How to Compress an Image to 100 KB (or Less)

Job portals, exam forms and visa applications often ask for a photo under 100 KB. Modern phone photos are frequently several megabytes, so you need to shrink them a lot without making them look terrible. Here is a reliable method that works for 100 KB and for other limits too.

Why file size depends on pixels

File size is driven mostly by two things: the pixel dimensions of the picture and the compression quality. A phone photo can be 4000 pixels wide, far more than any form needs. Reducing the dimensions first gives the biggest saving, and quality adjustments finish the job.

Step by step

1. Check the requirements. Note the maximum file size, any required dimensions and the file format, which is usually JPG.
2. Resize first with the Image Resizer. For a general photo, try around 1000 to 1200 pixels wide. For a passport-style photo, follow the dimensions on the form.
3. Compress with the Image Compressor. Start at 70% quality and choose JPG as the output format.
4. Look at the file size shown after compression. If it is still above 100 KB, lower the quality in steps of 5 to 10, or reduce the dimensions a little more.
5. When you are under the limit, check that faces and text are still clear, then download the file.

Tips for hitting the target

• Detailed photos, such as leaves or crowds, compress less than simple backgrounds, so they need smaller dimensions.
• Choose JPG for the smallest file. WebP can be smaller, but many forms do not accept it.
• Avoid going far below 50 to 60% quality for faces or text, because artifacts become obvious.
• Always work from the original photo, not from a copy that has already been compressed.

Need 50 KB or 200 KB instead?

The method is identical. Only the numbers change: for a smaller target use smaller dimensions and lower quality, and for a larger target you can keep more of both. For general web use, see How to Compress Images Without Losing Quality.

Frequently asked questions