Compress a photo to 240 KB (DS-160, DV lottery)

The US visa portals (DS-160) and the DV lottery cap the photo file at 240 KB: a square JPEG between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels (the DV entry wants exactly 600 x 600). Fix it in this order: crop square and resize to 600 x 600 pixels first, then compress under 240 KB. In that order the file stays sharp; compressing a full-resolution phone photo straight to 240 KB smears it with artifacts, and a visibly degraded photo is rejected on quality grounds.

Compress your photo under the limit

Runs entirely in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device, and it is never edited or retouched, only compressed.

Compress to

Upload a photo to compress

Runs in your browser. Your photo stays on your device.

Which portals need this

DS-160 (US visa application): A square JPEG between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, no more than 240 KB, in the sRGB color space. Oversized files trigger the upload error instantly.
DV lottery (green card lottery): Exactly 600 x 600 pixels, JPEG, under 240 KB, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses. A noncompliant photo is grounds for disqualification.

The file is only half the battle

A photo with the right file size and dimensions still gets rejected for head size, eye position, background or shadows. Once the file is fixed, run it through the free United States visa photo checker to measure it against the official spec. The check is free and never edits your photo; you pay $9 only if it passes, accepted or your money back.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the DS-160 say my photo file is too big?

The limit is 240 KB and a phone photo is usually several megabytes. Resize the image to 600 x 600 pixels first, then compress. In that order the file drops under 240 KB without visible quality loss.

What size should a DS-160 photo be?

A square JPEG between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, no more than 240 KB, in the sRGB color space.

Can I upload a HEIC or PNG to the DS-160?

No, the portal requires JPEG. This tool outputs JPEG automatically when it compresses.