Many offices, banks, colleges, landlords and online forms ask for the Aadhaar card "front and back on one page" or "both sides in a single file". If you have photographed the two sides of your PVC card or the printed letter separately, you have two images. This guide shows how to combine them into one image or one PDF page, keep the result readable and of the right size, and protect your Aadhaar from misuse.
Option 1: the e-Aadhaar PDF already has both
If you download e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI website, the PDF already contains the front and back sections on one page. Open it (the password is explained in our e-Aadhaar password guide). If the form needs an image, convert the page with PDF to JPG. If it needs a PDF without a password, see Unlock PDF, which removes the password from your own file once you enter it.
Option 2: combine two photos into one image
When you have photographed the two sides, use Merge Images:
- Crop each photo to the card edges first with Crop Image, removing the table or background. Rotate if needed with Rotate Image.
- Open Merge Images and add the front image first, then the back.
- Choose vertical layout to place the front above the back, which suits an A4 page. Choose horizontal for side by side.
- Set a small spacing, such as 10–20 pixels, and a white background colour.
- Download the merged image.
- Check the file size; if the form has a limit, compress it with Compress Image.
Merging happens in your browser, so your Aadhaar images are not uploaded to our server.
Option 3: make a one-page PDF
- Merge the two sides into one image as above.
- Convert the merged image to PDF with JPG to PDF, choosing A4 page size and portrait orientation.
- If there is a size limit, use Compress PDF; see compressing a PDF to a specific size.
Alternatively, select both images in Images to PDF to create a two-page PDF, if the form accepts two pages.
Taking good photos of the card
- Place the card on a plain dark surface so its edges stand out.
- Use daylight or bright, even light. Avoid the phone flash, which causes glare on PVC cards.
- Hold the phone directly above the card, parallel to it, so the card is not skewed.
- Make sure all text, the photo and the QR code are in focus.
- A document scanning app, or your phone's built-in scanner, can straighten the image automatically. More tips are in how to scan documents with your phone.
Recommended layout and sizes
| Need | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Form asks for a JPG with both sides | Vertical merge, white background, compress to the stated limit |
| Form asks for a PDF | Vertical merge, then JPG to PDF on A4 |
| Printing a photocopy-style page | Vertical merge, A4 PDF, print at 100% scale |
| Sharing on WhatsApp for KYC | Watermarked merged image, see below |
Protect your Aadhaar copy
Aadhaar copies are widely misused when shared without care. Before sharing:
- Watermark it with the purpose and date, for example "For SIM KYC only – 20/10/2026", using Add Watermark. Read how to watermark ID copies.
- Use masked Aadhaar where the full number is not required. A masked Aadhaar shows only the last four digits.
- Share only with the organisation that needs it, through official channels where possible.
- Delete copies from shared computers, cyber café desktops and chat downloads after use.
Common questions
Is a merged photo accepted instead of the e-Aadhaar PDF?
That depends on the organisation. Many accept a clear copy of both sides; some insist on the e-Aadhaar or offline verification. Follow their instructions.
The merged image is too large
Photos from modern phones are large. Compress with Compress Image or resize first with Resize Image. See how to reduce photo size in KB (Hindi).
Can I do the same for PAN, voter ID or driving licence?
Yes. The same steps work for any two-sided card, such as voter ID, driving licence, PAN card, or a college ID.
Printing the combined page
If an office asks for a printed copy, print the A4 PDF at 100% or "actual size" rather than "fit to page", so the card stays close to its real size. Use good contrast and avoid very light printer settings, which make the QR code and small text hard to read. Write the purpose, date and your signature across the copy, a common practice for self-attested photocopies, and do not leave extra copies at the print shop. Shop computers often keep downloads, so delete your file and empty the trash before leaving.
The same printing advice applies to other ID cards and certificates you combine this way.
Summary
Crop both sides, merge them vertically with a white background, convert to PDF if needed, compress to the required size, and watermark the copy before sharing.
Try it now: Merge Images is free to start and works on mobile and desktop.
Open Merge Images