Photo background changer

Replace the background of your photo with an accepted colour, on your device.

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Upload a portrait from your phone or take one with your camera.

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Photo requirements

  • Size: 50.8×50.8 mm (2×2 in)
  • Head size: 25.4–34.9 mm from chin to top of head
  • Background: White, Off-white
  • Privacy: Processed on your device; the photo is not uploaded

Background

Put an accepted colour behind you. This happens on your device.

Download or print

Download a single photo, or a sheet with several copies to print at a photo kiosk.

💡 Printing tip

Save the sheet to your phone or a USB drive and order it at a photo kiosk as a standard 4×6-inch print.

Choose an ordinary photo print, not the passport photo service.

Change a photo background for an ID application

A background changer can replace a busy wall or room with a plain color. Use it only if the authority for your document allows background edits: some passport rules require an unaltered photo.

Check the rules before you edit

The right background depends on the document and the country. For a UK passport photo, the background must be plain cream or light grey, and your photo must be unaltered by computer software.[1] For a U.S. passport photo, use a plain white or off-white background, and submit the original, unedited photo without digital changes.[2]

That means a changed background does not meet either of these passport rules. Take a new photo against the required plain background instead. Check the exact instructions for your own passport, visa or ID before using an edited image; a color that looks right may still be disallowed.

When a background change may help

If your document authority permits background edits, this tool can help when the wall behind you has a pattern, objects or an unsuitable color. It separates you from the background in your browser and puts a permitted color behind you.

A replacement background cannot fix a poor photo. It does not change your pose, facial expression, head size, lighting on your face, sharpness or other document rules. The authority reviewing your application decides whether the photo meets its requirements.

How to use the tool above

1. Find the current photo instructions for your exact document and application method. Note the accepted background color and whether edits are allowed. 2. Choose a clear, in-focus color photo where your full head and shoulders are visible. Stand in good light and leave space around your hair and shoulders.

3. Open the tool above, add your photo, and select an allowed background color. 4. Inspect the outline around your hair, ears and shoulders. If the tool removes part of you, leaves pieces of the old background, or creates a rough edge, try another photo with clearer separation. 5. Save the result and check it at full size before you submit or print it.

What the finished image looks like

The result is your original portrait with the area behind you replaced by one flat color. Look closely at fine edges, especially loose hair, glasses and clothing. A fringe, halo, missing strand or leftover patch can make the edit easy to see.

Keep the saved image at its original quality. Do not add filters, smooth your face or stretch the image to fit a size. For a printed photo, the required dimensions and head size still matter. For example, a UK printed passport photo must be 45 mm high by 35 mm wide, with the head from crown to chin 29–34 mm high.[1]

Prepare a better source photo

For the cleanest cutout, stand well in front of a plain wall and ask someone else to take the picture. Face a window for soft light, keep the camera near eye level, and avoid strong light behind you. Wear clothing that contrasts with the wall so the tool can find your outline.

Check your eyes, hair, shoulders and clothing in the saved image. Then compare the photo with the authority’s rules for expression, face position, background, age exceptions, image size and how to submit it. A background tool cannot check those rules or tell you whether an authority accepts an edited photo.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a background changer for a U.S. passport photo?

No. For a U.S. passport photo, the Department of State requires a plain white or off-white background and an original, unedited photo without digital changes.[2]

Can I change the background of a UK passport photo?

The GOV.UK rules for printed passport photos say the photo must be unaltered by computer software. They require a plain cream or light grey background.[1]

What color should I choose?

Choose only a color listed by the authority for your exact document. For U.S. passport photos, the listed background is plain white or off-white. For UK printed passport photos, it is plain cream or light grey.[2][1]

Will the tool tell me if my photo will be accepted?

No. It changes the background only. Check the authority’s rules yourself; the authority decides whether your photo meets them.