About the passport photo maker
The passport photo maker prepares a photo at standard passport, visa and ID dimensions. It is intended for everyday tasks such as preparing a photo for a form, an application or a print, using an existing photograph you already have on your device.
All processing happens in your browser using JavaScript. When you select a photo, the tool reads it directly from your device, draws it onto a canvas at the chosen dimensions with the chosen background colour, and downloads the result from the same browser session. Your photo is not uploaded to any server.
The preview updates as you change the size, the background colour or the quality setting, so you can see the effect of each change before downloading.
How to prepare a passport photo
Using the tool takes only a few steps.
- Select a portrait photo from your device, or drag it into the upload area.
- Choose a preset size, or enter a custom width and height.
- Choose a background colour for the final photo.
- Adjust the JPEG quality if you want a smaller or larger file.
- Click the download button to save the passport photo.
The tool shows a live preview of the passport photo alongside the original, so you can compare the result before saving.
Common passport photo sizes
Different countries and authorities set their own requirements for passport and ID photos. The following sizes are commonly requested.
- Passport, 413 by 531 pixels, which corresponds to a two inch by two inch photo at standard print resolution.
- Visa, 354 by 472 pixels, which corresponds to a 35 by 45 millimetre photo at standard print resolution.
- Square ID, 300 by 300 pixels, which is a common size for online forms and applications.
- ID card, 600 by 600 pixels, which is a larger version of the square format.
Before printing or submitting a photo, confirm the exact size the authority requires, because slight differences in dimension can lead to a photo being rejected.
How the photo is fitted to the frame
When you choose a size, the tool fits your photo into the target frame without distorting it. The photo is scaled so that it covers the entire frame, and any overflow is cropped from the edges. The face is centred automatically.
If the photo is not already framed with the face in the middle, the result may not be centred on the face. In that case, crop the photo in a photo editing tool first so the face is centred, then run the tool again.
The background colour is applied behind the photo, so any transparent areas in the original image are filled with the chosen colour. For a standard passport photo, a plain white, light blue or plain grey background is usually required.
Photo quality and lighting
The quality of the final photo depends heavily on the original image. The tool can resize and crop, but it cannot add detail that is not present in the original, and it cannot fix problems with lighting, focus or the subject's expression.
- Use a photo taken with even, front facing lighting.
- Avoid strong shadows on the face or background.
- Use a plain background where possible, so the photo is easy to crop.
- Keep the face centred and looking directly at the camera.
- Use the highest resolution original available.
If a photo is very low resolution, the result may look soft when printed. In that case, take a new photo rather than trying to enlarge the existing one.
Practical uses
- Preparing a photo for a passport or visa application form.
- Preparing a photo for a national ID, driving licence or similar document.
- Preparing a photo for a school, workplace or membership application.
- Preparing a photo for an online form that requires a specific pixel size.
- Preparing a photo for printing at a photo shop or at home.
The tool here prepares the image file. Printing is done separately, either at home with a photo printer or at a photo shop. Bring the final image to the printer, together with the exact dimensions requested.
Limitations
- The tool does not remove or replace a background in a photo of a person.
- The tool does not retouch skin, adjust lighting or correct colour.
- The tool does not enforce the specific rules of any passport authority.
- Very low resolution originals cannot be improved by resizing.
- The tool processes one photo at a time and does not offer batch processing.
If a document contains protected content or unusual features, open it in a trusted image viewer and inspect the result after processing.
Frequently asked questions
Important information
This tool is provided for general informational and personal use. It performs photo preparation in your browser and does not provide legal, financial or professional advice.
Always keep an original copy of any important photo before processing it. Preparation rewrites the file, and in particular reducing the resolution discards detail that cannot be recovered.
Requirements for passport and ID photos vary between authorities and can change over time. Confirm the exact size, background colour and any other requirements with the authority or organisation before printing or submitting a photo.