Photoshop Passport Photo Template v1.1
In order to speed up the process of taking and processing passport photos, i created a Photoshop passport template which I’m releasing for free for nonprofit use. The template has been tested and I used it to process photos for my passport. Basic instructions for use are included in the readme.txt file in the archive, or a tutorial with screenshots is available after the jump. This template is not currently working with Adobe Photoshop Elements for most people.
Commercial License
If you are a professional photographer and wish to use this template for commercial uses, please purchase a license for only $20.
This secure transaction is protected via Paypal. Click here to learn more about how Paypal protects you.
Personal License (Free)
Click Here to download the Photoshop Passport Template v1.1
Overview
The purpose of this template is to simplify the creation of two 2×2 inch photos required for the U.S. passport application. When used correctly, photos processed with the template meet sizing requirements as denoted by the U.S Department of State. This template was designed to speed up the sizing process, and produces a document that can be printed on your home computer or at a local photo lab. Photos processed with this template have been accepted for use in U.S. passport applications.
How to Use
(Click on screenshots for larger versions)
Tutorial Version 1.1
1. Open PassportTemplate_v1.psd in Photoshop.
2. Open photo to be used as passport photo in Photoshop. To take a photo that meets background and composition requirements read over the U.S Department of State guide located at http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/guide_2081.html.
3. Drag passport photo into the template and position layer directly above GreyBG in the layer group entitled “Place Photo in Here Above GreyBG.”
4. The first step is to size the head in the photo using the “Head Size Ruler.” Using Free Transform (CTRL-T), resize the photo so that the head falls within the confines of the ruler. The ruler is dragable using Photoshop’s move tool, so if its not positioned in a useful place move it to an area that helps you. When you’re done with the tool, feel free to move it off the image.
5. Horizontally center the photo using the vertical “Face Center Line” as a guide. If necessary, rotate your image. The “Face Center Line” guide should be equally dividing your face.
6. Using the “Eye Line” as a guide, vertically center the photo making sure that the eyes fall within the middle of the two outside lines, and if possible close to the center eye line.
7. Duplicate the layer group titled “Place Photo in Here Above GreyBG,” and drag it to a new position that is not covering the original photo.
8. Hide the “Template” layer group.
9. Save the resulting document. The options are up to you, but .JPG with a compression of 10 will work fine for most purposes. If you wish, you could also save the .PSD so you can make corrections at a later date if required.
10. Print the photo on 4×6 paper via your inkjet with photo paper (if your printer produces good quality photos), or print it using a photo lab. Any lab that prints 4×6’s will work, which is pretty much all of them. These photos are incredibly useful when traveling, you will use them on every thing from visa applications to identification cards. I highly recommend bringing at least 10 extra photos with you for any overseas trip.
11. Cut the photos out.
I hope you find this template and tutorial useful. The template has been downloaded and used by thousands of people. If you compare the amount charged by a typical location such as Kinko’s or USPS, I estimate that the collective savings from everyone using this template is well over $20,000. If you found this template useful, please tell your friends about it. If anyone has questions about how to use the template, please use the comment system below. As I don’t have a lot of time to offer personal support for the non-commercial license, I hope the community of people using this can help each other out. I thank everyone for making this template a success.
-Nic
Commercial License
If you are a professional photographer and wish to use this template for commercial uses, please purchase a license for only $20.
This secure transaction is protected via Paypal. Click here to learn more about how Paypal protects you.
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Comments
Thanks a lot. Saved me $45.
Thanks! This was a huge help, really appreciate it.
I have been working with your program and am successful up until I try to drag the duplicated layers. Any suggestions on what I may be doing wrong?
W. Anastopolous
Very nice template, thanks. At the bottom, the word “creators” needs an apostrophe; thus, creator’s permission. It’s a small thing, but professionalism is made up of many small things.
Best,
Eric
Super template! Thanks so much for sharing. Worked like a charm. Kudos for great documentation and easy to follow instructions.
I was about to pay money for passport photos today and thought: “Why should I have to go to some sketchy copy shop for this?”
Thanks for putting this together.
Hey Nic,
Thanks alot – this is really handy is much better than using Walgreens.
Is it possible to modify the template to make photos of dimension 3.5cm x 3.5 cm instead of 2×2 in.
This is awesome!!
Thank you for making this wonderful template.
You should add that the original photo needs to be resized.
Thanks for creating this useful tutorial and template. Much appreciated!
great! I was hoping there was something like this on the web! Walgreens took the worst photo of me ever I knew I was going to have to do it myself!!!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE TEMPLATE!!!
Thanks for this template. It was a life-saver when I needed a passport for my infant.
sweet. now to make myself look even more handsome on photoshop! ja
Excellent Template and very hand and easy to follow instructions. Kudos for the great Job.
Thanks
Andy
gracias muchas gracias por el template excelente
thank you very much its work great i had ready modify to 1.00 for 1.20 and works perfect than kou very ch muchas gracias jose
thanks so much. this made it easy as pie!
Do you have a template for a uk passport size
Great template, saved me a tone headache and a lot of money. Thank you!
Thanks
Thanks very much for your work, it will save me a few bob for myself and my missus. Thanks again.
Dave.
When I try to stretch my photo to encompass the 2 x 2 gray background, my image stays within the ruler, but my head distorts and looks thinner in order to cover up the gray background. How am I supposed to fill the gray area with the photo while not distorting my image?
Excellent, easy to follow and works just great!!! nice job, thanks for sharing it!!1
Thanks for taking the time to do this. Much appreciated!
outstanding… You saved me a few bucks… $6.36 to be exact!
You can create valid passport photos with http://idphoto4you.com website.
It knows numerous passport standards and print sizes.
It uses face detection so very easy to use.
Thanks for sharing…..
John, thanks for the tip. It looks like the site would be useful for those who don’t wish to use Photoshop to handle their photos.
The amount charged is ridiculous by walgreens and other foto shops, even walmart. Thanks much.
I value your comments. Please note that if your comment has two or more links, it will be held for moderation. Thanks.
What was the lighting set up for your passport photo?
Thanks for the resource – helped me create my wifes passport photo and saved me a few pounds!
I’m having problems with getting the photo in front of the grey, but behind the white. In other words, the 2×2 area is not hiding the outside of my photo. Any suggestions? I’m helping out our church for a overseas mission trip by printing everyone’s pp photo. This will save us a lot of money and is truly a Godsend.
Thanks!
Thank you so much. You have no idea how difficult it is to get US passport photos in the UK. You’re a life saver!
[...] Ever need your own passport photo? Photographer Nic Myers has created a very nice and simple template for Photoshop (Elements or full-blown PS) for the easy creation of passport pics. This might be a template worth keeping around (free for personal use) if you feel the need – [...]
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