Reduce JPG file size — free online tool

Get a JPG under an upload limit such as 1 MB or 200 KB: lower quality first, then resize before compressing. Original returned if it cannot be reduced.

Compress images

Control quality, size, and format in one batch.

What to know

Most people land here with a target in mind: a form that rejects files over 1 MB, an email attachment cap, a portal that wants 200 KB for an ID photo. File size is controlled by two things, the quality setting and the pixel count, and the order in which you use them matters. Start with quality, because it costs the least visible detail.

A phone photo of 4000 x 3000 pixels at 5 MB is a typical starting point. Quality 78 often brings a photo like that down to a fraction of its weight; if the total is still above your limit, tick Resize before compressing and use a width of 1600 or 1200. Halving both sides leaves a quarter of the pixels, so the file falls by well over half again before quality is even applied.

Because a rough estimate of the total output is shown before you run, you can iterate quickly: change the slider, re-run, and read the new figure in the results list. Stop at the highest quality that fits, since every extra drop in quality trades detail for bytes you no longer need.

A document photo or scan needs different care. Text and stamps show artifacts at low settings, so favor a smaller pixel width at quality 80 or above instead of pushing the slider to 40. If the file cannot get smaller at its current dimensions, the original is returned unchanged rather than a larger one.

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How to use Reduce JPG file size — free online tool
  1. Drop the JPG into the page; the format stays JPG.
  2. Set Quality to 78 and note the resulting size against your limit.
  3. If still too large, tick Resize before compressing, choose Pixels and enter a width of 1600, then 1200 if needed.
  4. Download the first version that fits under the limit and confirm the size in your file manager.

Quick answers

How do I get a JPG under 200 KB for an application form?

Resize to roughly 800 pixels on the long side and keep quality around 80. Photos of faces on plain backgrounds reach 200 KB at that size without visible damage; busy scenes may need a smaller width.

Should I lower quality or resolution first?

Lower quality first down to about 70, then reduce resolution. Below quality 60 artifacts become visible, while a modest cut in pixels is rarely noticed on screen.

Why is the file still over the limit after compressing?

The photo may be very detailed or very large in pixels. Tick Resize before compressing and set a smaller width; the pixel count has the biggest effect.

Does the tool guarantee a specific size?

No. It has no target-size mode, so you adjust the slider and the width and check the displayed size until it fits.