All photo formats / United States
DS-160 and US visa photo: exact size and format
The DS-160 online visa form only accepts a square JPEG photo between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, at most 240 kB. This tool crops, sizes and compresses your photo to exactly that - on your own device, so the photo never leaves your phone or computer.
The official requirements
| Dimensions | Square: 600 x 600 px minimum, 1200 x 1200 px maximum (this tool outputs 600 x 600) |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG (.jpg), 24-bit colour, sRGB |
| File size | 240 kB or less. The State Department also says the compression ratio should be 20:1 or less; it does not officially define how the ratio is computed (we measure it against the uncompressed 600 x 600 x 24-bit size). This tool exports at the highest quality that fits the limit and shows you the ratio - it never pads the file to fake a number. |
| Head size | 50-69% of the image height, chin to top of head (hair included) |
| Eye level | 56-69% of the image height, measured from the bottom |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Other rules | Taken in the last 6 months, full face, neutral expression, no glasses, no head covering (except daily religious wear), no headphones |
Checked against the official sources below on 7 Nov 2026.
The State Department rejects photos that were digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance. This tool only crops, resizes and compresses - it never retouches, and you should not either.
Acceptance is always decided by the embassy or consulate. A correctly sized file removes the most common technical rejection, not the human review.
How to do it
- Take a photo facing the camera against a plain white or off-white wall, in even light, with no shadows.
- Upload it below and frame your head between the guide lines: crown near the top line, chin near the lower line, eyes on the red line.
- Create the file and check that every line in the checklist passes.
- Download and upload the .jpg in the photo step of your DS-160.
Common questions
Is 2x2 inches the same as 600x600 pixels?
They describe the same photo. 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) is the print size; the DS-160 online form checks the digital file: a square JPEG of 600-1200 px, 240 kB max.
Why is my file over 240 kB?
Phone photos are usually 2-5 MB. Resizing to 600 x 600 px and saving as JPEG brings the file well under the limit, which this tool does automatically.
Can I smile or wear glasses?
Keep a neutral expression. Glasses are no longer allowed in US visa photos except for documented medical reasons.