Compress JPG Online
Shrink JPG file size up to 90% online for free. No visible quality loss, no signup, no watermark.
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How to compress JPG
- Upload one or more JPG files (up to 50 MB total).
- Choose a compression level (Low / Medium / High / Maximum) or pick a target file size.
- Click 'Compress JPG' — compression finishes in under 1 second per image.
- Download compressed files individually, or grab all as a ZIP.
Quick fact about JPG
A JPG image saved at 85% quality is typically 40-60% smaller than the same image at 100% quality, with no visible difference on screens, phones, or TVs. Only large-format print workflows benefit from above 90%.
Why compress JPG?
JPG files from modern cameras and phones are often much larger than necessary for their intended use. A 4 MB photo stored at 100% quality is typically indistinguishable from a 1.2 MB version at 85% quality on any screen. Compressing JPG saves storage, speeds up website loading (Core Web Vitals LCP), keeps email attachments under size limits, and meets upload requirements for exam portals, government forms, and job applications.
Technical details
| Input format | JPG, JPEG |
| Output format | JPG (JPEG) |
| Encoder | libjpeg-turbo |
| Quality range | 60% (max compression) to 90% (near-original) |
| Typical reduction | 40-70% at 80% quality |
| Chroma subsampling | Preserved (4:2:0 or original) |
| EXIF metadata | Preserved by default |
| Max file size | 50 MB per file |
| File retention | Auto-deleted after compression |
How the conversion works
The compressor decodes the JPG image and re-encodes it at a lower quality setting using libjpeg-turbo. Quality levels range from 60% (maximum compression) to 90% (near-original). The chroma subsampling is preserved, and EXIF metadata (camera, GPS, timestamp) is retained. If you choose a target file size, the compressor iteratively adjusts quality until the output is under the target.
When to compress JPG
- Uploading photos to exam portals with strict size limits (20-100 KB).
- Reducing website image weight for faster page loads and better Core Web Vitals.
- Making photo archives more manageable without visible quality loss.
- Attaching photos to email without hitting provider size limits.
- Preparing images for social media upload within platform caps.
- Meeting marketplace listing requirements (eBay, Etsy) that cap image size.
- Reducing WhatsApp or Telegram backup sizes before syncing.
Quality considerations
At 80-85% quality, compressed JPG is visually identical to the original on any screen — phones, laptops, TVs, projectors. Below 70% quality, artifacts start appearing around text, sharp edges, and detailed textures. For photos destined for print above A4 size, use 85-90% quality. For web or phone viewing, 70-80% is the sweet spot for size vs. quality.
Limitations and caveats
- Compression is lossy — you cannot recover the exact original JPG from a compressed version.
- Below 70% quality, visible artifacts may appear around text or sharp edges.
- Repeated re-compression accumulates quality loss (compress once, keep the original).
- Very small target sizes (< 20 KB) may produce unusable images for photos with complex detail.
- Metadata stripping is off by default — EXIF (GPS, camera info) is preserved unless configured.
Compatibility
- Output JPG works on every device and browser released in the last 30 years.
- Accepted by every email client, CMS, marketplace, and web form.
- Compatible with exam portals and government forms that require under 50 KB, 100 KB, or 200 KB.
- Ideal for websites optimizing Core Web Vitals (LCP, CLS).
- Works with social media upload limits on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn.
Tips for best results
- Use 80% quality for web images — 60% smaller with no visible difference on any screen.
- For email attachments, aim for under 500 KB by using 70% quality.
- Keep the original JPG if the photo is irreplaceable — compression is one-way lossy.
- Batch-compress entire folders at once — up to 50 MB per session.
- For exam portals requiring under 50 KB, use the 'compress to 50KB' preset.
Compression levels explained
| Level | Size reduction | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Low (90% quality) | ~20-30% | Printing, professional archives |
| Medium (80% quality) | ~40-50% | Web, social media, general use |
| High (70% quality) | ~60-70% | Email attachments, quick sharing |
| Maximum (60% quality) | ~70-80% | Strict size limits, thumbnails |
Target a specific file size
Need to hit an exact size? Use our dedicated target-size tools:
Common problems and fixes
- Compressed JPG is barely smaller than the original
- The original was probably already compressed (low quality). JPG cannot be compressed further without additional visible loss. Try the 'Maximum' level or a target size preset (e.g. 100 KB) to force more aggressive compression.
- Photo looks blurry or has artifacts after compression
- The compression level was too aggressive. Use a lower-numbered level (e.g. 'Medium' instead of 'Maximum'). At 80-85% quality, the difference is typically invisible. Below 60% quality, artifacts become noticeable.
- My image is under 20 KB after compression but the form needs 50 KB
- Some forms have minimum AND maximum size requirements. Use a higher quality level (e.g. 'Low' at 90%) to hit the target. You may also need to add padding to the JPG or use an uncompressed format like PNG.
Frequently asked questions
Explore related tools
Sources and references
Last reviewed: 2026-10-01