How to Print Your Photos in 4x6 Format

What is a 4×6 cm photo?

The 4×6 cm photo size corresponds to 40×60 mm (approximately 1.57 × 2.36 inches). This rectangular format is commonly required for passports, national IDs, residence permits, visas, and driving licenses in many Arab and Middle Eastern countries.

Where 4×6 cm photos are used

The 4×6 cm (40×60 mm) format is required by a number of countries and documents, including (as examples from our source): United Arab Emirates (passport, Emirates ID, driving license, residence visa), Bahrain (passport, CPR card, visas), Egypt (passport, national ID), Libya, Saudi Arabia (passport, Iqama, visas), Syria, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, and many other countries in the region. Always verify the exact requirement for the specific document and country you apply to.

Take a compliant portrait (preparation)

  • Take a well-lit portrait in natural daylight.
  • Face directly toward the camera with a clear, full-face view.
  • Make sure shoulders are visible and leave a little space above the head.
  • Wear clothing that follows the official dress code for the document you’re applying for.

Biometric and compliance details to check

A compliant 4×6 cm ID photo must satisfy more than size: background color and uniformity, correct head height and eye position, adequate file size and resolution, and proper brightness/contrast/sharpness. These biometric parameters determine whether the photo will be accepted.

Use an online tool to validate and format

Visafoto can transform any clear full-face photo into a compliant 4×6 cm image. It does more than crop: it corrects background uniformity, head height and eye position, file size/resolution, and brightness/contrast/sharpness so the photo meets official biometric rules.

What results Visafoto gives you

When you upload a portrait to Visafoto you will receive:

  • A digital 4×6 cm passport-sized image suitable for online submission.
  • A print-ready 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) template containing four individual 4×6 cm pictures ready for printing and cutting.

Use the 7ID (Visafoto) app for smartphone convenience

The 7ID app lets you create compliant passport, visa, and ID photos directly from your iPhone or Android device. Upload your photo, pick the country/document, and the app centers your face, replaces the background with the required plain color, and generates print-ready layouts for 10×15 cm (4×6 inch), A4, A5, B5, etc.

How to resize a photo to 4×6 cm in Photoshop

Step-by-step in Photoshop:

1. Open your portrait in Photoshop.

2. Select the Crop Tool and set the Ratio field to 4 (width) × 6 (height).

3. Adjust the crop so the head is centered, shoulders are visible, and there is space above the head; press Enter.

4. Go to Image > Image Size and set the final dimensions to 4 × 6 cm.

5. Set resolution to at least 300 DPI (600 DPI recommended for sharper prints).

6. Save the file and use the resulting image for printing or uploading.

Pixel dimensions for 4×6 cm images

Depending on DPI, pixel sizes differ:

  • At 300 DPI: 472 × 709 pixels.
  • At 600 DPI: 945 × 1417 pixels.

Remember: pixel dimensions alone do not guarantee acceptance—biometric and background rules still apply.

Printing basics — paper and printer settings

  • Use 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper: one sheet fits four 4×6 cm images.
  • For home printing, use matte or glossy photo paper and a color printer.
  • In printer settings select “Actual Size” or 100% scaling. Do NOT use “Fit to Page” (it can distort dimensions).
  • Use a resolution of at least 300 DPI; 600 DPI will give sharper results.

How to print at home

1. Load the 10×15 cm print-ready template that contains four 4×6 cm pictures.

2. In the printer dialog, choose actual size/100% scaling and the correct paper size (10×15 cm / 4×6 inch).

3. Print on matte or glossy photo paper at 300 DPI or higher.

4. Cut the four images neatly along the guides.

How to print at a local photo shop

Bring the 10×15 cm file on your phone or USB. Most studios in the regions that use 4×6 cm photos are familiar with printing from 10×15 cm templates and will cut them for you. Examples of common retail printing options in different regions:

  • United States: Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart Photo, FedEx Office, UPS Store.
  • United Kingdom: Boots Photo, Tesco Photo, Asda Photo.
  • UAE: mall kiosks, Kodak/Fujifilm centers, Carrefour counters.
  • Saudi Arabia: photo studios, mall print centers, Jarir Bookstore.
  • India: local studios, digital print shops, Fujifilm outlets.
  • Europe: DM, Müller, CEWE kiosks, supermarket labs.
  • Asia & Africa: numerous independent studios and kiosks.

Templates work worldwide

The printable templates from Visafoto and the 7ID app are universal: any printing location that accepts 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) prints can produce accurate 4×6 cm photos.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using “Fit to Page” instead of actual size (causes distortion).
  • Printing at low DPI (below 300 DPI) leading to blurry or pixelated images.
  • Non-uniform or incorrect background color.
  • Head not centered, wrong head height or eye position.
  • Poor lighting or shadows on the face.
  • Wearing clothing that breaches the official dress code for the document.
  • Submitting a file with wrong dimensions or improper crop.

Final compliance checklist before submitting or printing

  • Photo is exactly 4×6 cm (40×60 mm) at the required DPI.
  • Face centered, shoulders visible, space above head present.
  • Background is uniform and correct color per the document rules.
  • Image exposure, contrast, and sharpness are acceptable.
  • File size and resolution meet the submission or printer requirements.
  • If printing, use 10×15 cm photo paper and 100% scaling.

Need help or questions

If you need assistance with formatting, resizing, or printing, Visafoto/7ID tools can automatically adjust details and produce print-ready templates. For support, you can contact support@visafoto.com.

Last updated: 2025-11-13