How to Reduce Image File Size Without Ruining Quality

Why image files get so large

A photo from a modern phone can have many millions of pixels, and every pixel adds to the file. Most screens, emails and web pages never show that much detail, so a large part of the file is wasted.

There are three ways to make an image smaller: store the same pixels more efficiently, reduce the quality a little, or reduce the number of pixels. The tool lets you combine all three.

Step by step

• Open the Image Compressor and choose a JPG, PNG or WebP image.
• Pick an output format. Same as original keeps the format. JPG and WebP both have a quality slider.
• Optionally set a maximum size for the longest side, such as 2000 px.
• Select Compress image and compare the file size before and after, then check the preview.
• Download the result if it is smaller.

Choosing a quality level

For JPG and WebP, lower quality means a smaller file but softer detail. A value around 70 to 80 suits most photos. Go lower only if you really need a tiny file, and always look at the preview, because text, thin lines and smooth gradients show problems sooner than busy photos do.

Because compression removes some detail permanently, keep your original file and save the compressed one as a copy.

Which format to choose

• JPG works well for photos and opens almost everywhere.
• WebP is often smaller than JPG at similar quality, but some older programs cannot open it.
• PNG is lossless, so it has no quality slider. It suits screenshots, logos and graphics with sharp edges, but files can be large. To shrink a PNG, convert it to WebP or JPG, or use a smaller maximum size.

Reducing the pixel count

Setting a maximum size for the longest side is often the biggest saving, because fewer pixels means less data. If an image will only be shown at 1200 px wide, there is no reason to keep 4000 px. Smaller images are never enlarged by the tool.

Transparency

JPG does not support transparency. If you convert a PNG or WebP with transparent areas to JPG, those areas turn white. If you need to keep transparency, keep the PNG or use WebP.

When the file does not get smaller

An image that was already compressed well can come out the same size or even larger. In that case the tool does not offer a download and tells you so, instead of giving you a bigger file. Try a lower quality, a smaller maximum size or a different format such as WebP.

Limits to know

• Input: JPG, PNG and WebP images up to 25 MB and 50 megapixels.
• Photos taken on phones are rotated correctly using their orientation data.
• Metadata such as camera details and location is not kept in the compressed file.