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How to add a header image to your Rust server

A header image is the artwork shown in your server description in the Rust server list. A well-prepared image helps your server stand out and improves first impressions for players.

Image requirements​

Before adding your image, make sure it meets these requirements:

  • size: 1024x512 or 512x256
  • format: .png or .jpg
  • the image must be available via a public URL (no login required)

Note: Rust and hosting control panels may additionally compress the image, so in-game quality can be slightly lower than the original.

Step 1: Prepare the image​

  1. Create an image with a 2:1 ratio (for example, 1024x512).
  2. Save the file as .png or .jpg.
  3. Use a short and simple file name, for example rust-header.jpg.

Step 2: Host the image online​

The image must be available through a direct link that opens the image right away.

Recommended options:

If your Dropbox link ends with dl=0, change it to dl=1 so the file can be downloaded directly.

Step 3: Add the image URL to the server configuration​

Add this entry to your server.cfg file (usually in server/rust/cfg/):

server.headerimage "https://your-domain.com/rust-header.jpg"

Save the file after making changes.

Step 4: Restart the server​

After saving the configuration, perform a full restart of your Rust server. Then open the server list in-game, find your server, and check whether the image is displayed.

Common issues and solutions​

  1. A white/red placeholder appears instead of your image.
  • Most often, the link is not direct or the image size is incorrect.
  1. The link works in a browser, but not in Rust.
  • The hosting provider may require login or block direct file downloads.
  1. The image does not update immediately.
  • Wait a few minutes and restart the server again. Sometimes game-side caching is involved.
  1. Image quality is lower than the original.
  • This is normal; the game or control panel may compress the image.

Quick checklist​

  • The image is 1024x512 or 512x256
  • The format is PNG or JPG
  • The link is public and direct
  • server.headerimage has been added to server.cfg
  • The server has been restarted

Sources and inspiration​

  1. https://nodecraft.com/support/games/rust/adding-a-server-header-image-to-your-rust-server