Why JPG files get so big
Modern phones save photos at 12–50 megapixels with high quality settings, so a single JPG is often 3–10MB. That detail is useful for printing large, but far more than you need for sharing or the web.
Compressing a JPG lowers the stored detail you can't see on a screen and, if you choose, reduces the pixel dimensions. The result is typically 70–90% smaller and looks the same at normal viewing size.
Which setting should I pick?
- High Quality — for photos you might print or edit later. Smallest change, smallest saving.
- Web Optimized — the best default for sharing and websites. Keeps full-HD sharpness.
- Balanced — for email and messaging when size matters more.
- Small Size — maximum saving, fine for thumbnails and previews.
- To an exact size — when a form or website gives you a strict KB limit.
Compressing many JPGs at once
Select a whole batch of photos at once. Each is compressed with the same setting and you can download them together as a ZIP — handy after a trip or an event.
Frequently asked questions
Is JPG compression lossy?
Yes, JPG always discards some detail when saved. At the High Quality and Web Optimized levels, the difference isn't visible at normal size.
Does compressing a JPG again make it worse each time?
Each re-save loses a little more detail, so compress from the original photo when you can rather than from an already-compressed copy.
Will the EXIF data be removed?
Yes. Camera details and GPS location are stripped during compression, which also makes the file smaller and safer to share.