This is my new Facebook Timeline layout:

Click for larger view

With the Facebook changes that just came out (and everyone is talking about) I was most interested in the new Facebook Timeline features, especially adding a large “Cover” picture or graphic.  While I saw examples of what could be done, it was very difficult to find any tutorials that explained how to enable the feature and add the cover. (My cover showcases some of the websites I’ve built, but that may change.)

I finally found an article on the new Facebook Timeline that said you had to “create an app” to get it at this early stage (beta) before October 1, 2011.  That was simple enough to do, but if you want to check it out, you can find the step-by-step instructions here >> (and Techcrunch also has one here.) I prefer the first one I mentioned, but either one will walk you through the process. (If you still have questions let me know. Note: You won’t need to go through this part after October 1, 2011. By then it will be an automatic change for everyone.)

You will need your “Cover” image, which is 850 pixels wide by 315 pixels high.

However, it’s what happened next that took the longest. Facebook isn’t known to make things very user friendly at first, especially when they change things around so drastically. So, I thought I’d take the process from the other’s Point A (cnet’s or TechCrunch’s how to) to Point B when you’re actually ready to work on your Facebook Timeline layout.

At first you’re offered a tour of the Facebook timeline features available. That helped some but it gave you limited options when it came to inserting a Cover picture. I chose one of three pictures it offered, which came from a few of the ones I already had in Facebook.  The app stretched a regular size picture into the much larger area available. It looked awful. But, I figured I’d be able to replace it simply enough.

Finding the replace picture option wasn’t easy. All the new “stuff” (that’s the technical word) made it difficult to see exactly what to do.

However, all you have to do is hover your cursor (mouse) over the picture and you’ll see “Change Cover” appear as shown in the image right –>>

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Once you click on the down arrow next to “Change Cover” (see red arrow above) a drop down menu will appear with your choices, including “Upload a Photo.”  Shown in image left <<–

You have the choice to Publish, but even if you do decide to publish your Facebook Timeline with the new layout, yours may not be seen right away. You can keep checking mine to see when they go public (I understand will be a couple of days).

This feature is still in beta. But you can be one of the first with your new layout if you do it now! (Oh! and if we’re not FB friends yet, I’d welcome your add.)

Btw, I’d love it if you’d come back here and leave a link to your new Facebook Timeline when it’s publicly available!

Have fun!

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