How to Make a LinkedIn Carousel in 2026 (Step by Step)
A simple, repeatable process for making a LinkedIn carousel that gets read and shared, from a single idea to a posted PDF.
What a carousel actually is
The highest reach format on LinkedIn right now is also one of the simplest: a PDF. A LinkedIn carousel is a PDF uploaded as a document post, which LinkedIn turns into a set of swipeable slides. Get the process right and a single idea becomes a post that gets saved and shared. Here is the exact workflow you can repeat every week.
Step 1: Pick one idea
The most common carousel mistake is cramming five ideas into one deck. Choose a single, specific idea a reader can act on, like "how to run a weekly review" rather than "productivity tips."
Step 2: Write the hook first
Your first slide has one job: earn the swipe. Lead with a question, a surprising number, or a contrarian take. If you get stuck, the hook generator gives you ten options to start from.
Step 3: One idea per slide
Give each point its own slide: a short heading, one or two lines of support, and plenty of breathing room. Six to ten slides holds attention without losing people.
Step 4: Design for mobile
Use a portrait 4:5 layout at 1080 x 1350, keep text inside a safe margin, and stick to one font and two colors. If the format trips you up, the carousel size guide has the exact numbers.
Step 5: Close with a call to action
End with one clear ask: comment, save, or follow. A "save this for later" line works especially well, because saves are a strong signal to the algorithm.
Step 6: Export and post
Export to PDF, upload it as a document post, and write a short caption that repeats your hook. Post when your audience is online, usually weekday mornings.
The 60-second version
If six steps sound like a lot, Carousely does the writing and design for you: type your topic, pick a theme, and download a finished PDF in about a minute. Want proof first? Browse real carousel examples before you make your own.