Intro: Many government exam portals enforce strict passport photo requirements — exact pixel dimensions, background color and a file-size (KB) limit. This guide explains a reliable workflow using the Passport Size Photo Maker to produce compliant images at 20KB, 50KB, 100KB or a custom KB target while preserving facial detail.
Quick checklist before you start
- Use the highest-quality source image you have (JPG/PNG); aim for the long side ≥ 600px.
- Good lighting and a plain background simplify background removal and compression.
- Keep an untouched original so you can re-export with different settings if needed.
- Confirm the portal's exact pixel and file-size rules before final submission.
Step 1 — Upload
Open the Passport Size Photo Maker and upload a JPG or PNG file. Start from the best-quality original available — compression can only remove data, not restore it.
Step 2 — Crop & frame
Choose a preset aspect ratio (1:1, 3:4, 4:5, 2:3, 5:7, 7:9) or use free-hand crop. For passport-style photos, place the head so it occupies ~70–80% of the image height. If the portal provides exact pixel dimensions, set the crop to those numbers to avoid later resampling.
Step 3 — Background removal & color
Use the in-browser background removal to isolate the subject. Then apply a solid background (White, Blue, Grey or a custom hex). For hair and clothing edges, use the retouch brush lightly to remove artifacts.
Step 4 — Adjust tones
Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and exposure using sliders to make facial features clear without clipping highlights. Always preview at 100% to validate skin tones and edge detail after edits.
Step 5 — Compression strategy (20KB / 50KB / 100KB / Custom)
Pick a preset KB target (20KB / 50KB / 100KB) or click Custom to enter your desired size in KB. Click Go and the tool will compress the image while keeping maximum detail.
- For very small targets (e.g., 20KB), remove the background and crop tightly — solid backgrounds compress much better.
- If excessive artifacts appear, slightly increase pixel dimensions (for example 200×230 → 220×253) and recompress.
- Prefer JPG for smallest file size. Use PNG only if the portal accepts it or transparency is required.
Examples
- 20KB: Tight crop + solid background + aggressive compression (JPG).
- 50KB: Balanced quality and size (~200×230 px).
- 100KB: Minimal compression for maximum facial detail.
- Custom: Enter any KB size you need and click Go to compress to that exact target.
Step 6 — Download & verify
Download as JPG (or PNG if required). Preview at 100% on your device and, if the portal offers a preview, upload there before submitting. Remove EXIF metadata if the portal requests it.
Troubleshooting & best practices
- Keep the original uncompressed photo for re-exports.
- Solid single-color backgrounds (white/light-blue) help reach lower KB targets with less quality loss.
- If a portal requires exact pixels, crop to those exact dimensions and avoid further resizing after export.
- Use the retouch brush to fix small background removal artifacts around hair or clothing.
Related tools
After preparing images you may need to compress a PDF or adjust signatures — check these tools:
- PDF Compressor — Reduce PDF file size
- Signature Resizer — Resize & clean signatures
- Resume Builder — CV templates
- Passport Size Photo Maker — Open the tool
Last updated: 2025-12-19 — LevoTools
FAQs
Which format gives the smallest file size?
JPG offers the best size-to-quality ratio for photographs. Use PNG only if the portal accepts it or you need lossless quality/transparency.
Can I remove the background and keep transparency?
Yes — the tool supports transparent output via PNG. Many exam portals require a JPG with a solid background, so verify portal rules first.
What pixel dimensions should I use?
A common passport-style size is ~200×230 px for 3.5×4.5 cm. Always follow the portal's exact pixel requirements and use the crop preset when available.