ID Photo Upload

Why ID photo uploads fail: size, format and file-size checks

Published:2026-07-09 · Author: MotuArt Editorial Team

Many ID photo uploads fail not because the portrait looks bad, but because dimensions, format, DPI or file size do not match the form. Application and visa systems often show vague errors, so it is safer to export a dedicated upload-ready file.

Check pixel dimensions first

Upload systems often validate exact pixels such as 390×567px, 295×413px or 600×600px. Do not upload a screenshot of a print sheet; export the standard single image for the target spec.

JPG is usually better for uploads

PNG is useful for lossless storage, but it can be too large. Most official upload forms accept or prefer JPG because it is smaller at the same visual quality. Start with quality around 80-92 and compress toward a max_kb target.

DPI and physical size still matter

Some systems inspect DPI metadata, especially when the spec is tied to a physical document size. Pixels define the digital image; DPI and millimeters explain how it maps to print standards.

Do not destroy face edges to reduce size

When a file is too large, reduce JPG quality carefully or resize to the required dimensions. Avoid repeated screenshots or messaging-app compression, which can create block artifacts around glasses, hair and face edges.

How to automate it

For API workflows, generate the standard image first, then call /v1/optimize with output_format=jpg, max_kb, resize and dpi. If you use /v1/id-pack, set upload=true to include upload-ready files in the package.