RESOURCES

Photo & File Guide

How to choose and prepare your photos and artwork so your comp cards and 8×10 headshots print sharp and look like you.

Print specs Photo quality Choosing photos Upload artwork Proof checklist

Print specs at a glance

	Comp card	8×10 headshot
Finished size	5.5 × 8.5 in, vertical or horizontal	8 × 10 in, vertical or horizontal
Bleed	1/16 in (0.0625 in) on every side	1/8 in (0.125 in) on every side
Artwork size with bleed	5.625 × 8.625 in	8.25 × 10.25 in
Pixels at 300 DPI	1688 × 2588 px	2475 × 3075 px
Safe area	Keep text 1/8 in inside the trim edge	Keep text 1/8 in inside the trim edge
Paper	16 pt card stock, matte or glossy	16 pt card stock, matte or glossy UV

Using a template? You don’t need to worry about bleed or sizing. Every template is already set up for print, so just bring good photos.

Photo quality

Use the original, full-size file from your photographer. Screenshots and photos saved from social media or messaging apps are compressed and usually too small to print sharply. Templates accept JPG, PNG and WEBP photos.

8×10 headshot: aim for at least 2400 × 3000 pixels.
Comp card front: aim for at least 1650 × 2550 pixels.
Comp card back: these photos print smaller, but the larger the original, the sharper the result.

Choosing your photos

For your comp card

Front: your strongest current headshot, with your name.
Back: 3–5 photos that show your range, such as a full-length shot, a different look, and a body or lifestyle shot.
Keep it current. Agents and casting directors expect your card to show how you look today.
Follow your agency. If you’re represented, use their required photos, stats and contact details.

For your 8×10 headshot

A recent, professional headshot that looks like you walking into the room.
Sharp focus on your eyes and a simple background.
Natural retouching. Casting needs to recognize you from your photo.

Need inspiration? Browse comp card examples and headshot examples.

Uploading finished artwork

Already designed your comp card or headshot? Upload it in the Design Studio and go straight to your proof.

File type: PDF preferred; JPG or PNG accepted, up to 50 MB per file.
Size: build your artwork at the full size with bleed shown in the specs above, at 300 DPI.
Bleed: extend backgrounds and photos all the way to the bleed edge so no white edges show after trimming.
Safe area: keep your name, stats and contact details at least 1/8 in inside the trim edge.
Sides: comp cards need a front and a back. For headshots, upload the front, plus a back if you have one.

When you upload, the Design Studio checks size, orientation, print resolution and bleed, and your preview shows the trim edge in red and the safe area in blue.

Your résumé on the back of a headshot

Upload your résumé as a PDF, Word or image file and we’ll print it on the back of every headshot for $5. Keep it to one page, and check names, credits and contact details carefully. What you approve on the proof is what prints. Prefer more photos? Choose a photo grid for the back instead, also $5.

Color and editing

Card stock and screens show color differently, so slight differences between your screen and your prints are normal. Natural, well-lit photos print best. Avoid heavy filters and very dark images, and keep in mind that a bright screen can make photos look lighter than they’ll print.

Matte or glossy? Matte reduces glare and is easy to write or sign on. Glossy makes colors and skin tones pop.

Before you approve your proof

Your name is spelled exactly as you want casting to see it.
Stats and measurements are current.
Agency or contact details are correct: email, phone, website and social handles.
Résumé details are accurate, if you’re printing one.
Photos are cropped and positioned the way you want, front and back.
Quantity, finish and digital-file choices are right.
Your shipping address is complete.

Need help with your photos or file?

Email support@modelplatform.com or send us a message. We reply Mon–Sat, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. CT.