Photo Upload Instructions

Welcome to the University UCard photo upload system

You may want to check the background information on the pages for New students (pre-registration) or for Staff or for Current students, as appropriate, before proceeding to edit and upload your passport-style photo image. Otherwise, please have a look at the instructions below, and the photo upload tips, if you have any problems.

Please read all of the instructions below

Using the image editor

Accessibility - The built-in image editor requires the use of a mouse or other pointing device, the keyboard cannot be used.

To use the image editor you must have the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) loaded on your computer. The JRE is safe and free. If you are not sure you if you have the latest version on your computer you can install it, by visiting the Java website.

Dependent upon your browser settings you may see warning messages displayed when you edit your photo, e.g. "Java has discovered application components that could indicate a security concern." You should NOT block or cancel the operation, but allow the application to load.

In a small number of cases users have experienced problems where the Offsite Proxy is set in their browser. If you do have a problem using the web editor we suggest trying to upload your image using a different browser, or another PC.

1. Prepare your photo

You should upload a recent photo taken with a digital camera or scanned from a good quality printed image. If an inappropriate, non plain background or poor quality image is uploaded you will be asked to provide an acceptable replacement. There could also be a delay in issuing your UCard on arrival. There may be a charge of £10 if a UCard is printed with an unacceptable image.

Format and Size

As the final image quality is important it will be rejected if:

it is not in JPEG format. An example filename is: Image001.jpg or Image001.jpeg

image dimensions are smaller than 390 pixels by 520 pixels; portrait format. (Almost all cameras and camera phones will produce images bigger than this.)

the file size is less than 20 kbytes, or bigger than 1 Mbyte

You can check image dimensions and size by listing the folder files or moving the mouse over the file image icon.

Scanned photographs

If you scan a photograph:

Set the scanner resolution to a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch)
Crop the image in the scanner to the edge of the photograph, then use the upload editor to crop the image to the final size.

Photo guidelines

example images

The photograph must be a recent passport style picture. See the first example.

Make sure that the picture is in colour, taken against a light-coloured, preferably white, background.
Looking straight at the camera with a relaxed face
If the picture is taken on a sunny day, have the sun behind you, or place yourself in the shade, so that you are not squinting and there are no harsh shadows
If you have to use flash, ensure there's no "red-eye"
If you wear glasses make sure that there are no reflections and your eyes can be clearly seen
Caps, hats and dark glasses are not acceptable. Religious headwear is allowed but it must not cover your face

2. Upload your photo image

Select the appropriate link for New student photo-upload (pre-registration) or Staff, current student photo-upload to proceed.

When you have finished you can see how your photo will look, at any time, by selecting the Display photo option.

If you experience any problems have a look at the upload tips page first. For other technical difficulties please e-mail to card-services@bristol.ac.uk.

Card Services

Information for

General information

Photo upload

Related Links