Changing the header on Google Sites allows you to customize the visual appeal and branding of your website, making it uniquely yours. You can easily modify the header image, adjust its type, and customize the title or logo directly from the Google Sites editor.
Steps to Change Your Header Image
Your header image is a prominent feature that sets the tone for your site. Follow these simple steps to update it:
- Open Your Site: On a computer, navigate to and open your site in new Google Sites.
- Locate Header: Point your mouse cursor over the existing header section.
- Initiate Change: Click the "Change image" option that appears.
- Choose Image Source:
- Click Upload to select an image from your computer files.
- Click Select image to choose from a gallery, by URL, from your Google Photos, or Google Drive.
- Select & Confirm: Upload or choose your desired image and click Open or Select.
- Publish Changes: To make your new header live for visitors, at the top right, click Publish. This action updates your site with the new image.
Pro Tip: For optimal display, choose high-resolution images that are relevant to your site's content.
Understanding Header Types
Google Sites offers various header types, each providing a different visual impact. You can change the header type to best suit your design needs:
- Cover: A large, full-width header ideal for showcasing a striking image and making a strong first impression.
- Large Banner: A prominent banner that extends across the top, perfect for a strong visual without overwhelming the page.
- Banner: A standard, concise banner suitable for most pages, offering a good balance of imagery and space for the title.
- Title Only: Removes any background image, leaving just the site title and navigation, ideal for a minimalist design.
To change the header type, simply click on the header section in the editor and look for the "Header type" option, usually represented by a small arrow or dropdown menu, then select your preferred style.
Customizing Header Text and Logo
Beyond the background image and type, you can also modify the text and add a logo to your header for enhanced branding.
Editing the Site Title
The site title is typically displayed prominently in the header. To change it:
- Click the Title: In the header section, click on the existing site title text.
- Edit Text: Type in your new site title.
- Adjust Formatting: Use the formatting options (bold, italics, font size, alignment) that appear above the title to style it.
Adding a Logo
A logo can significantly boost your site's professional appearance and brand recognition.
- Access Site Settings: In the top right corner of the Google Sites editor, click the gear icon (Settings).
- Go to Brand Images: Select "Brand images" from the settings menu.
- Upload Logo: Under "Logo," click "Upload" to select your logo file from your computer.
- Add Favicon (Optional): You can also upload a favicon here, which is the small icon that appears in browser tabs.
- Close Settings: Close the settings menu. Your logo should now appear in the header.
Table: Header Type Comparison
| Header Type | Description | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Cover | Full-width, large image area; title is overlaid. | Landing pages, portfolios, strong visual impact. |
| Large Banner | Prominent image banner; title is typically within or above. | Key pages, announcing major news, event websites. |
| Banner | Standard-sized image banner; title is clearly visible. | General pages, blog posts, information sites. |
| Title Only | No background image; only site title and navigation are visible. | Minimalist designs, internal documentation, clean aesthetic. |
Tips for an Effective Header
- Relevance: Ensure your header image and text accurately reflect your site's purpose and content.
- Clarity: Keep your site title concise and easy to read.
- Branding: Incorporate your brand's colors and logo consistently.
- Responsiveness: Google Sites headers are generally responsive, but always preview your site on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) to ensure it looks good everywhere. You can do this by clicking the "Preview" icon (monitor and phone) at the top of the editor.
- Accessibility: Choose image backgrounds that provide sufficient contrast with your text to ensure readability for all users.
Remember to always publish your site after making any changes to ensure they are visible to your audience. For more detailed assistance, refer to the official Google Sites Help documentation.
