Reduce JPEG file size without blindly lowering quality

Identify the actual limit

A destination may limit pixel dimensions, file size, or both. A 1920 × 1080 requirement describes pixels; a 500 KB requirement describes storage. Keep an original and use it for every trial so repeated JPEG encoding does not accumulate artifacts.

For a smaller file at the existing dimensions, open: Compress JPEG →

Compare one change at a time

1. Generate a result at a relatively high quality and note its actual file size.
2. Lower quality gradually and compare text, faces, outlines and smooth gradients.
3. Once the file meets the limit, inspect it at the intended display size as well as zoomed in.
4. Download and reopen the result. Changing a filename extension is not format conversion.

When quality alone is not enough

A very large photo may contain far more pixels than a small web placement needs. Reducing dimensions can save substantial space, but permanently removes detail. Keep a high-resolution original for printing or future crops. Do not resize simply because another image reached the target size: detailed photographs compress differently from plain backgrounds.

When the destination needs fewer pixels, use: Resize Image →

Screenshots and transparent images

JPEG cannot preserve transparency and may add visible ringing around small text. Compare PNG or WebP for interface screenshots, line art and transparent graphics. Check that the receiving application supports your chosen format. The smallest file is not useful if it cannot be opened or loses essential details.

Compare output formats with: Convert & Compress →