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Compress JPG Online (Free JPEG Compressor)
Lytepic is a free JPG compressor that works in your browser. Drop in a JPG or JPEG photo, choose a quality or a target size, compare the before and after, and download a smaller file. Your photo is never uploaded.
Pick a size to set the exact pixels, crop to fit and the file size limit. These are examples, so always follow your form’s own instructions.
Type a size and Lytepic finds the best quality that fits. Clear the box to use the quality slider instead.
How to compress a JPG online
- Drop your JPG or JPEG file into the box above, or click it to choose a photo.
- Either type a target size in KB, or clear the box and move the quality slider.
- If the photo is much larger than you need, lower the width. Smaller dimensions shrink the file the most.
- Compare the original and compressed previews. Zoom in on faces, text and smooth areas such as sky.
- Press download. Your original file is never changed.
Choosing a JPG quality
| Quality | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100% | Large files with very little visible gain | Archiving, print masters |
| 75–85% | Usually looks the same as the original | Most photos, web and sharing |
| 60–75% | Noticeably smaller; check edges and gradients | Email, slow connections |
| Below 60% | Blocky artifacts start to appear | Very small size limits only |
These are general guidelines. The right setting depends on the photo, so trust the preview rather than the number.
Resize first, then lower the quality
Phone and camera photos are often 3,000 to 4,000 pixels wide, far more than a screen, a form or an email needs. Cutting the width in half removes about three quarters of the pixels, which shrinks the file much more than dropping the quality slider a few points does. A good order is: resize to the size you will actually use, then lower the quality until the preview just starts to look different, then step back a little.
Is JPG the same as JPEG?
Yes. JPG and JPEG are the same format. The shorter extension exists because older systems limited extensions to three letters. Lytepic saves compressed photos with the .jpg extension, which every form and app that accepts JPEG also accepts.
What happens to camera and location data
When Lytepic saves the compressed file, it redraws the image in your browser. In current browsers that means the new file does not carry over the original’s EXIF metadata, such as the camera model or GPS location. That can be useful for privacy. If you need the metadata, keep your original file.
Tips for better JPG compression
- Always start from the original. Compressing a file that was already compressed loses detail twice.
- Need an exact limit? Use the target size box, or see the guides for 20KB, 50KB, 100KB and 200KB.
- Building a website? WebP is often smaller than JPG at the same quality.
- Want the full method? Read how to compress images without losing quality.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compress a JPG without losing quality?
You cannot avoid all loss, but at 75 to 85% quality the difference is usually hard to see. Resize the photo to the size you need first, then lower the quality until the preview just starts to change, and step back a little.
What is the best quality setting for a JPG?
For most photos 75 to 85% is a good balance between size and sharpness. Use 85 to 90% for photos with fine text or sharp edges.
Is JPG the same as JPEG?
Yes. They are the same format with different file extensions.
Does Lytepic keep EXIF or location data?
In current browsers the re-saved file does not include the original’s EXIF metadata. Keep your original if you need that information.
Can I compress a JPG to an exact size such as 100KB?
Yes. Type the size into the target size box and Lytepic finds the best quality that fits, shrinking the dimensions only if it has to.
Is my photo uploaded to a server?
No. Compression happens in your browser, so the photo stays on your device.