Why your photo is rejected on exam forms, and how to fix it

The most common cause is a file size outside the allowed window: too large, or too small. Other causes are the wrong pixel size, the wrong format (PNG or HEIC instead of JPG), an unclear face or signature, a coloured background, and an old photo. Check each of the ten below.

Updated · by the Resize Baba team

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The ten causes

  • File is too large. Fix: reduce it to the maximum shown on the form.
  • File is too small. Many portals also have a minimum, such as 20 KB. Fix: aim inside the window, not just under the ceiling.
  • Wrong pixel size, for example 200 × 230 required. Fix: resize with the exam's preset.
  • Wrong format. iPhones may save HEIC, and some people upload PNG. Fix: convert to JPG.
  • Background is not plain or light. Fix: retake against a plain wall, or change the background.
  • Face is too small, cut off or in shadow. Fix: crop so the face fills most of the frame.
  • Signature is in capital letters, or too faint. Fix: sign in running letters with a dark pen on white paper.
  • The photo is too old. Many forms need one from the last three to six months.
  • The file name or extension is wrong, for example 'photo.jpg.jpg'. Fix: rename it simply.
  • Blurry or compressed twice. Fix: start from the original camera photo.

A quick fix for iPhone users

On iPhone, open Settings, then Camera, then Formats, and choose Most Compatible. New photos will be saved as JPG instead of HEIC.

Always check the notice

Every exam publishes its own rules, and they change between years. Use the notice for your exam as the final authority, then resize to match it.

Questions people ask

Why is my photo not uploading even though it is small?

Check the minimum size, the pixel size and the format. A file can be small enough but still too small, the wrong shape or the wrong type.

How do I convert HEIC to JPG?

Open the photo in Resize Baba's image converter, or change the iPhone camera format to Most Compatible so new photos are JPG.

What size should a signature be?

It depends on the exam. Many ask for 10 to 20 KB at about 140 × 60 px. Check the exam's page for the exact figure.

Is it safe to use an online tool for my photo or ID?

With Resize Baba, yes: the work happens inside your browser, so the picture or PDF is never uploaded or stored on a server.

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