How to Design a Hero Image | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

A hero image is a large, eye-catching image at the top of a website or landing page, designed to make a strong first impression. It sets the tone for your site, highlights your main message, and can even guide visitors toward taking action.

In this article, we’ll explore what a hero image is, showcase some of the best hero image examples, and walk you through a step-by-step guide to easily creating your own using QuillBot’s free AI image generator.

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What is a hero image?

A hero image is the large visual element that appears at the top of your website or landing page, usually the first thing visitors see when they arrive. It earns its “hero” title because it does the heavy lifting of communicating your message, reflecting your brand identity, and making that crucial first impression within seconds.

A hero image is typically positioned above the fold (the part of the webpage visible without scrolling), ensuring visitors notice it immediately. Here’s a diagram showing the placement of a hero image on a webpage:

Hero image placement diagram

While we call it a hero “image,” it can actually take several forms:

• Full-screen photos: High-quality images that represent your brand or product.
• Illustrations: Custom artwork, icons, or other visuals that reflect your style.
• Banners: Graphics that often include text overlays, patterns, or calls to action.
• Slideshow or carousel: Multiple images that rotate to showcase different messages
• Videos: Short, looping clips that engage visitors instantly.

The key purpose remains the same regardless of format: to convey your message quickly, guide visitors to important content or calls to action, and encourage them to stay and explore further.

Best hero image examples

Here are some of the best hero image examples for inspiration, showing how top brands use visuals to capture attention and guide visitors.

1. WordPress

WordPress features a static image highlighting product features. The tagline “WordPress, done right” dominates the view, while the smaller explanatory text directs users toward the call-to-action button just below (“Get started”). Simple yet powerful, it conveys what WordPress offers: easy enough for beginners, yet robust enough for experts.

2. Bang & Olufsen

High-end Danish luxury consumer electronics company Bang & Olufsen takes a different approach, featuring a short looping video that emphasizes the aesthetic as well as the emotional and experiential aspects of the product: minimalism, soft natural light, and the joy of listening to music. Interestingly, the video is silent but still effective.

3. Amazon

Visitors to Amazon are greeted by a carousel showcasing the latest offers and seasonal deals. Arrow buttons provide a clear way to navigate to the next image and explore more details. It’s a strong example because it captures what Amazon does best: highlight its vast selection of products without overwhelming customers.

4. Jeep

Jeep is about open roads, rough terrains, and exploration. All this is successfully captured in a photo carousel that doubles as an invitation to click through to the “View inventory” page. Seasonal promotions like the “Drive into Fall Event” add a sense of urgency.

5. Apple

Apple uses a full-screen promotional banner to spotlight its seasonal back-to-school promotion. The background is filled with floating product visuals (of its AirPods, Apple Pencil, and Magic Mouse), while bold text in a familiar iMessage bubble style highlights the deal. This design instantly connects with students, keeps the focus on the offer, and encourages users to take action through the simple call to action.

6. GoPro

GoPro’s hero image is straightforward and product-centered. The close-up shot of the HERO13 Black immediately shows off its design, while the discount message in bold (“$100 OFF”) creates urgency. Paired with a clean background and strong CTAs, the layout directs attention to both the value proposition and the next step—learning more or purchasing right away.

How to create a hero image (step-by-step)

Not every small business or solopreneur has the resources to hire a designer or access professional tools. QuillBot’s AI Image Generator lets you create high-quality hero images quickly, turning your ideas into visuals that make an impact. Here’s how:

1. Write a clear prompt.

Start by describing the image you want. Be as specific as possible to help the AI capture your vision. Let’s say you run a small online productivity coaching business and need a hero image for your website. You could enter, “A minimalist workspace with a laptop, a steaming coffee mug, and a potted plant, bathed in soft morning light.”

QuillBot’s AI image prompt generator can help you craft detailed prompts.

Quillbot’s AI Image Generator prompt example

You can also choose a style (Photorealistic, 3D Render, Watercolor, etc.) and set the aspect ratio—16:9 is ideal for hero images, ensuring they fit neatly across your website header.

QuillBot’s AI Image Generator hero image example

2. Refine your vision

If the first result isn’t exactly what you had in mind, tweak your prompt or adjust the style. Adding small details, like lighting, mood, or color accents, can help the AI better match your vision. For instance, you may want to add details that convey warmth or personality: “A minimalist workspace with a laptop and coffee mug, soft natural light streaming through a window, warm tones, and a welcoming atmosphere.”

QuillBot’s AI Image Generator hero image refinement

3.  Download and share

Once satisfied, download your high-resolution image. Use it as a hero image on your website, or share it on social media to make a strong visual impression.

Frequently asked questions about hero images

What size is a hero image?

A full-screen hero image is typically sized at 1280 × 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, ensuring clarity on most screens. However, depending on your site’s design and target devices, you might opt for larger dimensions, such as 1600 × 900 pixels or 1920 × 1080 pixels, to maintain image quality on high-resolution displays.

Always test your image across various devices to ensure it loads quickly and appears sharp. You can use QuillBot’s AI Image Generator to create high-quality visuals that fit your design, then adjust them as needed.

Why do they call it a hero image?

The term “hero” comes from theater, where a hero prop is an object crafted in full detail because it will be seen up close and is central to the scene. In web design, a hero image plays a similar role: it’s the most prominent visual on your page, capturing attention, conveying your main message, and guiding visitors toward key content. You can use QuillBot’s AI Image Generator to create hero visuals that stand out and complement your brand identity.