Why compress a JPG?
JPEG is widely used for photographs because it can represent gradual color and tone changes efficiently. Camera and phone files, however, are often larger in pixel dimensions and file size than a website, email or document needs. Compression can make those copies easier to publish and share.
This tool keeps JPEG as the default output in Compress mode. The target size is approximate: complex texture, noise, very large dimensions and the chosen quality can prevent a file from reaching a particular number. Review the preview dimensions and output size instead of assuming that the smallest possible file is always the best result.
How to compress JPEG photos
- Choose one or more
.jpgor.jpegfiles. - Keep the default 1 MB target or choose another approximate maximum.
- Select a maximum dimension if the current image is larger than its intended display size.
- Click Compress Images and review each independent result card.
- Download useful results individually or create a ZIP for the completed batch.
Quality, dimensions and metadata
JPEG compression is normally lossy, meaning some visual information is discarded. An initial quality around 80% is a practical starting point, not a universal rule. Detailed textures, small text and repeated re-encoding deserve closer inspection. Resizing a 4000-pixel photo to the dimensions actually used on a page often saves more than lowering quality alone.
EXIF metadata is not preserved by default because it may contain camera information, dates and sometimes location. Enable preservation only when that information is needed. Automatic orientation correction is separate and remains enabled by default.
JPG compression FAQ
Is the original JPG changed?
No. The tool creates a new browser-memory result and leaves the original file on your device untouched.
Can a JPG become larger?
Yes. Re-encoding an already optimized JPEG, preserving metadata or selecting unsuitable settings can produce a larger result. The card reports increases clearly.
What maximum width should I choose?
Choose a value that matches the largest actual display need. A hero image, product thumbnail and email attachment rarely need the same dimensions.
Related: Compare photographic outputs in WebP vs JPEG, or create a modern copy with the JPG to WebP converter.