A CV photo needs to be the right size, format, and file size — or it gets rejected by HR systems, applicant tracking software, or email attachments. This guide covers the correct dimensions for CV photos and how to resize yours in seconds.
CV photo size requirements
| Context | Physical size | Pixels (300 DPI) | File size |
|---|---|---|---|
| European CV (standard) | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | < 500 KB |
| Europass CV (EU standard) | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | < 200 KB |
| LinkedIn profile photo | — | 400 × 400 px | < 8 MB |
| HR portals / ATS upload | — | 400 × 400 px | < 2 MB |
| PDF CV embedded photo | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | < 200 KB |
Do you need a photo on your CV?
This depends on the country and industry:
- Yes, expected: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and most of Central/Eastern Europe — a photo is standard on CVs.
- No, not recommended: USA, UK, Canada, Australia — photos on CVs are actively discouraged to prevent unconscious bias. Most ATS systems in these countries strip photos anyway.
- Optional: Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia — a photo is acceptable but not required.
Resize your CV photo now
Enter width 413 and height 531 for the standard European CV format (35×45 mm at 300 DPI).
Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
CV photo requirements beyond dimensions
A technically correct photo still needs to meet content requirements:
- Professional attire — dress as you would for the interview. Business or business-casual depending on the industry.
- Neutral background — white, light grey, or plain light colour. Avoid busy backgrounds, outdoor shots, or informal settings.
- Face centred, filling 70–80% of the frame — head and shoulders only. Avoid full-body shots.
- Neutral expression — a natural, friendly expression. Not a forced smile or a stern look.
- Recent photo — taken within the last 1–2 years. Hiring managers will recognise you from your photo.
- Good lighting — soft, even lighting. Avoid harsh shadows on your face or strong backlighting.
File format for CV photos
Use JPG for almost all CV photo submissions:
- JPG at 85–90% quality — looks sharp, keeps the file under 200 KB for email attachments and Europass uploads.
- PNG — acceptable but larger. Only use PNG if the platform requires it or if you need transparent background support (unusual for CV photos).
- Avoid HEIC and RAW — these are camera formats that many HR systems cannot open. Always convert to JPG before submitting.
How to reduce CV photo file size
If your photo is too large (common with modern smartphone cameras which produce 3–10 MB files):
- Resize to 413 × 531 px using the tool above.
- If it's still over 500 KB, use the compress tool to bring it under the limit.
- Save as JPG at 85% quality — a 413 × 531 px JPG should be well under 100 KB.
FAQ: CV and resume photo sizes
What pixel size should a CV photo be?
For European CVs: 413 × 531 px (35 × 45 mm at 300 DPI) is the standard. For online platforms and HR portals: 400 × 400 px square works across most systems.
What format should a CV photo be?
JPG is the universal safe choice. Use quality 85–90% to keep the file under 200 KB. Avoid HEIC and RAW formats — many systems cannot open them.
Can I use a selfie for my CV photo?
Technically yes, but selfies usually look unprofessional on CVs: the angle is typically from above, the background is often casual, and lighting is inconsistent. Ask someone to take a portrait-style photo instead, or use a professional headshot.
Does DPI matter for a CV photo in a digital submission?
For digital submissions (email, PDF, online portals), only the pixel dimensions matter. DPI is only relevant for printed CVs. A 413 × 531 px photo at 72 DPI and the same photo at 300 DPI look identical on screen — only the pixel count matters.