How to use the Passport Photo Maker tool
- Take a photo facing the camera in even light against a plain white or light background, then select it here.
- Choose the photo size for your document, for example 2×2 in for a US passport or 35×45 mm for the UK or Schengen visas.
- Move and resize the box so your face fits inside the dashed oval: chin at the bottom of the oval, top of the head near the top.
- If an online form has a file size limit, enter it in KB. Then click Make passport photo and download.
Passport and visa photo sizes
| Document | Print size | Pixels at 300 dpi |
|---|---|---|
| US passport and US visa | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | 600 × 600 |
| UK passport (printed), Schengen visa, Australia and many others | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 |
| Canadian passport | 50 × 70 mm | 591 × 827 |
| Chinese visa | 33 × 48 mm | 390 × 567 |
Requirements change and vary by document type, so always confirm the latest rules on the official government website before you submit.
How to take a photo that gets accepted
Most rejections come from the photo itself, not the size. Before you crop, make sure that:
- The background is plain, usually white, off-white or light grey, with no patterns or shadows.
- Lighting is even on your face, with no shadows across it. Stand facing a window during the day.
- You look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.
- Glasses are removed; many countries no longer allow them.
- The photo is recent, typically taken within the last six months.
- The camera is at eye level, about 1–1.5 metres away. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm’s length, which distorts the face.
Head size and position
Official rules specify how big your head must be in the photo. For a US 2×2 inch photo, the head from chin to the top of the hair must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches, which is 50–69% of the photo height. For 35×45 mm photos, the head is usually 29–34 mm, around 70% of the height. The dashed oval in the editor marks a typical head area: put your chin at the bottom of the oval and the top of your head near its top.
Digital photos for online applications
Many applications are now online and ask you to upload a digital photo within a file size range, for example “at least 600×600 pixels and under 240 KB”. Pick the size, enter the KB limit, and the tool produces a JPG that meets both. For other strict limits, see Compress Image to 20KB.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a passport photo?
It depends on the country. The US uses 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). The UK, Schengen countries, Australia and many others use 35×45 mm. Canada uses 50×70 mm. Always check the official requirements of the authority you are applying to.
How many pixels is a 2×2 inch photo?
At 300 dpi, the standard for photo printing, 2×2 inches is 600×600 pixels. This tool exports at 300 dpi, so 35×45 mm becomes 413×531 pixels.
Can I use this for online applications?
Yes. Many online forms ask for a digital photo with a size limit, such as under 240 KB or under 50 KB. Enter the limit in the Max file size box and the tool keeps the photo under it.
Does the tool remove or change the background?
No. It crops and sizes your photo but does not edit the background. Take the photo in front of a plain white or light grey wall, which is what most countries require.
How do I print the photo at the right size?
When printing, choose 'actual size' or 100% scale rather than 'fit to page', and set the size to the official dimensions, for example 35×45 mm. Photo print shops can also print it to the exact size.
Is my photo private?
Yes. The photo is processed in your browser and never uploaded, which is important for a picture used for identity documents.
Guide by the ToolsYes team · Last updated