Turn Your Photo Into a 2×2 Passport Photo
Upload your photo, position your head using the guide, and PassportSelf will crop the image into a 2×2 passport-photo format. You can also create a 4×6 print sheet containing multiple 2×2 photos.
Last updated: August 26, 2026 · Reviewed by PassportSelf
What is a 2×2 passport photo?
A 2×2 passport photo is a color photo printed at 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) — the standard size for U.S. passports, U.S. visas, and many U.S. immigration forms.
The same 2×2 format is requested for USCIS applications, the DV lottery, and many ID uses. The framing rules (head size and eye position) come from the issuing agency — see the U.S. passport photo requirements for the most common case.
2×2 photo dimensions
Print: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Digital: commonly 600×600 minimum, up to 1200×1200 pixels for U.S. government uploads.
PassportSelf outputs a 1200×1200-pixel square image — sharp enough for printing and within the accepted range for digital submissions.
2×2 pixels versus inches
Inches describe the printed size; pixels describe the digital file. A 2-inch print at 300 DPI needs 600 pixels; at 600 DPI it needs 1200 pixels.
When a printing service asks for a 2×2 photo, they print your square digital file at 2 inches. If the digital file is not square, the print will be distorted — which is why cropping to an exact square first matters.
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How to crop a photo to 2×2
Cropping to 2×2 means cropping to an exact square with your head sized and positioned per the document's rules — not just any square crop.
- Upload your photo to PassportSelf.
- Choose your document (U.S. passport, visa, or general 2×2).
- Drag and zoom until your head fits the on-screen head and eye guides.
- Preview and download the finished 2×2 image.
How to print a 2×2 photo
Print the PassportSelf 4×6 sheet as a standard 4×6 photo and cut out the 2×2 copies along the guides.
Full instructions in how to print passport photos, including printing at CVS and printing at Walgreens.
2×2 versus 4×6
2×2 is the finished photo size; 4×6 is the standard print size used to produce it cheaply.
Photo services print 4×6 photos inexpensively, so placing several 2×2 photos on one 4×6 image is the most economical way to get printed passport photos. See printing passport photos on a 4×6 sheet.
Common sizing mistakes
Most rejected 2×2 photos fail on head size, eye position, or accidental resizing at print time — not on picture quality.
- Head too small or too large within the frame.
- Eyes positioned too low or too high.
- Non-square crop stretched to a square at print time.
- Print service "fit to page" option shrinking the image.
- Cropping so tight that the top of the head or chin is cut off.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a photo 2×2?
Upload your photo to PassportSelf, position your head inside the on-screen guide, and download the cropped 2×2 result. You do not need photo-editing software.
What resolution should a 2×2 photo be?
For a sharp print, aim for at least 600×600 pixels; PassportSelf outputs 1200×1200 pixels (600 DPI at 2 inches).
Can I use any photo?
The photo should be recent, front-facing, in focus, unedited, and taken against a plain light background. A casual snapshot with a busy background usually will not meet document requirements.
Can I print a 2×2 photo directly?
Most photo services do not offer a 2×2 print size, which is why PassportSelf also gives you a 4×6 sheet containing multiple 2×2 copies that prints as a standard 4×6 photo.
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