1. Start with the receiving authority’s rules
Check dimensions, background, head size, expression, photo age and permitted edits separately for every application. Similar dimensions do not make two standards interchangeable. Do not use AI portraits for applications.
2. Choose the exact paper dimensions
IDPhoto’s common 6-inch preset is 152 × 102 mm, or 1795 × 1205 px at 300 DPI. Exact 4 × 6-inch paper is 152.4 × 101.6 mm, or 1800 × 1200 px at 300 DPI. Ask the printer which it uses, then set custom paper dimensions if needed. Do not stretch one file to the other.
3. Lay out different sizes without shrinking them
In the upcoming 1.2 layout workflow, select projects or import originals, choose photo dimensions and copy counts, then preview the sheet. Keep standard photo dimensions fixed. If the sheet is full, reduce quantities or use larger paper, rather than scaling down the required photo size.
A verified layout example uses a 152 × 102 mm sheet with 3 mm margins and 2 mm spacing:
| Reference preset | Size | Copies |
|---|---|---|
| US passport / visa | 51 × 51 mm | 1 |
| Canadian passport | 50 × 70 mm | 1 |
| Schengen visa | 35 × 45 mm | 1 |
| Italian visa | 35 × 40 mm | 1 |
| Common one-inch photo | 25 × 35 mm | 1 |
One photo is rotated to fit and can be turned upright after cutting; its dimensions are unchanged. Where an authority specifies exactly 2 × 2 inches, use 50.8 × 50.8 mm rather than treating 51 mm as an exact equivalent. Verify each reference against official requirements.
4. Tell the print shop not to resize the sheet
This file is already laid out at the agreed paper dimensions. Please preserve the original size of every photo. Do not stretch, crop, fit to paper or apply borderless enlargement. Disable automatic retouching and color adjustments. Confirm any mandatory machine cropping, the paper finish, and how long you retain the file.
Some print shops cannot guarantee actual-size output. Choose a suitable service if they cannot confirm the settings. Cheap per-sheet offers may exclude postage, minimum quantities, paper upgrades or other charges.
5. Measure before submitting
Measure the sheet and each photo with a ruler. Check sharpness, head size, background, color and paper finish. Cut along the guides without leaving them on the finished photo. Studio stamps, certification or digital photo codes cannot be replaced by a generic print sheet.
Keep privacy boundaries clear
Editing in IDPhoto happens locally. Sending a print file to a shop shares it with a third party, not with IDPhoto’s developer. Choose a trusted shop and ask about deletion. Editing and preview are free; app export requires VIP. Printing, shipping and application fees are separate.