A document with a large file size:

• Takes longer to upload, download, transfer or view;
• Has a higher chance of encountering an error while being transmitted over the internet; and
• Takes up more system resources.

Thus, it would be optimal if documents being submitted online are detailed enough to help us verify, evaluate and process an application, but are not so large in size that they have a negative impact as described above.

A document's size depends on its:

• Resolution (in dpi),
• Color depth (B&W, 256 color, True colour/24 bit); and
• Compression method.

Choose the right settings for your document, depending on:

• The quality of the original hardcopy document; and
• The document's purpose in the application.

Generally, documents with images require higher color depth and resolution. Documents that consist mainly of text, however, can be saved in B&W.

Please adhere to these file specifications where feasible:

For text-only documents:

• B&W;
• TIFF format;
• CCITT Group 4 compression; and
• 200/300dpi resolution;

      Estimated file size (for an A4-sized B&W document, TIFF in CCITT G4):

• About 25kB at 200dpi; and
• Over 50kB at 300dpi;

For documents with images:

• JPEG format;
• Resolution of 72dpi to 300dpi; and
• Image depth of not more than 24bit (true color);
  

      Estimated file size (for an A4-sized document):

• About 300kB at 200dpi; and
• About 800kB at 300dpi.
  

Here are some tips on scanning documents for online submission:

• Adjust the scanner's settings such that the document's background is as clean and clear as possible;
• Make sure that the document is placed right-side-up in the scanner; and
• Crop the image if necessary, to reduce file size and avoid having a document that has unnecessary details.