Find the cause from the symptom
| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "File too large", "exceeds maximum size" | File size over the limit | Compress to the limit |
| "File too small", "minimum size" | File size under a minimum | Increase the KB size |
| "Invalid dimensions", "image must be N×N" | Pixel size wrong | Dimensions tab, or the form's preset |
| "Invalid file type", "only JPG allowed" | HEIC, PNG or WebP, or a renamed file | Convert to a real JPG |
| Accepted, then rejected later | Photo rules: background, head size, glasses, age of photo | Retake the photo; check the document's rules |
| Nothing happens, or a generic error | Usually size or format; sometimes the site itself | Check size and format first, then try another browser |
1. File size: too big or too small
The most common cause. Limits are often tight: 20 KB for a Pakistan passport photo, 30 KB for FPSC, 240 KB for a US visa photo. Some forms also set a minimum: India's e-Visa and passport photos must be at least 10 KB, UPSC photos at least 20 KB. Compress to the maximum with reduce image size in KB; if the file comes out under a minimum, use increase image size in KB. Portals count a kilobyte as 1,000 or 1,024 bytes; PixKB aims for the stricter count, so its files pass either way.
2. Pixel size (dimensions)
A form that asks for 600×600 or 350×467 pixels rejects a file with the right KB but the wrong pixels. If the form gives centimetres, it assumes a DPI: 3.5×4.5 cm is 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI (see cm to pixels). Set the size on the Dimensions tab, or tap the form's preset, which applies pixels and KB together. If you also need a KB limit, tap Keep editing this result after resizing, then compress.
3. File format
iPhones save photos as HEIC, many web images are WebP or AVIF, and screenshots are PNG. A form that says "JPG only" may check the file's real format, so renaming it to .jpg doesn't help. Convert it on the Convert tab (or with the HEIC to JPG converter): that creates a genuine JPEG. JPG and JPEG are the same format.
4. The photo itself
Visa and passport systems also check the picture: a plain white or light background, head size within a range, facing the camera, no glasses for US visas, and for the DV lottery a photo taken within six months. No file tool can fix these; retake the photo against a plain wall, facing the light. Each document's rules are on our photo requirements pages.
5. When it's the website
Occasionally a portal fails for reasons unrelated to your file: an expired session, a slow connection or a browser the site doesn't support. If your file meets the size, pixel and format rules, sign in again and retry, or try another browser.
Frequently asked questions
My photo meets the KB limit but is still rejected. Why?
Check the pixel size and the format next. A file with the right KB but wrong dimensions, or a HEIC renamed to .jpg, fails just as often.
Why does the form say my photo is too small?
Some forms set a minimum file size, such as 10 KB or 20 KB. Increase the KB size; the picture stays the same.
Is JPG the same as JPEG?
Yes. They're two names for the same format.
Can I just rename a HEIC or PNG file to .jpg?
No. Renaming doesn't change the format, and many forms check the real format. Convert it instead.
What does "invalid dimensions" mean?
The photo's width and height in pixels don't match what the form requires. Resize it to the exact size, or use the form's preset.
The form gives a size in cm. How many pixels is that?
It depends on the DPI the form assumes; at 300 DPI, 3.5×4.5 cm is 413×531 pixels. Our cm to pixels guide has a calculator.
Can a tool fix a wrong background?
Not reliably. Retake the photo against a plain light wall, facing a window or lamp.
Why was my visa photo accepted by the upload but rejected later?
Upload checks test the file; a person or a second check tests the photo rules (background, head size, glasses). Those need a new photo.
Are my photos uploaded to PixKB?
No. The tool on this page runs on your device.
Which form rules do you have?
US visa, DV lottery, UK passport and visa, Canada (passport, visitor visa, PR portal), a Schengen example (Belgium), Australia, India passport and e-Visa, Pakistan passport, Azerbaijan e-Visa, FPSC, PPSC, SSC and UPSC, each checked against the official source.