Images · Practical tutorial
How to compress JPG and WebP images without guesswork
Reduce image file size while balancing detail, dimensions, format and readability.
Understand what compression changes
Photos often contain far more detail than a website thumbnail or form needs. Re-encoding as JPEG or WebP can lower file size, but stronger lossy compression also discards some visual information. Smaller is not always better: text in a screenshot may become fuzzy before a landscape photo looks noticeably different.
A reliable workflow
- Open the Image Compressor and select a supported local photo. The current tool page describes a 20 MB file and 4-megapixel processing limit, so consult that page for current restrictions.
- Choose an output format. JPEG is broadly compatible; WebP often yields smaller files at similar perceived quality in modern browsers.
- Start with a moderate quality setting, process the image, and save a result.
- Compare the output at 100% zoom, especially faces, small text and sharp edges. Repeat with another quality setting only if necessary.
You have a 1.8 MB holiday photo for a website. If the target accepts WebP, create a WebP version, then compare its size and visible detail against the original. A 500 KB result may be suitable, but the achieved size depends on the image. Do not promise a fixed compression percentage.
What about transparent images?
JPEG does not store transparency. If you have a logo with a transparent background, keep a transparency-capable format rather than blindly converting it to JPEG. The available CraftAI compressor focuses on JPG and WebP output; inspect its output options for your particular file.
Common questions
Is reducing file size the same as resizing?
No. Compression changes encoding quality and format; resizing changes pixel dimensions. For specific photo dimensions, use an image resizer if available and verify both dimensions and file size afterwards.
Can the original detail be restored after lossy compression?
Not reliably. Keep an untouched original until you are satisfied with the new file. Avoid repeatedly compressing already compressed images.
For online forms, always follow the exact accepted format and size ceiling. Good visual quality does not override an upload restriction.
Put the steps into practice
The linked utility opens in your browser. Review its current on-page limits and inspect the output before sharing it.
Use Image Compressor →