How to use the US Visa Photo Maker (DS-160)
- Take a photo against a plain white or off-white wall, without glasses.
- Drop it in, then drag and zoom until the head sits inside the blue lines.
- The size is already set to 600 × 600 pixels and 240 KB. Click Download photo.
- Upload the JPEG to the DS-160 form.
DS-160 digital photo rules
| Shape | Square: the same width and height |
| Pixels | At least 600 × 600, at most 1200 × 1200 |
| File | JPEG, 240 KB or smaller |
| Color | Color (24-bit sRGB) |
| Head | 50–69% of the photo's height, chin to top of head |
The blue guide lines mark the head size used for 2 × 2 inch photos, which matches the 50–69% rule. Keep the background plain and light, the lighting even, and remove glasses.
Always check the latest rules on travel.state.gov before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What size should a DS-160 photo be?
Square, between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, as a JPEG of 240 KB or less.
Can I use the same photo for a US passport?
Yes, if it meets the passport rules too. Download the print sheet on the US passport photo page.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser, and the photo never leaves your device.