How to Compress an Image Without Losing Quality (Step by Step)
Learn how to compress JPG, PNG and WebP images without visible quality loss. See the best settings for web and email, then shrink your images free.
What Is Image Compression?
Image compression reduces storage size by changing how image data is represented.
Lossy vs Lossless Image Compression
Lossy compression can discard information to reduce size. Lossless compression keeps the underlying image information recoverable.
How to Compress an Image
Use the image compressor, select the desired quality and format, then compare the output size and appearance.
JPG, PNG and WebP
The best format depends on the content, transparency requirements, compatibility, and desired file size.
Choosing a Quality Setting
For photos, a quality setting of about 80 to 85 percent is a common starting point that keeps most visible detail. Lower it for thumbnails, raise it for prints, and always compare the result with the original at full size. In the Compress Image tool the slider starts at 0.82.
Compress or Resize First?
Compression keeps the same pixel size; resizing cuts the pixel count. If an image is much bigger than you need, resize it first with Resize Image, then compress it.
Which Format Gives Smaller Files?
For photos, JPG and WebP are usually far smaller than PNG. Keep PNG for graphics that need sharp edges or transparency. See JPG vs WebP for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I compress an image without losing any quality?
Lossless compression exists, but the big savings come from lossy compression, which discards some detail. Use a high quality setting to keep the loss hard to see.
Does compressing change the dimensions?
No. It changes file size only, unless the image is above 6,000 pixels on a side.
Try it now: Compress Image — free, in your browser.