Composition measurements
DV Lottery Photo Head Size and Eye Position Explained
A square image is not automatically framed correctly. Composition depends on the vertical size of the head and the location of the eye line in the finished file.
Reviewed against U.S. Department of State photo guidance · September 14, 2026
More visual examples
These are educational illustrations, not official government examples or photos to submit.
Composition measurements
| Measurement | Target | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Head height | 50%–69% | Chin to top of head |
| Eye height | 56%–69% from bottom | Bottom edge to eye line |
| Canvas | 600×600 pixels | Final JPEG |
| Shape | Square | Crop before resize |
| Pose | Directly forward | Check tilt and turn |
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Measure the head correctly
The official guidance places the chin-to-top-of-head distance, including hair, between 50% and 69% of the image height.
Adjust the crop around the original portrait. Never stretch a rectangular face to force it into a square.
Check the eye line from the bottom
Eye height is measured upward from the bottom edge and should fall between 56% and 69% of the image height.
A face may look centered while the eyes remain too high or low, so measure the finished crop.
Avoid crop errors
Leave a natural margin above the hair and include the upper shoulders. Do not crop tightly or leave excessive empty background.
- Crop square before resizing.
- Keep natural facial proportions.
- Recheck the 600×600 download.
- Compare automatic estimates with official examples.
Official sources
Always check the instructions for the program year in which you apply. ToolsFA is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. government.