ID Image Best Practice
To ensure optimal performance and accuracy, the following image file guidelines must be followed. We support a variety of file formats, with specific recommendations for file size and resolution to ensure the best results. Please adhere to these standards for smoother and faster identity verification processing:
Image Quality Requirements
Resolution and Clarity
- Minimum Resolution: 300 DPI (dots per inch)
- Recommended Resolution: 600 DPI or higher
- Image Clarity: Sharp, clear images with good contrast
- Focus: All text and details must be clearly readable
Lighting and Exposure
- Lighting: Even, diffused lighting to avoid shadows and glare
- No Flash: Avoid direct flash which can cause glare and wash out details
- Natural Light: Use natural daylight when possible
- No Reflections: Ensure no reflections obscure important information
Image Composition
- Full Document: Capture the entire document within the frame
- No Cropping: Include all edges and corners of the document
- Proper Orientation: Document should be straight and level
- No Obstructions: Ensure no fingers, hands, or other objects cover the document
Supported File Formats
Recommended Formats
- JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg): Most common, good compression
- PNG (.png): Lossless compression, better for text
Not Supported
- GIF (.gif): Limited color depth
- BMP (.bmp): Large file size
- WebP (.webp): Limited browser support
- TIFF (.tiff, .tif): Too large for web processing
- PDF (.pdf): Not supported for image processing
File Size Guidelines
Size Limits
- Minimum Size: 100 KB
- Recommended Size: 1-5 MB
- Maximum Size: 50 MB
- Optimal Size: 2-3 MB for best quality/speed balance
Compression Guidelines
- JPEG Quality: 80-90% for optimal balance
- PNG Compression: Use standard compression
- Avoid Over-compression: Don’t compress below 70% quality
Document-Specific Guidelines
National IDs and Driver’s Licenses
- Front Side: Capture entire front face
- Back Side: Capture entire back face
- Security Features: Ensure holograms and security elements are visible
- Barcode/QR Code: Include any machine-readable codes
Passports
- Data Page: Focus on the main data page
- Machine Readable Zone: Ensure MRZ is clearly visible
- Photo: Passport photo should be clear and recognizable
- All Text: All printed text should be legible
Residence Permits and Visas
- Full Document: Include all pages if multi-page
- Stamps and Stickers: Ensure all official stamps are visible
- Dates and Numbers: All dates and identification numbers must be clear
Technical Specifications
Image Processing Requirements
- Color Depth: 24-bit color (16.7 million colors)
- Color Space: sRGB or Adobe RGB
- Aspect Ratio: Maintain original document proportions
- No Digital Alterations: Do not edit, crop, or modify images
Upload Guidelines
- Base64 Encoding: Images must be properly base64 encoded
- No Data URI Prefix: Remove
data:image/jpeg;base64,if present - Line Breaks: Remove any line breaks from base64 string
- Character Encoding: Use UTF-8 encoding
Common Issues and Solutions
Blurry Images
- Cause: Camera shake or poor focus
- Solution: Use tripod or steady surface, ensure proper focus
Glare and Reflections
- Cause: Direct lighting or flash
- Solution: Use diffused lighting, avoid direct flash
Poor Contrast
- Cause: Insufficient lighting or dark background
- Solution: Improve lighting, use light background
Cropped Documents
- Cause: Camera too close or poor framing
- Solution: Step back to capture entire document
Over-compressed Images
- Cause: Excessive compression to reduce file size
- Solution: Use higher quality settings, balance size vs quality
Best Practices Summary
- Use High Resolution: 300 DPI minimum, 600 DPI recommended
- Ensure Good Lighting: Even, diffused lighting without glare
- Capture Full Document: Include all edges and corners
- Maintain Quality: Use appropriate file formats and compression
- Follow Size Guidelines: Stay within 1-50 MB range
- Avoid Digital Alterations: No editing, cropping, or modifications
- Test Before Upload: Verify image quality and readability
- Use Proper Equipment: Good camera or scanner for best results
Quality Checklist
Before uploading your ID images, verify:- Image is sharp and clear
- All text is readable
- No glare or reflections
- Entire document is captured
- File size is within limits
- Format is supported (JPEG/PNG)
- No digital alterations made
- Proper base64 encoding
- Good contrast and lighting
- Document is properly oriented
Related documents
Global ID Recognition Overview
Learn about Global ID Recognition API for worldwide ID document processing
Global ID Recognition API
API reference for Global ID Recognition, which reads and verifies ID documents from front and back images, issuing country, and ID type.