How to compress an image without losing too much quality

Understand image compression settings and how to compare output size with visual quality.

Image compression trades file size against image detail in different ways depending on the format. The right settings depend on where the image will be used and whether transparency must be retained.

Step-by-step instructions

Open the image compressor and add your JPG, PNG or WebP file.
Choose a suitable output format. WebP and JPG use lossy encoding; PNG is lossless.
Adjust quality gradually and set a target size only when you have a real limit to meet.
Compare the original and output sizes, then inspect the result at normal viewing size before downloading.

Helpful tips

Avoid choosing the lowest quality setting automatically; inspect fine text, edges and gradients.
PNG re-encoding does not guarantee a smaller file.
Allow dimension reduction only when a smaller pixel size is acceptable.

Ready to try it? Open the free CODAC tool.