Last updated: October 15, 2026
Why file size matters
Many online forms, job portals and social media platforms reject photos above a particular size limit, such as 100 KB or 2 MB. A mobile phone image is oftenly comprised of several MBs, so it usually needs to be compressed before you can upload to various portals.
How we determine image size
- Dimensions. An image with more pixels makes a bigger file size. A mobile phone image is of several thousand pixels which is far bigger than it is required for most websites.
- Quality. Lower quality settings give smaller files, but they remove essential details.
- Format. JPG and WebP can be compressed much further than PNG for photos.
How to compress an image to a target size
- Open the Image Compressor from the tools.
- Click on upload photo and Choose your photo from your browser. Images will stay on your device.
- Set Compression mode to Target file size.
- Type your limit, for example 100, and choose KB (or MB for larger limits).
- Leave reduce the image dimensions ticked, so the tool can shrink the picture if quality alone is not enough.
- Click Compress image, then check the Before and After panels, examine your image carefully and the new file size.
- Download the result by cliking on download.
If the size limit is not reached
- Try a slightly bigger target. Very small targets can be impossible for large, detailed photos.
- Make sure the dimension option is ticked.
- If your photo is a PNG screenshot, first turn it into a JPG with our PNG to JPG converter, then compress it.
- If the form also asks for exact pixel dimensions, resize first with the Image Resizer, then compress.
A note about KB
Our tool counts 1 KB as 1,024 bytes. Some websites count 1 KB as 1,000 bytes. If a limit is tight, aim a little lower. For a 100 KB limit, a target of 95 KB is safer.
What are compromises on quality
Compression that removes a lot of data can cause blurry text or patch, especially in faces and small writing. Always look at the After preview before you upload, and keep your original photo.
Common questions
Is my image uploaded anywhere in any other software?
No. The tool runs in your browser, so your photo is not sent to our servers or any software outside your browser.
Can I compress many images in bulk at once?
Yes. The Bulk Image Resizer handles up to 20 photos and gives you a ZIP file.