Image compression guide

How to compress an image without losing too much quality

The best image compression is not about choosing the lowest quality setting. It is about matching dimensions, format, and file size to the place where the image will be used.

Start with the real upload limit

If a form says “maximum 100KB”, work from that number. Compressing an image to a random percentage can leave it too large or make it much softer than necessary.

Compress an image to 100KB with a target-based tool when the requirement is exact.

Resize before you over-compress

A 4000-pixel phone photo usually does not need to remain 4000 pixels wide for a profile image or a normal web form. Reducing dimensions removes unnecessary detail before you reduce JPEG quality.

For a general website image, start with a sensible website resize. For a square avatar, crop and resize before compression.

Choose the right format

JPG is usually the best choice for photos when file size matters. WebP can be useful for modern websites. PNG is best for screenshots, logos, and transparency, but it can remain large because it is lossless.

Use Convert Image to JPG when you need a smaller photo file, or convert to WebP for a modern web asset.

Use a practical target when no limit is given

  • 50–100KB: strict forms, simple headshots, small profile images.
  • 200–500KB: ordinary website photos and WordPress uploads.
  • 1MB: clear photos for email attachments and everyday sharing.

TargetKB lets you try these limits directly, then download the clearest result that fits.

File-size limits and output details

Check how TargetKB handles KB and MB limits, image quality, transparency and batches before preparing an upload.