How to Create Passport Size Photos on Mobile: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today’s digital world, creating a passport-size photo from the comfort of your home is easier than ever. Whether you’re applying for a visa, job, ID, or academic admission, having a professionally formatted passport-size photo is essential. Thanks to mobile apps and advanced smartphone cameras, you no longer need to visit a studio to get this done.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create passport size photos on your mobile phone, step by step. Whether you use Android or iOS, this guide will help you create the perfect photo with ease.
Why Use a Mobile Phone for Passport Photos?
Before we get into the steps, let’s look at why using a mobile phone to create passport-size photos is so popular:
- Convenience: Capture, edit, and print the photo from anywhere.
- Cost-effective: Save money on professional photo studio visits.
- Speed: Get a usable passport photo in minutes.
- Control: Choose your best angle and retake as needed.
Now, let’s dive into the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Create Passport Size Photos on Mobile
Step 1: Understand Passport Photo Requirements
Each country has specific passport photo requirements. However, general rules include:
- Face looking directly at the camera
- Neutral expression, eyes open
- Plain white or light-colored background
- Good lighting (no shadows on face or background)
- No headgear unless for religious purposes
- Recent photo (taken within the last 6 months)
Common dimensions:
- USA: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- India: 2 x 2 inches or 35 x 45 mm
- UK: 35 x 45 mm
- Europe (Schengen): 35 x 45 mm
Double-check the requirements for the country or purpose before proceeding.
Step 2: Choose the Right App
There are several mobile apps available to help you take and format passport-size photos. Popular options include:
- Passport Size Photo Maker (Android)
- ID Photo & Passport Photo Maker (iOS)
- Photoshop Express
- Canva
- Snapseed (for background adjustment)
- Remove.bg (to change background)
Choose an app based on your preference, availability, and specific features.
Step 3: Take a Proper Photo
Follow these tips for taking a high-quality photo with your phone:
- Use the rear camera (higher resolution than the front).
- Ask someone to take your picture or use a tripod and timer.
- Find a plain white or light background (a white wall works well).
- Ensure good lighting: Use daylight or stand near a window. Avoid shadows.
- Position the camera at eye level and maintain a straight posture.
- Look directly into the camera with a neutral facial expression.
Take multiple shots and choose the best one.
Step 4: Remove the Background (If Needed)
If the background isn’t perfectly white or light gray, you can edit it using apps or online tools:
Option A: Use Remove.bg
- Visit www.remove.bg on your mobile browser.
- Upload the photo.
- The tool automatically removes the background.
- Download the result and save it to your gallery.
Option B: Use an App
Apps like Auto Background Changer or ID Photo Background Editor allow you to manually or automatically replace the background with white.
Step 5: Resize and Crop the Photo
Next, resize the image to match the official passport size for your country.
Using an App:
- Open the passport photo app you downloaded.
- Upload the photo.
- Select your country or manually choose dimensions (e.g., 2 x 2 inches).
- Adjust the cropping frame to fit your head and shoulders.
- The app will position your face correctly and resize accordingly.
Tips:
- The face should take up 70–80% of the frame.
- Keep eyes at a certain level as per guidelines.
- Most apps have guides or templates for proper alignment.
Step 6: Save and Print the Photo
Once you’re satisfied with the crop and size, save the final photo.
Save in High Resolution
Make sure to save the image in a high-resolution format (300 DPI or higher) to maintain print quality.
Create a Photo Sheet (Optional)
If you need multiple copies:
- Use a layout tool like Canva or Passport Photo Maker to arrange 4–8 photos on a 4×6 inch photo sheet.
- This allows you to print multiple copies on a single sheet at a low cost.
Print Options:
- Home Printer: Use glossy or matte photo paper.
- Local Print Shop: Transfer the photo via USB or email.
- Online Services: Upload to services like Snapfish, Walgreens, or Amazon Photos.
Additional Tips for Best Results
- Avoid filters or excessive editing.
- Do not wear glasses (unless allowed).
- Wear contrasting clothes to stand out against a white background.
- Review official guidelines before submitting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Improper Lighting: Avoid shadows and dark spots.
- Incorrect Size: Double-check size based on the country.
- Wrong Background Color: Always use white or off-white unless otherwise specified.
- Face Angle Issues: Face should be straight, not tilted or turned.
- Too Much Editing: Over-editing may lead to photo rejection.
Recommended Apps (Detailed List)
| App Name | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Size Photo Maker | Android | Auto background removal, size presets |
| ID Photo Maker | iOS | Country-based templates, photo printing |
| Canva | Android/iOS | Layout creation, photo design tools |
| Snapseed | Android/iOS | Advanced photo editing and enhancement |
| Photoshop Express | Android/iOS | Crop, resize, brightness adjustment |
| Remove.bg | Web | Quick and easy background removal |
Final Thoughts
Creating a passport-size photo on your mobile is not just easy—it’s practical and saves time and money. With a good smartphone camera, the right app, and attention to official guidelines, you can produce high-quality, accepted passport photos from your living room.
Create
Just follow the steps:
- Take a clear photo
- Remove the background
- Resize and align
- Save, print, and you’re ready to go!
No need to wait in line or pay for studio sessions anymore. Your smartphone is
