MyERAS primarily validates pixel dimensions and file size. 375×525 px corresponds to ~2.5×3.5 inches at ~150 DPI; DPI itself is advisory for viewing/printing.

GUIDE

What are ERAS headshots?

Q: What exactly is an ERAS headshot?

It’s the professional portrait included with your MyERAS residency application. Programs see it across the workflow (screening, interview invites, rosters). The image should be a clear, natural head-and-shoulders photo on a neutral background sized for MyERAS.

Q: What size should my ERAS photo be?

Commonly 375×525 pixels (portrait) with a file size of ≤150 KB in JPG or PNG. This small footprint displays well in the application system.

Q: How is an ERAS photo different from a corporate headshot?

Corporate/LinkedIn headshots vary widely in crop and resolution. ERAS photos are standardized, small (375×525 px), and must remain under a strict file-size limit. Backgrounds should be plain and neutral.

Professional head-and-shoulders photos sized for MyERAS®. Learn the specs, how they differ from corporate/passport photos, and how to get an interview-ready image—fast.

Check my photo (free)Get 40+ headshots for $19

Made in minutes • Sized for ERAS • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Definition: ERAS headshots in one line

An ERAS headshot is the professional portrait included with your residency application. Reviewers see it throughout the process—from screening to interviews—so your photo should be clear, natural, and professional: a front-facing head-and-shoulders image on a plain, neutral background sized to the system’s constraints.

Pixels

375 × 525 px (portrait)

File Size

≤ 150 KB

Format

JPG (recommended) or PNG

Background

Plain, neutral (light gray/off-white/pale blue)

Framing

Head & shoulders centered; eyes toward camera

Lighting

Soft, even light; avoid heavy filters

Note: MyERAS primarily validates pixel dimensions and file size. DPI is advisory (375×525 px ≈ 2.5×3.5 in at ~150 DPI).

How ERAS headshots differ from corporate & passport photos

Corporate/LinkedIn images vary widely in crop, background, and resolution. Passport photos follow biometric rules and country-specific sizes. ERAS photos are standardized and small, so they remain fast to load across the application workflow and are easy to compare side-by-side.

Type	Crop & Size	Background	Primary Use
ERAS	375×525 px; ≤150 KB; tight head-and-shoulders	Plain, neutral	Residency application (MyERAS)
Corporate/LinkedIn	Varies; often square (e.g., 400×400+)	Neutral or branded; sometimes environmental	Professional profiles, websites, badges
Passport/Visa	Country-specific sizes and biometric rules	Plain, light background	Government ID

Best poses & capture tips

✓

Stand or sit tall with relaxed shoulders; keep the camera around eye level.

✓

Face a window or diffuse light source; avoid harsh overhead lighting/shadows.

✓

Keep a plain, neutral background (light gray/off-white/pale blue works well).

✓

Natural expression; gentle smile is great—avoid heavy beauty filters.

✓

Wear professional attire; avoid loud patterns; check for glare on glasses.

✓

Crop to head-and-shoulders; leave a little space above the head.

Already have a photo? Use our free ERAS Photo Checker to confirm pixels and file size in seconds.

How much do ERAS headshots cost?

You have three practical options. Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose based on time, budget, and control:

DIY at home

•Use your phone + window light
•Full control, but requires editing/cropping
•Easy to miss size/file constraints

Check my photo free

Good if you’re comfortable editing and have time to iterate.

ERAS Headshot (AI)

$19

•40+ variations in ~7 minutes
•Neutral backgrounds, ERAS-ready exports
•100% satisfaction guarantee

Generate my headshots

Fastest path to multiple polished options without a photoshoot.

Photographer

$150+

•Studio lighting & direction
•Scheduling and turnaround required
•Ask for an ERAS-sized export

Prepare with our checklist

Great if you want an in-person session and have budget/time.

Where programs see your headshot

Application review

Faculty and coordinators see tiles and lists—clear, correctly sized images display best.

Interview invites & rosters

When photos are compared side-by-side, neutral lighting and framing help you look your best.

Internal materials

Some programs pull headshots into spreadsheets or slide decks; small, consistent files help.

Common pitfalls (and easy fixes)

Wrong size: Export/crop to exactly 375×525 px.
File too large: Re-export JPG with slightly lower quality to stay under 150 KB.
Busy background: Switch to a plain neutral (light gray, off-white, pale blue).
Harsh light/glare: Use window light; tilt glasses slightly to reduce reflections.
Over-filtered skin: Keep texture; avoid heavy smoothing or color shifts.

FAQ

What exactly is an ERAS headshot?

It’s the professional portrait included with your MyERAS application. Aim for a clear, front-facing, head-and-shoulders image on a neutral background sized to ERAS constraints.

What size should my ERAS photo be?

375×525 px (portrait), ≤150 KB, JPG or PNG. Small, consistent files display best in the workflow.

Does ERAS check DPI?

DPI is advisory; MyERAS primarily validates pixel dimensions and file size. 375×525 px ≈ 2.5×3.5 in at ~150 DPI.

How is an ERAS photo different from a corporate headshot?

ERAS photos are standardized and small; corporate images vary by platform (e.g., square crops for LinkedIn).

Do I need a photographer?

Not necessarily. If time/budget is tight, AI generation can produce many polished options quickly. If you want a studio session and direction, a photographer is great—just ask for an ERAS-sized export.

ERAS-ready in minutes.

Get 40+ studio-style options formatted to ERAS specs for just $19.

Create my headshots Check my current photo