US Visa (DS-160, 2x2)

Requirements

• Plain white background, no shadows.
• Head (chin to crown) 50-69% of image height.
• Eye line 56-69% from the bottom.
• Neutral expression, both eyes open.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• Glasses discouraged; banned by many authorities.

Official source ↗

How it works

Upload a head-and-shoulders phone photo; we align it, whiten the background, crop to 2x2 inç (51x51 mm) and run 12 measured checks in seconds.

Free check & preview; photos are never stored.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Get a head-and-shoulders shot against a white background with even front light (not a selfie).
2. No glasses, no head covering; neutral expression.
3. Upload to the tool: it produces the DS-160 format — 600×600 px square JPEG under 240 KB — and measures 12 rules.
4. Use the file at the DS-160 'Upload Photo' step; the system runs its own automatic quality test.
5. Bring one printed 2×2 inch copy to the interview — the 4×6 print sheet covers it.

Most common rejection reasons

• Failing the DS-160 upload test due to low resolution or compression artefacts.
• Head framed too small or too large (outside the 50–69% band).
• Glasses, uniforms, or background shadows.
• A photo older than 6 months.

Frequently asked questions

What are the DS-160 photo requirements?
A square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels, max 240 KB, white background, taken within 6 months. The tool outputs exactly 600×600 under 240 KB.

Why does my DS-160 photo upload keep failing?
Most common causes: non-square aspect ratio, file over 240 KB, low resolution, or background shadows. The tool measures and reports all four.

Do I need a printed photo for the visa interview?
Most consulates ask for one 2×2 inch print; generate it with the tool's 4×6 print sheet.

Are glasses allowed in US visa photos?
No — banned since November 2016.

📖 Read the in-depth guide: US visa (DS-160) photo guide →