US visa photo maker (DS-160, 600×600)
Updated Nothing is uploaded
US visa applications (DS-160, and the Diversity Visa lottery) need a digital square photo, and most consulates also want a printed 2 × 2 in copy at the interview. This tool produces both from one photo, with the same head-size rules as a US passport.
- 50.8×50.8 mm
- Head 25.4–34.9 mm
- white or off-white
Rules from U.S. Department of State — Photo requirements for visas. Final acceptance is always up to the issuing authority.
How to make your US visa photo online
- Choose the size and upload a front-facing photo (JPG, PNG or iPhone HEIC).
- Click the top of your head and then your chin. The photo is scaled so your head is exactly the required height and your eyes land in the official band.
- Fine-tune by dragging and zooming until every check is green. Adjust brightness or lighten the background if needed.
- Download the single photo for online forms, or a 4×6 in print sheet (or A4/Letter) and print it at a photo lab or at home.
US visa photo requirements
| Size | Digital: square JPEG, 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px, max 240 KB. Print: 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm). |
|---|---|
| Head size | 50–69% of the image height from chin to top of hair (1–1⅜ in on a print). |
| Background | Plain white or off-white. |
| Glasses | Not allowed (except rare medical cases with a signed statement). |
| Expression | Neutral or natural smile, eyes open, facing the camera. |
| How recent | Taken within the last 6 months. Don't reuse the photo from your current visa. |
| Head coverings | None, except daily religious wear that doesn't hide the face. |
- The DV Lottery rejects entries with photos that are old, edited or the wrong size — and rejected entries can't be fixed.
- Don't scan an old printed photo; take a new one.
- Color depth must be 24-bit color (standard JPEG).
Size in pixels and per print
Printed photos are made at 300 DPI (dots per inch). These are the exact pixel sizes this tool exports, and how many copies fit on one 4×6 in (10×15 cm) print:
| Photo | Size | 300 DPI | 600 DPI | Per 4×6 print |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US visa (600×600 px / 2×2 in) | 50.8×50.8 mm (2.00×2.00 in) | 600×600 px | 1200×1200 px | 6 |
How to take a passport photo at home
- Light: face a window in daylight, or use two lamps either side of the camera. Avoid a single overhead light — it casts shadows under the eyes and chin.
- Background: stand about 1 m (3 ft) in front of a plain white or light-grey wall so your shadow falls behind you, not on the wall.
- Camera: ask someone to hold the phone at eye level about 1.2–1.5 m away and use the normal 1× lens. Selfies at arm's length make noses look bigger and can be rejected.
- Pose: shoulders square, head straight, hair behind the ears, no hat. Take several shots and pick the sharpest.
- Leave room: include your shoulders and space above your head. The tool crops it down — it can't add what isn't there.
Official source
Requirements change. We checked these in October 2026, but always confirm with the issuing office before printing.
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Frequently asked questions
What size is a US visa photo in pixels?
Square, between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels. 600×600 is the safest choice and easily fits the 240 KB limit.
Is the DS-160 photo the same as the passport photo?
The rules are almost identical (2×2 in, white background, head 50–69% of the height, no glasses). Visa photos must be digital and under 240 KB.
Can I use the same photo for the DV Lottery?
Yes, if it was taken within the last 6 months and wasn't used for a previous year's entry.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Cropping, adjustments and the print sheet are all made in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device and nothing is stored.
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