GitHub Profile README Setup Guide
Learn how to use any GitHub Profile README template in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Create Your GitHub Profile Repository
GitHub only displays a profile README when the repository name matches your GitHub username.
Example
Repository: johndoe/johndoe
⚠️ If the repository name does not exactly match your username, GitHub will not display the README on your profile.
Step 2: Make the Repository Public
When creating the repository:
- ✅ Set the repository visibility to Public
- ✅ Add a README.md file
Your repository should look like:
YOUR_USERNAME/ ├── README.md
Step 3: Choose a Template
Browse the available templates on our website. When you find one you like:
- Click Copy
- Open your README.md
- Paste the template
- Commit the changes
Refresh your GitHub profile to see the new design.
Step 4: Replace Placeholder Information
Most templates contain placeholder values. Update them with your own information:
Search for placeholders like:
YOUR_NAME YOUR_USERNAME YOUR_EMAIL YOUR_PORTFOLIO
Step 5: Upload Images (If Required)
Some templates include banners, GIFs, or profile images. If the template contains:
<img src="./banner.gif" width="100%" />
Upload the image to the same repository as your README.md.
YOUR_USERNAME/ ├── README.md ├── banner.gif ├── profile.png └── assets/
Step 6: Use an Assets Folder (Recommended)
For better organization, keep images inside an assets folder.
YOUR_USERNAME/
├── README.md
└── assets/
├── banner.gif
├── profile.png
└── coding.gif
Then reference them like this:
<img src="./assets/banner.gif" width="100%" />
Step 7: Using GitHub Image URLs
If you prefer using image URLs instead of local files:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/YOUR_USERNAME/YOUR_USERNAME/main/assets/banner.gif
Replace:
- YOUR_USERNAME
- Image filename
- Branch name (if different from main)
Step 8: Update GitHub Widgets
Many templates use GitHub widgets like:
- GitHub Stats
- Streak Stats
- Profile Views
- Contribution Graph
Replace every occurrence of YOUR_USERNAME with your GitHub username.
Step 9: Commit Your Changes
After editing the README:
- Commit the changes.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Refresh your GitHub profile.
Your profile README should now be visible.
Troubleshooting
My README isn't showing
- ✔ Repository name must exactly match your GitHub username.
- ✔ Repository must be Public.
- ✔ README.md must be in the repository root.
- ✔ Changes must be committed to the default branch.
Images aren't loading
- Check that the filename is correct.
- Check that the image is uploaded.
- Check that the image path is correct.
<img src="./assets/banner.gif">