Compress an image

Compress an image in three steps

1. Choose a JPG, PNG or WebP image.
2. Set the quality slider: the resulting size and the saving are shown live.
3. Choose the output format, JPEG or WebP, then download.

How it works

The image is re-encoded in your browser at the quality you chose. JPEG and WebP are "lossy" formats: they discard details the eye barely notices, such as very slight colour variations, to cut the file size sharply. Between 70 and 85% quality, the difference is almost invisible on screen, while the file can be three or four times smaller.

JPEG or WebP?

Finding the right setting

• For the web: WebP at around 75%. A photo of several megabytes often drops below 300 KB.
• For email or a form: JPEG at around 80%, readable everywhere.
• For printing: stay above 90%, or keep the original.

Zoom in on the tricky areas: sky gradients, skin, overlaid text. If blocks or halos appear, raise the quality a little. And if the image is much larger than needed, say 4000 pixels for display at 1200, start with Resize image: that is often the biggest saving.

Why make images lighter?

Images account for the largest share of the weight of most web pages. Lighter images display faster, especially on mobile, which Google takes into account in its page experience signals. They also fit under the limits of online forms and messaging apps.

Frequently asked questions

Is my image sent to a server?

No, compression is 100% local. Your image never leaves your device.

Can I compress a PNG and keep transparency?

Yes, by choosing WebP as output: it keeps transparency. JPEG does not support it and replaces it with a solid background.

Why is my file sometimes heavier after compression?

If the image was already highly optimised, or if you choose a very high quality, re-encoding may gain nothing. Lower the quality or keep the original.

Can I compress the same image several times?

It is not recommended: each JPEG or WebP pass adds losses. Always start again from the original and try another setting.