How to Print Passport Photos at Home
Save money by printing your own passport photos. Complete guide covering paper selection, printer settings, and cutting techniques for perfect results.
Printing passport photos at home can save you ₹50-200 per set compared to photo studios, and you get unlimited prints from a single photo paper sheet.
What You Need
- Inkjet photo printer (any brand works)
- Photo paper (4x6 or A4 size, glossy or matte)
- Passport photo file (from PassportSizePhoto.in)
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Ruler (for measuring)
Quick Tip
PassportSizePhoto.in provides a ready-to-print layout with multiple photos arranged on a 4x6 sheet. Just print and cut!
Choosing the Right Paper
Recommended Paper Types
| Paper Type | GSM | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy Photo Paper | 180-220 | ✅ Passport photos (recommended) |
| Semi-Gloss/Satin | 180-220 | ✅ Good alternative |
| Matte Photo Paper | 180-220 | ⚠️ Acceptable |
| Regular Paper | 70-90 | ❌ Not acceptable |
Popular Brands in India
- Premium: Epson, Canon, HP (₹300-400 for 20 sheets)
- Value: Bambalio, Oddy (₹150-200 for 50 sheets)
Printer Settings
Correct printer settings are crucial for quality output:
Essential Settings
| Quality | Best / High / Photo |
| Paper Type | Photo Paper Glossy |
| Paper Size | 4x6 or A4 (match your paper) |
| Color | Full Color |
| Scaling | 100% / Actual Size (no scaling) |
Important
Never use "Fit to Page" or "Scale to Fit" options. This will resize your photo and make it the wrong size!
Printing Process
- Load photo paper correctly (glossy side up or as indicated)
- Open your photo file (print layout from our tool)
- Select correct printer and verify settings
- Print a test on regular paper first
- Measure the test print - should be exactly 2x2 inches
- Print on photo paper once size is verified
- Let ink dry for 2-3 minutes before handling
Cutting the Photos
Tools You Can Use
- Paper cutter/guillotine: Best for straight, clean cuts
- Craft knife + ruler: Good precision with practice
- Scissors: Possible but harder to get straight edges
Cutting Tips
- Cut slightly outside the crop marks (you can trim more if needed)
- Use a metal ruler as guide for straight cuts
- Cut slowly to avoid jagged edges
- Round corners slightly (optional, for natural look)
Pro Tip
Measure your cut photos with a ruler to verify 2x2 inch (51x51mm) size before submitting.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost per Set (4 photos) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Studio | ₹80-200 | Convenient but expensive |
| Print at Home | ₹10-20 | Paper + ink cost only |
| Photo Kiosk | ₹50-100 | Self-service machines |
Savings: Printing at home saves ₹60-180 per set. With a pack of 50 photo paper sheets, you can print hundreds of photos!
Frequently Asked Questions
What paper is best for passport photos?
Glossy photo paper with 180-220 GSM weight produces the best results. This provides vibrant colors and professional finish. Matte paper is also acceptable but colors may appear slightly less vibrant.
Can I use regular printer paper for passport photos?
No, regular paper will produce poor quality prints with washed-out colors and visible pixelation. These will likely be rejected by authorities. Always use proper photo paper of at least 180 GSM.
What printer settings should I use for passport photos?
Set quality to Best or High, paper type to Photo Paper Glossy, color mode to Full Color, and most importantly set scaling to 100% or Actual Size. Never use Fit to Page option.
How many passport photos fit on a 4x6 sheet?
A standard 4x6 inch photo paper can fit 4 passport photos (2x2 inches each) with minimal wastage. On A4 paper, you can fit 16-20 photos depending on layout.
Do I need a special printer for passport photos?
Any inkjet photo printer works well. Laser printers are not recommended as they may produce less accurate colors and the toner can crack when folded. Budget inkjet printers from brands like HP, Epson, or Canon work perfectly.
How do I cut passport photos perfectly straight?
Use a paper cutter (guillotine) for best results. Alternatively, use a craft knife with a metal ruler on a cutting mat. Cut slowly and precisely for clean edges. Avoid scissors as they rarely produce straight lines.
Why does my printed photo look different from screen?
Screen and print colors differ due to RGB vs CMYK color spaces. Ensure you are using genuine printer ink and have selected the correct paper type in printer settings. Calibrating your monitor can also help.
How long should I wait before touching the printed photo?
Let the ink dry for at least 2-3 minutes before handling. For glossy paper, wait 5 minutes to prevent smudging. Fully cured prints take about 24 hours, but are safe to handle after a few minutes.
Can I use an old printer for passport photos?
Yes, as long as it prints in color and the print heads are not clogged. Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle before printing. If colors are streaky or missing, replace the ink cartridges.
What if my printed photos are the wrong size?
This usually happens when scaling is enabled in print settings. Always select Actual Size or 100% scaling. Print a test on regular paper first and measure with a ruler before using photo paper.