How to reduce image file size while preserving quality
Compressing an image always discards something. The goal is to discard what the eye will not miss, in the order that costs the least.
Start with format
For photographs, JPG or WebP usually gives the best size for the quality. PNG is best kept for graphics with flat colours or transparency.
Changing a photo from PNG to JPG alone can shrink it dramatically.
Then quality, then dimensions
Lower the encoder quality in modest steps and check the result at the size it will actually be viewed.
Only reduce pixel dimensions once quality alone cannot reach the target. Downscaling too far is the most visible mistake.
Check important results yourself
Tools used in this guide
Image Resizer
Resize an image to exact pixel dimensions, or compress it toward a target file size. Everything runs in your browser.
JPG, PNG, WebP JPG, PNG, WebPOpen toolResize Image to 100 KB
Task pageReduce a JPG or PNG to roughly 100 KB while preserving reasonable detail for documents and profiles.
JPG, PNG, WebP JPGOpen toolResize Image to 50 KB
Task pageReduce a JPG or PNG to roughly 50 KB for uploads that require a small, specific file size.
JPG, PNG, WebP JPGOpen tool