---
title: Capture Standard
description: How to capture the selfie sent to Human Token — face positioning, lighting, background, image format, glasses and capture guidance.
canonical: https://developer.unico.io/human-token/additional-resources/capture-standard
locale: en
generated_by: markdown-export
---

- [/](/)
- Additional Resources
- Capture Standard

**On this page# Capture Standard

Use the SDKs whenever possibleFor optimal performance of Human Token's capabilities, we recommend using our SDKs ([Web](/human-token/integrations/web/requirements), [Android](/human-token/integrations/app/android), [iOS](/human-token/integrations/app/ios), [Flutter](/human-token/integrations/app/flutter)). They ensure the best functioning of the product as a whole, both in terms of drop rate and in validating the Liveness.
To achieve better results in image capture, a capture standard has been defined. The image should be clear with sufficient frontal lighting. The face should be straight, facing the camera, free from objects or obstructions, and with a neutral expression.
The most common reasons for capture rejection or low scores are:

**Lighting behind the client**
**Overexposed lighting**
**Face too close to the camera**
**Blurry images**
**Shaky images**
**Client wearing glasses**

How to obtain a good image capture
The platform follows the **ICAO** standard (International Civil Aviation Organization). The requirements below apply to selfie captures.
### Face positioning​

**Frontal** — the subject looks directly at the camera, head upright, face centered.
**Shoulders** — aligned and parallel to the camera's image plane.
**Eyes** — naturally open, pupils and irises visible.
**Expression** — neutral. No smiling, raised eyebrows, squinting, or frowning.
**Hair** — must not cover the visible eye area.
**Coverings** — no glasses, hats, caps, or masks.

### Lighting and background​

**Background** — light, smooth, no texture. No spots, lines, curves, people, furniture, patterns, or plants. Light blue or white work well, provided there is sufficient contrast between the face/hair and the background.
**Lighting** — adequate and uniform, equally distributed across the face. No shadows behind the face.
**Brightness and contrast** — good contrast between hair, face, and background.
**Color** — images must be in color. No grayscale.

### Image formats​

Accepted formats: `JPEG`, `PNG`, `JWT`.
Sizes and proportions
### Selfies​

PropertyValueRecommended resolution1080×1920 (portrait) or 1920×1080 (landscape)OrientationPortraitMaximum size800 KB (compress to JPEG quality 92 if needed)
### Documents​

PropertyValueRecommended sizeHD — 1280×720 or 720×1280Minimum sizeVGA — 640×480 or 480×640OrientationIf OCR is used, capture in reading orientationMaximum size800 KB (compress to JPEG quality 92 if needed)FramingAvoid excessive empty space around the document. Large unused borders degrade document classification.
Examples of standard and non-standard photos
A compliant photo:

Is in **color** with proper framing.
Is **sharp and clearly focused**, free of ink marks or creases.

Shows the subject **looking directly at the camera** with natural skin tone.
Has appropriate **brightness and contrast**.

Has a **neutral expression** with eyes clearly visible — no hair covering them.
Is **face-on**: not over the shoulder, not tilted, both edges of the face visible.
Has a **simple, light-colored background** — preferably white.
Has **even lighting** — no shadows, no flash reflections, no red-eye.
Has **no colored contact lenses** and **no makeup** that significantly alters appearance.

### Glasses​

The photo should be captured without glasses. If the subject must wear them:

Eyes must be **clear** in the photo, with no flash or ambient-light reflections on the lenses.
Frames must **not cover any part of the eyes**.
No colored lenses.

ReferenceImage quality guidelines are derived from [ICAO MRTD Photo Guidelines (Annex A)](http://www.icao.int/Security/mrtd/Downloads/TechnicalReports/Annex_A-Photograph_Guidelines.pdf).
Tips
### Add pre-capture instructions​

Show the subject, in plain language, what they need to do before the camera opens — remove glasses, find good lighting, maintain a neutral expression. A short instruction screen drastically reduces retries.

### Use capture frames​

Display a guide overlay that helps the subject position their face or document correctly within the frame.
Last updated on Oct 20, 2026**