Start With Confidence: Studio RedLeaf Delivers the Best ERAS Photos

At Studio RedLeaf, we specialize in professional headshots tailored to the AAMC ERAS photo requirements. Every client receives:

• An ERAS-ready photo in the correct 2.5” × 3.5” portrait format at 150 dpi.

• A file saved at the highest resolution possible that AAMC accepts.

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With that said, many applicants still ask:

❓ “Why does my ERAS photo look cut off when I upload it?”
❓ “Will residency programs see the cropped version?”
❓ “Did my photographer format it incorrectly?”

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This guide explains why the ERAS photo issue happens, what it means for your application, and how to prepare your headshot with confidence.

AAMC ERAS Photo Requirements (2025 Update)

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The AAMC still requires headshots to follow the same portrait format:

• Size: 2.5” × 3.5”

• Resolution: 150 dpi

• File Format: JPEG

• File Size: 90–150 KB (depending on color complexity)

• Background: Solid, professional background (white, gray, or neutral tones)

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The ERAS Photo Cropped Issue Explained

Starting in 2025, applicants began reporting the same concern: after uploading a correctly formatted photo, the AAMC web browser preview shows the head cut off.

Why this happens:

• The web browser preview is auto-generated, not the original file.

• The preview trims edges to fit its display box.

• The final stored file is untouched.

• Residency programs always download the original portrait version, not the cropped preview.

👉 In short: what you see in your ERAS headshot preview is NOT what programs see.

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Example of the ERAS Photo Preview

![ERAS photo cropped example alt text: ERAS photo preview showing the head cut off, a normal web browser display issue not seen by residency programs.]

Your preview may look cropped, but programs receive the full portrait photo.

What Other Applicants Are Saying

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This isn’t just a Studio RedLeaf observation—it’s been widely discussed online since 2025:

• “The website photo preview will cut off the top of your photo, but that is not what programs see.” — Reddit, r/ERAS2024Match2025

• “All my friends had the same thing. So I am assuming, it’s normal! Programs will see the full image.” — Reddit, r/IMGreddit

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Applicants consistently confirm that the cropping only happens in the preview window—it does not affect the photo programs see.

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Best Practices for Uploading Your ERAS Photo

1. Stick to ERAS portrait format (2.5” × 3.5” at 150 dpi).

2. Upload from a desktop or laptop, not a mobile phone.

3. Avoid AirDrop, which can alter file metadata.

4. Expect 90–150 KB file size (normal and correct).

5. Ignore the cropped web browser preview—programs don’t see it.

6. By using Studio RedLeaf, you will always receive the highest resolution photo possible that AAMC accepts.

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FAQ: ERAS Photo Upload Issues

Q: Why does my head look cut off after uploading my ERAS photo?
A: This is only a web browser preview issue. Your actual file is correct.

Q: Do residency programs see the cropped version?
A: No. Programs download the complete portrait photo you uploaded.

Q: Will my application be rejected if my photo looks cropped on the preview I see?
A: No. If you used Studio RedLeaf and attached the photo they sent and the site accepted it, that means you are Good to Go.

Q: What are the current ERAS photo requirements in 2025?
A: Portrait format, 2.5” × 3.5”, 150 dpi, and 90–150 KB in size.

Q: How can I make sure my photo looks professional?
A: Use Studio RedLeaf, which provides both an ERAS-ready version and the highest resolution photo possible that AAMC accepts.

Final Thoughts

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The ERAS head cut off problem has been reported by applicants since 2025. It’s nothing more than a web browser preview quirk—it has zero impact on your actual file or application.

Residency programs always receive the full, properly formatted portrait headshot you uploaded. Still, preparing your photo the right way matters. With Studio RedLeaf, you’ll get both the correct ERAS upload version and the highest resolution photo possible for peace of mind.

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👉 Bottom line: what you see in the preview is not what residency programs receive. Upload with confidence knowing your ERAS headshot is safe, correct, and professional.