How to Make a Passport Photo at Home
Take a passport or visa photo at home, crop it to the right size with a face guide and print several on one sheet, with a free passport photo maker.
Published
Free tool: Passport Photo MakerPassport and visa photos have strict rules about size, framing and lighting, but you don't need a studio to meet them. With a phone, a plain wall and good light, you can take the photo yourself, crop it to the official size and print several copies on one sheet for a fraction of the cost. This guide explains how, using the free Passport Photo Maker.
Check the rules first
Requirements differ by country and change from time to time, so always check the official guidance for the passport or visa you're applying for. Common requirements include:
- A recent photo, often taken within the last six months
- A plain, light background with no patterns or shadows
- A neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera
- Your whole face visible, with hair away from the eyes; many countries no longer accept glasses
- Even lighting without shadows on the face or glare
- A specific size, with the head taking up a set share of the height
Taking the photo
- Stand in front of a plain white or light gray wall, about half a meter away from it to avoid shadows.
- Face a window for soft, even light, or use two lamps, one on each side.
- Ask someone to take the photo from about 1 to 1.5 meters away, with the camera at eye level. Avoid selfies: the close distance distorts your face.
- Leave space around your head and shoulders. You'll crop it in the next step.
- Take several shots and pick the sharpest one.
How to make a passport photo with Graph Maker
- Open the Passport Photo Maker and upload a well-lit, front-facing photo.
- Choose the photo size: 2 × 2 in (US passport and visa), 35 × 45 mm (used by the UK, EU and Schengen countries, India, Australia and others), 50 × 70 mm (Canadian passport) or 33 × 48 mm (Chinese visa).
- Frame your face with the face guide switched on: drag the photo to move it, use the zoom slider, scroll wheel or + / − keys to resize, and the straighten control if your head is tilted. The guide shows the head size typically required for the format you chose.
- Choose the resolution, 300 or 600 dots per inch, and how to fill any empty edges.
- Download a single photo, or a print sheet with as many copies as fit, with optional cutting lines.
Your photo stays on your device: it's processed in your browser.
Printing at the right size
Print sheets come in several sizes. At 300 dots per inch, for example:
| Photo size | 4 × 6 in photo print | A4 paper |
|---|---|---|
| 35 × 45 mm | 6 copies | 30 copies |
| 2 × 2 in (US) | 2 copies | 15 copies |
When you print, choose actual size or 100%, never "fit to page", or the photos will come out the wrong size. A 4 × 6 inch print from a photo shop or pharmacy kiosk is usually the cheapest option and gives a proper photographic finish. Measure one photo with a ruler before cutting the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my own passport photo?
In many countries, yes, as long as it meets the official requirements for size, background, lighting and expression. Some applications, especially online ones, accept a digital photo instead of a print. Check the rules for your country.
What size is a passport photo?
It depends on the country: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) in the United States, 35 × 45 mm in the UK, EU and many other countries, and 50 × 70 mm in Canada. The Passport Photo Maker includes all of these.
Why should I print at 100%?
Because "fit to page" or "scale to fit" settings shrink or enlarge the sheet, and the photos end up the wrong size. Printing at actual size keeps each photo at exactly the official dimensions.