40×60 mm Photo

The 40×60 mm photo is a tall, narrow document format measuring approximately 1.57×2.36 inches. Its elongated shape gives a noticeably larger face area than square or near-square formats, which is why certain identity documents, permits and registration forms call for it specifically. As a generic size, it is requested by institutions in many places rather than tied to one country, so the key is simply to match the 40 by 60 millimetre dimensions exactly.

We prepare this format to a consistent, print-ready standard so it satisfies both paper submissions and online uploads.

Where this size is used

You will encounter the 40×60 mm requirement on some national and regional identity cards, professional licences, transport and access passes, and a range of official application forms. The taller frame allows the face and a little of the shoulders to be shown clearly, which some authorities prefer for recognition. Because the size is uncommon compared with the standard 35×45 mm portrait, it is worth confirming with your office that 40×60 mm is exactly what they want before you submit.

Exact specification

The finished print is 40 millimetres wide by 60 millimetres tall, about 1.57×2.36 inches. At 300 dpi this equals roughly 472×709 pixels. The head height target is approximately 45 mm, keeping the face within a band of about 55 to 70 percent of the frame height. The taller layout leaves a little more space above the head and below the chin than a compact format. The background must be plain white (#FFFFFF), evenly lit with no shadows, and the subject faces the camera directly with a relaxed, neutral expression.

• Dimensions: 40×60 mm (≈1.57×2.36 in), 300 dpi, about 472×709 px
• Head height: approximately 45 mm (about 55–70% of frame height)
• Background: plain white, uniform and shadow-free
• Expression: neutral, lips together, no smile
• Glasses: not allowed
• Headwear: not permitted except for daily-worn religious coverings that leave the face visible
• File: JPG, up to 2 MB

Common rejection reasons

The most frequent reason a 40×60 mm photo is refused is an off-white or shaded background; only a clean, uniform white field is reliable. Because the frame is tall, incorrect vertical positioning is also common, with the head placed too high or too low so the 45 mm head target is missed. Glasses are not permitted for this size, so reflections or frames covering the eyes lead to rejection, as does any eyewear at all. A smile or open mouth, hair across the eyes, uneven lighting on one side of the face, and soft or low-resolution files round out the usual list.

How we prepare your photo

Send us a normal photo taken on any background. Our service isolates you from the original scene, places you against a uniform white backdrop, and positions the portrait correctly within the tall 40×60 mm frame. We scale the head to the approximately 45 mm target, balance the lighting, and confirm the neutral expression and no-glasses requirements are met. The final file is exported as a 300 dpi JPG at the exact size and kept under the 2 MB limit, ready to print or upload.

Print vs digital

This format is used both as a physical print and as a digital file. For a paper form, the 300 dpi output reproduces sharply at its true 40×60 mm size on photo paper, including the larger face the format is designed to show. For an online portal, the same JPG stays within the 2 MB cap and uploads without resizing. Because we deliver one correctly dimensioned file, you can take it to a print shop or attach it to a web form with equal confidence.

Why the tall frame matters

The elongated 40×60 mm shape is not arbitrary. The extra height is meant to show the full head plus a margin above the hair and a little of the shoulders below the chin, so the proportions have to be handled carefully. If the head is pushed too high, the margin above disappears and the crop looks cramped; if it sits too low, too much empty space appears at the top and the face shrinks below the intended size. Our preparation centres the portrait vertically and locks the head to the approximately 45 mm target, so the balance of headroom and chin space stays within the accepted range. Getting this vertical balance right is the single biggest factor in whether a tall format like 40×60 mm is accepted on the first try.

Preparing the photo accurately to the 40×60 mm standard once means you have a dependable image for any document or form that requests this distinctive tall size.