Image Compression Guide for Smaller Files

Image compression reduces file size by changing how image data is stored. The right setting depends on the image type and how visible small artifacts would be in the final placement.

Good candidates for compression

• Website images that load above or inside content.
• Email attachments that need smaller files.
• Social images where the platform will compress uploads again.
• Screenshots or photos that are larger than needed.

Practical workflow

1. Keep a copy of the original file.
2. Resize or crop before compression if the image dimensions are too large.
3. Try a moderate compression setting first.
4. Compare the preview with the original.
5. Download the compressed file only when the tradeoff is acceptable.

Compression is a tradeoff. Smaller files are useful, but the best setting is the one that still looks acceptable for your use case.