---
Source: https://docs.microblink.com/extraction/api/image-formats
Title: Image formats
---

# Image formats

All endpoints accept **jpg/jpeg** and **png** formats.
The resolution of the image should be at least **1080p** (1920×1080 px).
Smaller resolutions are accepted, but won't provide optimal results.
Larger resolutions are also accepted, but won't improve the scanning process significantly.
There is no need to downscale your images before sending them to the API.

Keep in mind that the API is optimized for images taken with mobile phone cameras.
Images taken with web cameras, which usually have much lower resolutions, might not perform as well.

## Providing images {/* #providing-images */}

Every recognition endpoint accepts an `ImageSource` object for each image parameter (for example, `image` on `/blinkid-single-side`, or `imageFirstSide` and `imageSecondSide` on `/blinkid-multi-side`).
An `ImageSource` has two fields:

- `imageUrl`: a publicly accessible URL pointing to the image.
- `imageBase64`: the image encoded as a Base64 string.

### Using a URL {/* #using-a-url */}

Pass the URL of the image in the `imageUrl` field.
The API will fetch the image from the provided URL.

```bash
curl --json '{"image": {"imageUrl": "https://example.com/document-front.jpg"}}' --header "mb-api-key: {your_api_key}" http://localhost:8080/blinkid-single-side
```

### Using Base64 {/* #using-base64 */}

Pass the Base64-encoded image in the `imageBase64` field.

```bash
curl --json '{"image": {"imageBase64": "/9j/4AAQSkZJRgAB..."}}' --header "mb-api-key: {your_api_key}" http://localhost:8080/blinkid-single-side
```

### Multi-side documents {/* #multi-side-documents */}

For endpoints that scan both sides of a document, provide a separate `ImageSource` for each side.
The example below uses URLs for both sides:

```bash
curl --json '{"imageFirstSide": {"imageUrl": "https://example.com/document-front.jpg"}, "imageSecondSide": {"imageUrl": "https://example.com/document-back.jpg"}}' --header "mb-api-key: {your_api_key}" http://localhost:8080/blinkid-multi-side
```


Last updated on Apr 16, 2026