Updated on February 8th, 2013 with the latest instructions!
On Facebook’s Timeline Fan Pages, tabs are now represented by images, much in the same style as the Photo Stream feature on the old fan pages. By default, these images will be displayed with the logo of the app you’re using to create that image. For example, if you’re using the Static FBML application to create a like-gated tab, you’ll see a star icon that probably doesn’t fit into your page’s branding.
Fortunately, you have complete control over the images that represent each tab, so you can customize them to fit your fan page’s design. *Note that at the time of this writing, for certain default Facebook applications such as Photos, Videos, and Notes, the tab image cannot be customized.
Here’s what the Static HTML application tab looks like by default:
Since you have control over the images that appear as your tab links, you can customize them however you’d like. This custom image should be 111 x 74 pixels.
For detailed instructions on how to fully-optimize your Facebook Page, download the eBook Stand Out on Facebook. But for now, here’s how to complete this one task:
First, click Edit Page > Update Info at the top of the screen.
Click Apps in the sidebar.
Scroll down the page until you see the application of the tab you’d like to change the image of. Then click Edit Settings.
First change the name of your tab. Make sure that the text fits within the text field here, otherwise the text will get cut off on your fan page homepage. Once you edit the name, click Save.
Then click Change next to Custom Tab Image.
On the next screen, click Change.
Click Choose File. Browse your hard drive and select your new tab image.
Your tab image will automatically upload.
Thanks for the easy to navigate tutorial … only problem is that on my page there is no ‘custom tab image’ or ‘custom tab name’ mentioned in the tab setting box under profile. Any ideas? Thanks
Hi Heather – it may be a limitation of the app which you’re displaying (e.g. the developers haven’t made the update yet, since Facebook’s update was only a few days ago). Which app is it that you’re trying to edit?
Hi, thanks for getting back. I was looking at a page like https://www.facebook.com/#!/littleadesigns where she has her own pictures for each tab. Hope I’m not missing the obvious!
That page is so cute! It’s probably because the tab you’re trying to customize hasn’t been updated by the developer to be in accordance with the new timeline facebook pages. Also, take a look at her first image, and notice that it’s not actually a customized image, but rather the first image in her photo album called “Wall Photos.” So all she has to do is make sure that the first picture in that album is the one she wants to appear on her tab. Does that make sense?
It’s one of my favourite pages
I get it about the image in the photo album. So are you saying that you can only add your own image to apps which aren’t in the standard list. What about standard apps like ‘notes’ and ‘video’?
Aha! Looks like Facebook is being silly, and you can’t customize their standard apps yet. I will update my blog post accordingly tonight, and also send them feedback. In the meantime, I’d recommend creating custom tabs via the Static HTML app for use in that top row of images. You can find out how here: http://bit.ly/flp7GV or by reading my eBook: http://bit.ly/pogXqz
Thanks
… glad you found the answer!
Is is possible to change the image used for the Photos app?
I know there are brands that have been able to change the tab picture for the Photos tab. I’d really like to know how it’s done too. Any Timeline smarties out there who can tell us how?
Hi there! Although you cannot change the app image, you can choose which image appears there by having the image be the most recently uploaded photo on your page. I’ll create this tutorial for my next blog post!
Here’s the article on how to change the tab picture for the Photos tab: http://ustandout.com/facebook/how-to-change-the-fan-page-tab-image-of-facebooks-photos-app
I’m really annoyed with Facebooks new rules for the timeline. My business name will be whynotmom.com which If I use in my cover photo would be against the rules. Here’s an example…
“Cover images must be at least 399 pixels wide and may not contain:
Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it at our website”
Contact information, such as web address, email, mailing address or other information intended for your Page’s About section
References to user interface elements, such as Like or Share, or any other Facebook site features
Calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends”…”
(cont) These rules are ridiculous in my opinion and will only stifle the small business owners such as myself. I guess I can use my logo without the “.com” on the end. I really like your site and what you’ve done with it. I’m a web design student myself and it’s nice to meet other fellow female “techies” out there!
Hi Tonia, I feel your pain! I still need to remove the URL and Twitter handle from the middle post-it note in my cover photo, as even that technically breaks the rules. I’m waiting for this weekend when I”ll have more time. I think it’d be great if you created a logo for “WhyNotMom” instead of including the .com; not many logos have the .com in them anyway.
Didn’t work for me. Only one tab (facebook) was available for custom image and every time I attempted to upload one, Facebook place some random image from somewhere. I finally gave up.
Hi Darrel,
That’s strange. It’s worked for me every time. Which application are you using for the tab you’re trying to customize? Let me know, and I can try installing it on one of my fan pages to see what’s up.
Hi Darrel,
I looked into this issue further, and appears that it is a Facebook bug, NOT a bug from an individual app. Please go to this page: https://developers.facebook.com/bugs/402558563103216?browse=search_4f5a6ded82ec40354285366 and comment, asking Facebook to prioritize this bug. Hopefully they’ll fix it soon, it’s been a bug for several days already.
Hi Diana, thanks for the great instructions! I just want to say that after clicking “Apps” in the sidebar, I needed to click “Edit Settings” instead of “Go to App”. Then it worked like a charm.
Great post thank you so much!!
When I try to change the photo of an app on a Fan Page, following your instructions, I get to the “Edit Static HTML” page and when I click on “Change Image” the screen flashes and reloads my own personal wall. Has been doing this for weeks – I’m unable to change any of my images. So frustrating.
Hi Maureen, that sounds like a Facebook bug; I know there was a bug related to this feature a couple months ago: http://ustandout.com/facebook/facebook-bug-shows-random-tab-image-timeline-fan-pages. You may want to file a bug on Facebook directly.
great thanks for this nice article
wow – I have been pulling my hair out trying to customize my biz FB tabs – I was thrilled to find your very easy step-by-step instructions w/excellent screen shots – BUT, then I read: *Note that at the time of this writing, for certain default Facebook applications such as Photos, Videos, and Notes, the tab image cannot be customized.”
So I’m still stuck – unless there has been an update?
No, there hasn’t been. I think it’s really strange that Facebook doesn’t allow this customization, but until they do, there’s not anything page admins can do about it. Here’s the workaround for customizing the “Photos” tab: http://ustandout.com/facebook/how-to-change-the-fan-page-tab-image-of-facebooks-photos-app
Tried doing this butI dont have the html app? Any ideas?
Try installing the Static HTML app on your Fan Page, it’s free to use.
work for me good, thanks.
Thanks for your efforts but the information on this page is no longer up to date. I don;t know why facebook have to keep changing things. It is so hard to find correct information.
The stupid thing is I can chage in image for apps that I have added but not standard apps like, photos, likes and events
THANKS!!!
Incredibly easy and painless to understand without wasting huge amounts of time I do not have!!
HI ! you gave very good post with example for “How to Change a Facebook Fan Page Tab Image on Timeline Pages”. it really helps to beginner also and if some one got confused than also it helps them. Thanks For Sharing Such a nice post.
Thank you so much. I’ve been messing with this thing for weeks! Your a life saver!
After Create Facebook App on my facebook account, i want to change image because that image was improper pixel and i do not know that how to change image of time line but your two blogs help me so much.
One is, How to Size your Facebook Profile Picture & Thumbnail.
Second is, How to Change a Facebook Fan Page Tab Image on Timeline Pages.
but anyway. thanks a lot.
Hi
When I go to the “Edit Settings” all i can see is add or remove tab. There’s nothing there about customising it. Any advice?
Thanks
Vanessa
Are you trying to edit one of Facebook’s default apps, such as Photos or Videos? You cannot customize these tabs. You can only customize the tabs from custom apps that you install on your Facebook page.