Before you upload a photo to a form, you should know two things about it: its file size and its dimensions. Both take less than a minute to check.
File size versus dimensions
These are different things, and forms often ask for both.
- File size is how much storage the file uses, shown in KB or MB. 1 MB is 1024 KB.
- Dimensions are the width and height in pixels, such as 400 by 500. Some forms give centimetres instead, which depend on the pixel count and the print resolution.
A small picture can still be a big file, and a large picture can be a small file if it is heavily compressed.
On a Windows computer
Right-click the file and choose Properties. The General tab shows the size. The Details tab shows the width and height under Image.
On a Mac
Select the file and press Command and I. The Get Info window shows the size and, for images, the dimensions.
On an Android phone
Open the Files app or your Gallery, open the picture and choose Details or Info. Both the size and the pixel dimensions are usually listed. If not, use a file manager app.
On an iPhone
In Photos, swipe up on a picture or tap the info icon to see the file name and size. Dimensions appear after you tap the file name or in the Files app under Get Info.
Use a checker for a quick answer
The photo checker lets you choose an exam, passport or visa, add your photo, and see whether the size, shape, background, sharpness and lighting look likely to pass. It does not check your face or guarantee acceptance, so still read the official notice. It runs in your browser, so the photo is not uploaded.
If the numbers do not match
- File too big: compress it with the resize image to KB tool.
- Wrong shape or pixels: crop and resize it with the exam photo and signature resizer.
- Wrong format: convert it to JPG.
Good habits
- Write the required numbers from the notice on a note before you start.
- Keep the original photo and work on copies.
- Check the final file again, not only the one you started with.
- Name files simply, for example photo.jpg and signature.jpg.
A few seconds of checking saves you from repeated upload errors, especially near the deadline. For more on rejections, read why photo uploads get rejected.