Choose the right format first
JPEG and WebP are often effective for photographs because they can reduce file size with lossy compression. PNG is useful for screenshots, crisp graphics, and transparency, but may be larger for photos. There is no single best format for every image.
Compress and inspect
- Keep an untouched copy of the original.
- Choose a format supported by your destination.
- Start with a moderate quality setting and compare results.
- Inspect text, gradients, edges, and faces at the size visitors will see.
- Use the smallest file that still looks acceptable.
Use the image compressor to compare file size locally, or convert to WebP and check the output.
Does lower quality always mean a smaller file?
Usually for lossy formats, but not always. Already compressed images can become larger after re-encoding, and different image content compresses differently. Compare the actual output size.
Frequently asked questions
What quality setting should I use?
Start around a moderate setting, then inspect the result. The ideal setting depends on the image, format, and use case.
Will compression change image dimensions?
Compression changes encoding and file size, not necessarily pixel dimensions. Use a resize tool separately when you need different width or height.