What this tool does
This tool cuts one image into equal tiles for a profile grid puzzle or a swipe carousel. It also works as a grid maker: pick a layout such as 3x3 or 3x1, choose a tile shape, and download numbered tiles in a ZIP. Everything runs in your browser, so your image is never uploaded. See the privacy policy.
Need a plain split for something other than Instagram? Use the free image splitter.
Profile grid or carousel?
A profile grid, sometimes called a puzzle feed, posts each tile as a separate post. The full picture only appears on your profile page, and only when the tiles line up with your existing posts. It suits a launch or rebrand where the profile itself is the showcase.
A carousel puts all the tiles in one post. People see one tile at a time and swipe across the image, so it works in the feed and is easy to remove later. For most panoramas, a 3x1 or 4x1 carousel in the Portrait 4:5 shape is the simpler choice.
When to use it
- Turning a wide photo into a carousel that pans as people swipe.
- Making a 3x3 or 3x2 puzzle that forms one picture on your profile.
- Announcing a launch or event with one large image across several posts.
- Showing a panorama or artwork in more detail than a single post allows.
How to use the Instagram photo splitter
- Upload a JPG, PNG or WebP image, or drop it onto the upload area.
- Choose a layout, such as 3x3 for a profile grid or 3x1 for a carousel.
- Choose a tile shape: Square 1:1, Portrait 4:5, Profile grid 3:4 or Keep original.
- Choose Profile grid (puzzle) or Carousel (swipe) so the tiles are numbered in the right order.
- Download all tiles as a ZIP, or save single tiles.
- Post the tiles in numbered order, starting with 01.
Image sizes for Instagram grids
| Tile shape | Tile size |
|---|---|
| Square 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 px |
| Portrait 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 px |
| Profile grid 3:4 | 1080 x 1440 px |
For a 3-column grid at full quality, use a source image at least 3240 px wide (3 x 1080). Smaller images still work, but the tiles will be less sharp.
These are the shapes Instagram currently supports, as far as we know. Instagram can change supported shapes, so check the app. If you only need one image at the right size, you can resize images for Instagram instead.
Tips for grid and carousel posts
- Keep faces and text away from the lines between tiles, where the image is cut.
- Use a high-resolution source. Each tile is a fraction of the original, so a small image gives soft tiles.
- For a profile grid, post tile 01 first and finish with the highest number, so the picture assembles in the right place.
- For a carousel, add all the tiles to one post in numbered order.
- Plan around your existing feed and preview the set in the Instagram feed planner before you post.
- Test the result in a private or test account first if you can.
- Each post still needs a caption. Check its length with the Instagram character counter, and add spacing with the Instagram line break generator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I split a photo for an Instagram grid?
Upload the photo, choose a 3-column layout such as 3x3, pick a tile shape and choose Profile grid mode. Then download the numbered tiles and post them in order, starting with 01.
What order do I post the tiles?
In Profile grid mode, post tile 01 first. It is the bottom-right piece, because Instagram shows your newest post first. In Carousel mode, add the tiles to one post from 01 upwards.
How do I make a seamless carousel?
Choose a one-row layout such as 3x1, keep the Portrait 4:5 or Square shape, and pick Carousel mode. Add all the tiles to a single post in numbered order, and the image continues as people swipe.
What size should each tile be?
Currently 1080 x 1080 px for square tiles, 1080 x 1350 px for 4:5 and 1080 x 1440 px for 3:4. Choose Instagram size to export tiles 1080 px wide when your image is large enough.
Why is my grid offset or cropped on my profile?
As far as we know, Instagram's profile grid now previews posts as taller 3:4 rectangles, which crops square tiles, so try the Profile grid 3:4 shape. The puzzle also shifts if your number of existing posts is not a multiple of 3 when you start, and pinned posts can move it too.
Does splitting reduce quality?
Cropping does not lower quality, but each tile has fewer pixels than the whole image. If tiles would be under 1080 px wide, the tool shows a hint and keeps the source size rather than stretching them. Instagram size scales larger tiles down to 1080 px wide.
Are my photos uploaded or stored?
No. This Instagram photo splitter runs in your browser, so your image is never uploaded or stored on a server.
Is it free and is there a watermark?
Yes, it is free. There is no watermark on the tiles and you do not need to sign up.