Passport photo requirements (background & rules)
Requirements vary by country. Use the official rules first, then resize to the exact size with DPI.
Common requirements checklist
- Plain, light background with no patterns.
- Neutral expression, eyes open, looking at camera.
- Even lighting, no harsh shadows on face or background.
- Head centered with space around the hairline and chin.
- No filters, heavy retouching, or low resolution.
Size rules (examples)
- 2×2 in (US) or 35×45 mm (common in EU/Asia)
- Head height often ~70–80% of the photo
- 300 DPI is standard for print submission
Always use the exact size from your country or application.
Common rejection reasons
- Background not plain or too dark.
- Shadows across the face or behind the head.
- Wrong size or face too small/large in frame.
- Blur, low resolution, or heavy compression.
How to meet the size requirement
- Find the required size in cm/inches.
- Convert to pixels using DPI (typically 300).
- Resize in the browser and export at high quality.
FAQ
What are common passport photo requirements?
Plain background, neutral expression, and even lighting are the most common rules.
Quick tip: Keep the head centered with enough margin around hair and chin.
Common mistake: Using filters or heavy retouching—many applications reject them.
What size should a passport photo be?
It depends on the country. Common sizes include 2×2 in or 35×45 mm.
Quick tip: Convert to pixels using DPI before resizing.
Common mistake: Assuming one universal size—requirements vary.
Why do passport photos get rejected?
Wrong size, background shadows, or face too small/large are common reasons.
Quick tip: Use high resolution and export at good quality.
Common mistake: Cropping too tight—faces often fail size rules.
Do you upload my images?
No. Processing happens locally in your browser. Your files are not uploaded.
What size should I use?
Use the recommended size.
Which export format should I use?
JPG for photos, PNG for text/logos or transparency, WebP for smaller files (if supported).
Crop vs Pad — what is the difference?
Crop fills the target size (may cut edges). Pad fits the whole image and adds background/space.
How do I protect text and logos?
Keep important content centered and avoid placing critical text at the edges.
Can I batch resize?
Yes. Use the Batch Resizer to apply the same size to many images.