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Create a LinkedIn carousel as a PDF: structure, format and mistakes to avoid

A LinkedIn carousel is a PDF document you swipe through: each page is a slide. Well built, it turns one idea into guided reading.

· 2 min read

What a LinkedIn carousel is

It is a PDF file added to a post as a document. LinkedIn shows it page by page, and the reader swipes through. The post's own text acts as the hook: it should make people want to open the document.

Which format to choose

  • Portrait 1080 × 1350: takes more room on a mobile screen.
  • Square 1080 × 1080: versatile, readable everywhere.

Pick one format and keep it across every slide.

The structure, slide by slide

  1. Slide 1: the promise. A clear title that says what the reader will learn or get.
  2. Slides 2 to n-1: one idea per slide. One short sentence, possibly a figure or an example.
  3. Last slide: the conclusion and call to action. A question, a takeaway, or an invitation to comment or save the post.

In practice, 5 to 10 slides are often enough: there is no official ideal number. A short, sharp carousel beats a long, diluted one.

Readability: the rules that matter

  • Few words per slide. If you have to squint on mobile, the text is too small or too long.
  • Strong contrast between text and background.
  • A consistent identity: same colours, same logo, same typography from start to finish.
  • Margins, so nothing is cut off when displayed.

Common mistakes

  1. A vague first slide that gives no reason to continue.
  2. Too much text per slide.
  3. A style that changes from slide to slide.
  4. No closing slide: the reader does not know what to do next.
  5. Post text that repeats the first slide instead of making people want to open it.

Create the PDF with LinkedIn Format Pro

  1. Paste your text into the carousel maker.
  2. Pick a template and a format (portrait or square).
  3. Customise with your logo, colours or a background image (optional).
  4. Download the PDF.
  5. On LinkedIn, create a post and add the PDF as a document.

The maker is free, needs no account, and your text stays in your browser.

Create a carousel

The figures on “See more” are observed values, not published by LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a trademark of LinkedIn Corporation; LinkedIn Format Pro is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by LinkedIn.

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