How to Use the Image Compressor: Complete Guide
Learn how to compress and convert JPG, PNG and WebP images, which settings to use for each type of image, and how to read your results.
Quick start
- Add your image. Drag and drop a JPG, PNG or WebP image (up to 25 MB), click Browse File, or click From URL and paste a direct image link.
- Choose the output format. Pick Original Format to keep the same format, or choose JPG, PNG or WebP. Use the recommendations in this guide if you are unsure.
- Set the quality. Start with the recommended quality (usually 75% to 85% for photos). Use the Smaller file or Higher quality priority to change the suggestion.
- Compress and check the result. Press Compress Image, then compare before and after. Zoom in to inspect text and edges. If quality looks soft, raise the quality and compress again.
- Download. Press Download to save the file. It is named like photo-compressed.webp.
Recommended settings by image type
These are starting points, not guarantees. Every image is different, so always check the measured size and the before and after view.
| Image type | Suggested output | Quality | Extra tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo for a website | WebP (or JPG) | 75% to 80% | Set Max width to 1600 to 2000 px. |
| Photo for email | JPG | 70% to 80% | Max width 1200 to 1600 px keeps files small. |
| Social media or profile photo | JPG | 80% to 85% | Platforms re-compress, so avoid very low quality. |
| Product or e-commerce photo | WebP | 80% to 85% | Max width 1600 to 2000 px, check detail with zoom. |
| Screenshot or text-heavy image | PNG (lossless) or WebP | PNG: lossless. WebP: 90% or more | Avoid low quality: text edges blur first. |
| Logo or icon with transparency | PNG or WebP | PNG: lossless. WebP: 90% or lossless | Do not use JPG: it removes transparency. |
| High-quality or print photo | JPG | 90% to 95% | Keep your original file as well. |
| Already optimized image | Original Format | Keep the recommended value | If the result is not smaller, keep your original. |
Which format should I choose?
| Format | Best for | Transparency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Format | Keeping the same format (JPG stays JPG, PNG stays PNG, WebP stays WebP) | Kept (PNG, WebP) | PNG is optimized losslessly. JPG and WebP use the quality slider. It never silently changes your format. |
| JPG | Photos, email, social media, maximum compatibility | Not supported (filled with a background colour) | Usually the smallest choice for photos that must work everywhere. |
| PNG | Screenshots, logos, text and graphics | Yes | Lossless, so quality is preserved. Converting a JPG or WebP to PNG often makes the file larger. |
| WebP | Websites and apps that need small files | Yes | Modern format with lossy and lossless modes. Creating WebP is not supported in Safari or on iPhone. |
What the quality slider means
The slider goes from 10% to 100% and sets the encoder’s quality. It is not the percentage of the file you keep or remove. At 75% quality a 10 MB image does not become 7.5 MB or 2.5 MB. The final size depends on the image content, its dimensions, how it was compressed before and the output format, which is why Compress Image measures the real file after encoding.
- 10%: maximum compression, quality loss may be noticeable.
- 25%: strong compression.
- 50%: balanced toward smaller files.
- 75%: balanced quality and file size.
- 90%: high quality.
- 100%: the highest quality the encoder offers, with the largest files.
PNG is lossless, so the slider is switched off for PNG and for lossless WebP.
Reading your results
After processing you see the original size, the output size, the quality used, the space saved and the percentage reduction. Space saved is the original size minus the output size, and the reduction is that difference divided by the original size. If the output is larger than the original, the tool shows an increase instead of a saving.
Common tasks
Compress a photo for a website
Choose WebP (or JPG for maximum compatibility), keep the recommended quality of about 75% to 80% and set Advanced options → Maximum width to 1600 or 2000 pixels. Compress, zoom in to check detail and download.
Make an image smaller for email
Choose JPG at 70% to 80% and a maximum width of 1200 to 1600 pixels. This usually brings large camera photos down to a comfortable email size.
Convert PNG to JPG or WebP
Select the new format and press Convert Image. JPG removes transparency and fills it with a background colour you can choose under Advanced options. WebP keeps transparency.
Compress an image from a link
Click From URL, paste a direct link to a JPG, PNG or WebP file and press Fetch Image. If the website blocks direct downloads, download the image to your device and use Browse File instead.
Troubleshooting
- The result is larger than my original. The original may already be well optimized, or you chose PNG for a JPG. The tool tries lower quality automatically and will not give you a bigger file unless you tick Allow larger output. Try WebP or a smaller maximum width.
- WebP is greyed out. Your browser cannot create WebP files. This is common on Safari and iPhone. Use JPG or PNG, or Chrome, Edge or Firefox.
- The image looks blurry or blocky. Raise the quality to 85% to 90%, or use PNG for screenshots and text.
- The image is rejected. Check that it is a still JPG, PNG or WebP, under 25 MB and under 50 megapixels. Animated images are not supported.
- The URL does not work. It must be a direct link to an image that is publicly accessible, not a web page.
Frequently asked questions
What quality setting should I use for website photos?
Start at 75% to 80% with WebP, or 75% to 85% with JPG. Also set a maximum width of about 1600 to 2000 pixels, because very large dimensions are the main reason web photos are heavy.
How can I reduce an image to under 1 MB or 100 KB?
There is no fixed-size button because the result depends on the image, but two steps work well: lower the maximum width (for example 1200 pixels) and use a quality of 60% to 75%. Check the measured size, then adjust and compress again until you reach your target.
How do I convert PNG to JPG or WebP?
Add your PNG, choose JPG or WebP as the output format and press Convert Image. JPG fills transparent areas with a background colour (white by default), while WebP keeps transparency.
How do I convert JPG to WebP?
Add your JPG, select WebP, keep the recommended quality and compress. WebP is usually smaller than JPG at similar visual quality, but it is not available in every browser (for example Safari and iPhone cannot create WebP files).
Does compressing an image remove EXIF and location data?
Yes. The new file is encoded from the image pixels, so camera details, GPS location and similar metadata are not included. This can help privacy, but it also removes copyright information stored in the file.
Does compression change my image dimensions?
No, not unless you set a maximum width in Advanced options. By default the width and height stay the same.
Why can't I select WebP on my iPhone or Safari?
This is a browser limitation: Safari and other iPhone browsers cannot create WebP files through the web canvas. Choose JPG or PNG, or use Chrome, Edge or Firefox on a computer or Android phone.
What is the difference between lossy and lossless compression?
Lossy compression (JPG and lossy WebP) removes some detail to make files much smaller. Lossless compression (PNG and lossless WebP) keeps every pixel exactly but usually gives smaller savings.
Can I compress animated GIFs or other formats?
Not at the moment. Compress Image supports still JPG, PNG and WebP images only. Animated images are rejected so that your animation is never silently flattened.
What is the best format for e-commerce or product photos?
WebP at 80% to 85% with a maximum width of 1600 to 2000 pixels is a strong choice for modern stores. Use JPG at 80% to 85% when you need to support every browser and app.