There is no single passport-photo size for every country or document. A good online workflow starts with the official requirement for the specific application, then uses that requirement to set dimensions, crop, background and print layout.
Confirm the official size before editing
Common formats include 35 × 45 mm and 2 × 2 inches, but requirements vary by country, visa type and issuing authority. Treat presets as conveniences and confirm the current official specification for the application.
Crop for head position, not only dimensions
Correct width and height do not guarantee an acceptable portrait. Keep the face centered, avoid cutting hair or chin, and leave the amount of headroom required by the issuing authority.
Use a suitable background and source photo
A clean, evenly lit source is easier to prepare than a low-resolution selfie with strong shadows. If background color is regulated, match the official requirement rather than choosing a color only because it looks better.
Check print scale before printing multiple copies
A print sheet should preserve the intended physical dimensions. Print at 100% or actual size when required, and avoid printer settings that automatically fit or scale the page unless the workflow accounts for that change.
Worked example
Example workflow
If an application requires a 35 × 45 mm photo, choose that preset, crop without stretching the portrait, preview the background and print sheet, then measure one printed copy before producing the final set.
Practical checklist
Before you finish
- Check the issuing authority’s current requirements.
- Start from the highest-quality source photo available.
- Keep facial proportions natural while cropping.
- Verify physical size after printing a test sheet.
Common mistakes
What to avoid
- Assuming every passport uses the same 35 × 45 mm format.
- Stretching the face to fit a target aspect ratio.
- Using a heavily filtered or low-resolution source.
- Letting the printer rescale a print sheet unexpectedly.