FreeImageToolkit2x2 Photo Maker for US Passport & Visa
Create a 2 × 2 inch photo that matches US State Department sizing. Get a 600 × 600 px JPG under 240 KB for the DS-160 visa form or the Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery, or a print sheet with six copies for a passport application.
How to Make a 2x2 Photo
- Take a photo facing the camera in even light, in front of a plain white or light wall. Ask someone else to take it from about 1–1.5 m away.
- Upload the photo above. The crop frame already has the correct proportions.
- Drag and zoom the photo until the top of the head touches the yellow line and the chin falls inside the green band, centred on the vertical line.
- Click Download photo for the digital file, or Print sheet 6×4 to get several copies on one standard photo print.
US Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm), square |
| Head height | 1 to 1 3/8 in (25–35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows or texture |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital (visa, DV) | Square JPEG, 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px, max 240 KB |
Using Your Photo
US visa (DS-160) and DV Lottery: click Download photo and upload the 600 × 600 px JPG. The tool automatically keeps the file under 240 KB. Passport by mail or in person: click Print sheet 6×4, print it on photo paper and cut out one photo. Online passport renewal has its own digital photo rules; follow the instructions on travel.state.gov.
Official sources: US passport photos and US visa photo requirements.
Printing at Home or at a Photo Lab
The print sheet is a 6×4 in (10×15 cm) image at 300 dpi, the standard size at pharmacies, photo kiosks and online print services. Order it as a normal photo print with no borders and no cropping ("actual size"), then cut along the thin grey lines. Before you submit, measure one photo with a ruler to confirm the size.
A 10×15 cm print is about 1.5% smaller than 6×4 in. That is within normal cutting tolerance, but if the measured photo is slightly off, print through a lab that offers exact 6×4 in.
What This Tool Does and Doesn't Do
It crops and sizes your photo precisely and shows guides for head position. It does not change the background, fix lighting or check biometric rules. Most authorities forbid digital alteration of the face or background, so start with a good photo against a plain wall.
Rules differ between documents and countries. Always check the official instructions for your application before you print or upload.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 2x2 photo in pixels?
At 300 dpi, 2 × 2 inches is 600 × 600 pixels. US digital visa photos must be square, between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels.
How do I make my photo under 240 KB?
The download button automatically lowers JPEG compression until the file is under 240 KB, as required for the DS-160 and DV Lottery.
How big should my head be in a 2x2 photo?
From the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm). Line up the top of your head with the yellow guide and your chin inside the green band.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in US passport and visa photos, except in rare medical cases with a signed doctor's statement.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The photo is cropped and saved entirely in your browser. It is never uploaded, which matters for ID documents.