US Visa Photo (DS-160) Maker

Drop your photo, line it up in the frame and download a JPEG at 600 × 600 px, under 240 KB. The settings below are already filled in for the US Visa Photo (DS-160).

Choose a photoDrag & drop, paste (Ctrl+V) or browse · JPG, PNG, WebP

US Visa Photo (DS-160) requirements

US Visa Photo (DS-160) size guide — 600 × 600 px, 2 × 2 in · 600 × 600 px at 300 DPI · Head height 50%–69% of photo height — US Visa Photo (DS-160) size guide

Size	600 × 600 px, 2 × 2 in
Pixels (our output)	600 × 600 px at 300 DPI
File size	under 240 KB
Format	JPEG
Background	White, Off-white
Head height	50%–69% of photo height

Square image between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels
JPEG file, 240 KB or smaller
Head 50%–69% of the image height
Plain white or off-white background
No glasses; taken in the last 6 months

Checked against official guidance in October 2026. Requirements change from time to time. Check the latest rules from U.S. Department of State.

How to take your US Visa Photo (DS-160) at home

Use a plain white or off-white background and face the camera straight on, with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
Take off your glasses. They have not been allowed in new visa photos since November 1, 2016, except when they cannot be removed for medical reasons and you have a signed medical statement.
Wear the clothes you normally wear. Uniforms are not allowed, except religious clothing worn daily; a head covering that hides your hair or hairline is only allowed if worn daily for religious reasons.
Use a good camera in even light. The State Department notes that most webcams and phone cameras do not give images of sufficient quality.
Drop the photo above to crop a square with the head at 50–69% of the image height. Picwright exports a 600 × 600 px JPEG under 240 KB, ready for the DS-160.

Common reasons your US Visa Photo (DS-160) is rejected

Not square, smaller than 600 × 600 pixels or larger than 1200 × 1200 pixels
File larger than 240 KB, or not a JPEG
Older than 6 months, or no longer matching how you look after facial surgery, large new tattoos or piercings, or a big weight change
Glasses, sunglasses, headphones or wireless earpieces
A scan of a driver’s licence or another document, a snapshot or a full-length photo
Digitally enhanced or altered images — including red eye removed with editing software

Uploading your photo to the DS-160

The DS-160 asks you to upload the digital image while you fill in the form. If the upload fails, the confirmation page shows an “X” instead of your photo — then bring one printed photo that meets the same rules, with the confirmation page, to the embassy or consulate where you apply.

Some embassies and consulates ask every applicant to bring a printed photo to the interview, so check their instructions. Immigrant visa applicants (Form DS-260) bring two identical 2 × 2 inch prints on photo paper instead.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a US Visa Photo (DS-160)?

600 × 600 px, 2 × 2 in. Picwright exports 600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI, under 240 KB, as a JPEG.

What background colour is required?

A plain white or off-white background. If yours is not, Picwright can replace it with AI right in your browser.

Can I print it?

Yes. Download the 4×6 inch print sheet, print it as a normal 4×6 photo and cut along the guides. Each copy prints at exactly 50.8 × 50.8 mm.

Is my photo uploaded anywhere?

No. Cropping, background removal and compression all run on your device. Nothing is uploaded or stored.

Are these the latest official requirements?

They are taken from the official guidance of U.S. Department of State, but rules change. Always check the current notice or official page before you submit.