Twitter thread graphics: images that keep X readers going

The best twitter thread graphics come as a planned set: one hook image that makes people open the thread, numbered cards that mark each key point, and a closing card that tells readers what to do next. Make them all from one design so the thread looks like a single piece of work. On X, use 1600×900 for landscape or 1080×1350 for portrait, which takes more height in the timeline.

Image sizes for X threads

X shows single images in the timeline at their own shape within limits, so choose the shape on purpose. Portrait wins attention on the first post because it fills more of the screen as people scroll. Landscape suits diagrams, charts and screenshots that are naturally wide. For the full list of formats see twitter image size.

Pick one shape for the numbered cards and keep it. A thread that jumps between portrait and landscape looks assembled from leftovers. Attach one card per post: when a single post carries several images, X arranges them in a grid and crops each one. The hook can differ from the cards if it needs to, as long as it shares their background and type.

The hook image: making the first post open

The first post carries the whole thread. Its image should say the promise in as few words as possible, larger than anything else you will post that day. Think of it as a cover: the title of the thread, a hint of how much is inside, and nothing more.

Numbers in hooks work because they set expectations: seven means the reader can see the end. Only use one if the thread really contains that many points, and keep each card's number in the same place so the count reads at a glance as people scroll. Visual hierarchy explains why the number should be the largest thing on the card.

Numbered cards that carry the thread

The cards are signposts, not the article. Put the point on the card and the explanation in the post text. That split keeps cards readable at phone size and gives the post text a job, which also helps people who skim the timeline without opening images.

Not every post needs an image. Images on the hook, the turning points and the closing post are usually enough, and a thread where every post has a card can feel heavy. Let the strongest points carry a card and leave the connective posts as text.

One style for the whole thread

Consistency is what makes a thread look like a finished piece rather than a string of posts. Choose one background, one font and one position for the number, and repeat them exactly. A colour palette with a single accent for the numbers is enough.

X lets you add a description to each image. Write what the card says, word for word, plus anything the picture shows that the words do not. It takes a minute per thread and makes it readable for everyone.

How to make a set of thread cards quickly

1. 1

   Write the thread first

   Draft every post as text, then mark which ones deserve a card. Usually it is the hook, the main points and the last post.

2. 2

   Design the hook and one numbered card

   These two set the system: background, font, number position, margins.

3. 3

   Duplicate for every point

   Copy the numbered card and change only the number and the line. Do not adjust anything else.

4. 4

   Make the closing card

   Same frame, with a recap of the points or a single next step such as Follow for part two.

5. 5

   Export together, attach in order

   Name the files 01, 02, 03 so they upload in sequence, and add each description as you attach.

In Gradiently a thread is one design with a page per card, so every card shares the Mark, the fonts and the layout, and the words stay readable on the background without boxes or shadows. If the points already live in a spreadsheet, bulk create in Pro can make every numbered card from it in one pass. The same pages also make an Instagram carousel or a LinkedIn carousel when you want to post the thread elsewhere.