Printed vs digital passport photos: what changes
Updated 2026-09-30
Governments often publish two separate requirements: one for a photo you print and send, and one for a photo you upload. The two can differ in size, file type and background, and an official page for one does not tell you the other.
| Printed photo | Digital upload | |
|---|---|---|
| Size stated in | Millimetres | Pixels and a file-size range |
| Prepared at | A print resolution such as 300 DPI | Any DPI: only the pixel size counts |
| Typical checks | Paper, finish and print quality | File type, dimensions and file size |
| Where GetFormatted helps | Crops and exports at the exact pixel size for a print at 300 DPI | Crops and exports within the pixel and byte limits |
Adult and child photos
Rules for children can differ from adults, for example in head position or the facing direction of the child. We publish adult and child presets separately, and we do not copy one to the other.
What GetFormatted does not do
It resizes and crops to a published specification. It does not check the pose, lighting or expression, and it does not approve the photo. Always confirm the result against the official page for your document.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I print a digital passport photo?
- Only if the printed-photo requirement allows it. The digital and printed specifications are separate, so check the one that matches how you are submitting.
- Why does the same country have several presets?
- Each combination of document, application channel, print or upload, and adult or child can have its own rule. We list them separately so nothing is assumed.