Printing passport photos at home can be a convenient and cost-effective solution. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to print 2×2 inch photos, the standard size for US passports, using common software like iPhoto and Preview. We’ll cover techniques for ensuring your photos meet official requirements and offer tips for achieving optimal print quality.
Printing Passport Photos with iPhoto and Preview
For those using iPhoto, the process is straightforward:
- Crop Your Photo: Open your desired image in iPhoto and select the square cropping tool. Adjust the crop to ensure your face meets the framing guidelines for passport photos. Save the cropped image.
Cropping a photo in iPhoto.
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Print Using Preview: Drag the cropped photo to your desktop and open it with Preview. Select the “Print” option.
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Adjust Print Settings: In the print settings window, choose “6 images per page” and check the box to print “6 copies per page”. Crucially, select “borderless printing” and use 4×6 inch photo paper. This configuration will yield six 2×2 inch photos on a single sheet.
Preview print settings for 2×2 photos.
Printing Other Passport Photo Sizes
While the above method works for US passport photos, other countries may require different dimensions. Here’s an example of how to adjust the process for UK passport photos (45x35mm):
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Open in Preview: Drag your photo to your desktop and open it with Preview. Ensure the “Center Image” and “Scale to fit” boxes are checked in the print settings.
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Advanced Settings: Click on the “Advanced” button within the print settings.
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Layout Adjustments: In the “copies and pages” section, select “Layout”. Choose “16 pages per sheet” and use “photo on photo paper” from the presets. Select standard A4 paper in the “paper handling” options. This configuration may result in one photo per sheet, requiring you to re-feed the paper to maximize usage.
Adjusting layout settings in Preview for different passport photo sizes.
Important Considerations
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Precise Measurements: Double-check your country’s specific passport photo requirements before printing. Minor size discrepancies can lead to rejection.
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Paper Type: Use high-quality photo paper for optimal results. Glossy or matte finish depends on your preference and country’s guidelines.
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Test Prints: It’s recommended to perform a test print on regular paper to verify sizing and positioning before using photo paper.
By following these steps and paying attention to detail, you can successfully print passport photos at home, saving time and money.
