Compress images without losing quality: Large images are the number one reason websites load slowly. Learn the difference between JPG, PNG and WebP, the best quality settings and how to compress images free in your browser.
Images are often more than half of a web page’s weight. Compressing them is the quickest speed win on any blog or online shop, and with the right settings you will not see a difference with your eyes.
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Which format should you use?
| JPG | Best for photos. Small files, no transparency. |
|---|---|
| PNG | Best for logos, screenshots and images with transparency. Larger files. |
| WebP | Modern format with smaller files than JPG and PNG, supported by current browsers. A great default for websites. |
How to compress an image free in 4 steps
- Open our free image compressor (it works in your browser, so your photos are not uploaded).
- Choose your image and select JPG or WebP.
- Set the quality to about 70 to 80% and compare the file sizes shown.
- Download the compressed image and use it on your site.
Need another format? Convert PNG, JPG and WebP with the image format converter.
Best practices for websites
- Resize before you compress. A 4000 pixel photo is far too large for an 800 pixel column.
- Aim for under 200 KB for most blog images, and much smaller for thumbnails.
- Use descriptive file names and alt text for SEO and accessibility.
- Enable lazy loading. WordPress does this by default for most images.
- Use WebP where possible, with a plugin that can serve it automatically.
Common mistakes
- Saving the same JPG repeatedly. Each save loses quality.
- Using PNG for photographs.
- Uploading original phone photos directly.
Next step for speed: read our guide on how to speed up a WordPress website.
Compress images without losing quality: frequently asked questions
Does compression reduce quality?
Lossy compression removes small details, but at 70 to 80% quality most people cannot see the difference.
Is it safe to use an online compressor?
Our tool runs in your browser. For other sites, avoid uploading private images.
