Free digital photo tool for Form DS-160
US Visa Photo Tool600x600 JPEG under 240 KB
Crop and compress an original photo for a DS-160 upload. US visa mode keeps your real background and appearance, then exports a square JPEG that meets the official pixel and file-size limits.
No sign-up. Crop-only processing stays in your browser. PassPhoto is independent and is not affiliated with the US government.
DS-160 upload
visa-photo.jpg
- Pixels
- 600×600
- Format
- JPEG
- File size
- ≤240 KB
U.S. alteration note
The State Department says visa photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance. PassPhoto keeps the US visa workflow crop-only: it skips background replacement, filters, retouching, and enhancement. Use a real white or off-white background and retake the photo if the background is wrong.
Digital file checklist
Official DS-160 photo file requirements
These technical specifications come from the US Department of State digital image requirements. Sources were reviewed July 16, 2026.
Dimensions
600-1200 px
Square: width must equal height
PassPhoto output
600 x 600 px
The minimum accepted digital dimensions
File format
JPEG
A .jpg image, not HEIC, PNG, or WebP
Maximum file size
240 KB
PassPhoto compresses the crop below this limit
Color
24-bit sRGB
Full color, the standard camera and browser color space
Compression
20:1 or less
Avoid aggressive compression and visible artifacts
The photo must also look right
Passing pixel and file-size checks does not prove that a photo is acceptable. A consular employee decides whether it meets the visual requirements.
- Taken in color within the last 6 months
- Plain white or off-white background
- Full-face view, directly facing the camera
- Neutral expression with both eyes open
- Head occupies 50% to 69% of image height
- No eyeglasses except a documented rare medical exception
- Normal daily clothing; no uniform
- No shadows, blur, pixelation, or objects in the background
A focused three-step workflow
Make the DS-160 file without altering the photo
The tool handles framing and technical export. You remain responsible for taking a photo with the right pose, background, lighting, and current appearance.
Open the DS-160 crop tool- 1
Upload the original
Use a recent, unedited image taken against a real white or off-white background.
- 2
Position the crop
Align the face inside the square and head-position guides without filters or retouching.
- 3
Export the JPEG
PassPhoto creates a 600×600 JPEG and reduces its file size below 240 KB.
DS-160 upload versus interview print
Know which photo your application needs
Online nonimmigrant visa form
DS-160 digital upload
Upload the square JPEG while completing Form DS-160. If your confirmation page shows your photo, the general DS-160 instructions say the upload succeeded.
Local interview instructions
Possible 2x2 print
Some embassies and consulates require one printed photo at the interview. Check your application location's instructions rather than assuming a print is needed.
If the confirmation page shows an X
The photo upload failed. The State Department instructs applicants to submit a compliant printed photo with the DS-160 confirmation page and to follow the embassy or consulate's specific directions.
Read the official DS-160 FAQClear answers
DS-160 and US visa photo FAQ
What size photo does the DS-160 require?
The digital image must be square and between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels. PassPhoto exports 600 x 600 pixels. A printed US visa photo, when requested, is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
What file type and size can I upload to DS-160?
Use a JPEG file no larger than 240 KB. The State Department also specifies 24-bit sRGB color and a compression ratio of 20:1 or less.
Can I digitally remove or replace the background?
No. For the US visa workflow, PassPhoto keeps the photo crop-only because the State Department says visa photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change appearance. Take a new photo against a real white or off-white background instead of replacing it digitally.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
Normally, no. New visa photos cannot include eyeglasses. A rare medical exception requires a signed statement from a medical professional and must still meet rules about glare, shadows, and visible eyes.
Do I need a printed photo after uploading to DS-160?
If your DS-160 confirmation page includes your photo, the upload succeeded and the general DS-160 FAQ says no separate print is required. Some embassies and consulates still ask applicants to bring one photo, so check the instructions for the location where you will apply.
What does an X on the DS-160 confirmation photo mean?
It means the photo upload failed. The State Department says to submit a printed photo that meets the requirements with the confirmation page, following the specific instructions from your embassy or consulate.
Primary official sources
Official State Department guidance is the source of truth. Last reviewed July 16, 2026. Reviewed again 16 August 2026 for the crop-only and no-alteration rules.
Related photo guides
Prepare the DS-160 JPEG
Start with an original photo that already has the correct background and lighting.