IMAGE GUIDE
Why was my image upload rejected?
An upload can fail even when the picture looks right. Check the exact requirements before changing the file.
Start with the error message
A form may reject an image because its file size is too large, its pixel dimensions are wrong, or its format is not accepted. Some forms also check a minimum size, aspect ratio, content or metadata. Write down every requirement before editing; passing one does not automatically pass the others.
- File size: Look for a maximum such as 2 MB. This describes how much storage the file uses.
- Dimensions: Look for width and height in pixels, such as 600 × 600. These describe the image, not the file's storage size.
- Format: Check whether the form accepts JPG, PNG or another file type. Renaming the extension does not convert the file.
- Other rules: Check minimum size, required crop, subject position, background, DPI or other instructions if the form specifies them.
Worked example: 2 MB and 600 × 600 pixels
Choose your image in the 2 MB tool. Enter 600 for both width and height, select an accepted format, and process it. Inspect the displayed dimensions, file type and actual byte count before downloading. Entering both dimensions fits the picture inside a square canvas; it can add padding and does not crop the picture.
If a form requires a particular crop or a passport-style composition, prepare and check that separately. The tool cannot judge whether a face, background or crop satisfies a form's rules.
What do KB, MB and MiB mean?
The tool treats 2 MB as 2,000,000 bytes. Some systems use binary units: 2 MiB equals 2,097,152 bytes. A file at or below our decimal 2 MB maximum is below 2 MiB too, although the receiving site may use different wording or impose additional rules. NIST explains binary prefixes.
If the file still will not fit
Try a format the destination accepts, or permit smaller dimensions only if the form allows them. If you entered exact dimensions, this tool will not silently reduce them to meet the size limit. A minimum file size is not enforced, so check that separately. If the file passes these checks but is still rejected, contact the form provider with the reported error.