensuring everything stays perfectly aligned.
Step 3: Adding Gridlines
Add gridlines along every vertical edge, ensuring they are exactly 67 px apart.
Why 67 px gridlines?
This precise spacing guarantees proper distribution of design elements across each post, eliminating misalignments and awkward gaps.
Step 4: Placing Your Design
Drop your original design onto each of the three Artboards.
Left Align and Horizontal Center Align the Design in the First Artboard
Select all the Designs in each artboard and Left align those to the First Design (Photoshop automatically know which design is the most left and will align to that)
Ensure the white space is on the right side of the third frame.
Verify the setup: If you have 135 px of white space, your layout is correctly set up!
Why does the white space matter?
This adjustment compensates for the shift Instagram applies when displaying posts in grid view, ensuring your design appears seamless on your profile.
Step 5: Adjusting Each Frame
Frame 1: Keep it left-aligned.
Frame 2: Move it 67 px to the right.
Frame 3: Right-align it to compensate for the extra 67 px and ensure a smooth transition between images.
Why shift the frames?
These adjustments counteract the spacing inconsistencies caused by Instagram’s 3-column layout, maintaining a seamless appearance across your posts.
Step 6: Exporting the Artboards
Go to:
File > Export > Export As.Choose: JPG or PNG format.
Save each Artboard as a separate file.
Transfer the files to your phone or upload them via Instagram Web or Meta Business Suite.
Why export as separate files?
To execute the Seamless effect each file needs to be separate, exporting each Artboard individually ensures that your posts are uploaded in the correct order and maintain perfect alignment.
Step 7: Uploading to Instagram
Upload the files in reverse order (3 → 2 → 1).
Once posted, your feed will display a seamless 3:4 grid effect!
Why post in reverse order?
Instagram arranges posts from left to right. Uploading them in reverse ensures that the leftmost image appears first, keeping your overall design intact.
Final Tips
Reuse the template: Once created, you can use this template for all your future projects.
Share the guide: Help fellow designers and content creators achieve the same polished look.
Stay creative: Don’t keep valuable information to yourself—spread the knowledge - I’ve unfortunately been seeing people charge for information that should be free to everyone as it affects everyone.
Now you're fully equipped to enhance your Instagram profile with a smooth, professional-looking 3-post banner grid that adapts to the new 3:4 format. Happy designing!