How to Compress Images for the Web (Smaller, Still Sharp)
Compressing images shrinks file size so pages load faster. Learn lossy vs lossless, how much to compress, and how to do it privately in your browser.
Compressing an image reduces its file size so your pages load faster, using either lossy or lossless methods. Smaller images are the single biggest win for web performance.
Lossy vs lossless
- Lossy (JPG, WebP) discards detail the eye barely notices, giving much smaller files — ideal for photos.
- Lossless (PNG) keeps every pixel exact but compresses less — best for logos, icons and sharp edges.
How much to compress
For photos, around 70–80% quality usually cuts file size dramatically with no visible loss. Push lower only until you notice blockiness or fuzzy edges, then step back up.
Why it matters
Images are usually the heaviest part of a page. Smaller files mean faster loads, better mobile experience and higher search rankings, since page speed is a ranking factor.
Compress now
Shrink a photo with the image compressor — it runs in your browser, so the image never uploads. Need a modern format too? Convert with the image converter. Related: How to resize an image.