How to make an image fit an upload size limit

Reduce the file size without changing dimensions

1. Open the image compressor and choose your image. JPG, PNG, and WebP still images are supported, up to 20 MiB and 16 megapixels each (8,192 pixels per side), with up to 10 images and 50 MiB total. Keep the original file so you can return to it.
2. Name your requirement and enter its “File limit (KB).” Enter a whole-number limit from 10 to 20,000 KB. The ordinary starting limit is 200 KB.
3. Choose an accepted output format. Confirm the white background when converting possible transparency to JPEG. PNG and WebP can preserve transparency, but the receiving site must accept the format. PNG has no quality slider.
4. Keep the original pixel size. Under “Pixel size,” select “Keep original dimensions.” Then press “Prepare results.”
5. Check the bytes and the preview before downloading. “Meets your numbers” means the measured output satisfies the entered dimensions, format and byte limit. Look closely at small text and edges; fitting the limit does not guarantee readable details or acceptance by the receiving site.

What if it is still over the limit?

Some images cannot fit a very small limit while keeping the same dimensions within this tool’s quality range. Pocket Tools shows the over-limit result and disables its download instead of calling it a success.

If the destination allows smaller dimensions, select “Fit within maximum bounds”, enter an explicit maximum width or height, and prepare again. The tool will not secretly reduce pixels to meet the byte limit. Check both resulting dimensions against the destination’s minimums. For an exact size, enter both dimensions and explicitly choose padding or a centered crop.

For a website you manage, you may be able to choose a higher KB limit. For someone else’s form, follow its stated limit.

A measured example: same image, different limits

In a browser test on September 25, 2026, we used a deliberately detailed 1200 × 900 synthetic image. These are recorded outputs from the earlier compressor, not expected savings for every image. The current worktable asks you to set any smaller pixel bounds explicitly.

Image detail, format, and browser affect the result. A flat illustration, a photograph, and a screenshot will not compress identically.

Repeat a test with a downloadable original

For an original you can inspect yourself, open the compressor and select “Try our original sample.” The optional 12.29 MB PNG is our separate 3000 × 2250 fabric-pattern chart, not the 1200 × 900 image in the table above. Loading it keeps your chosen settings.

1. Choose JPEG, enter 1000 KB, and select “Keep original dimensions.” Confirm a white background if requested. Prepare results, then check the actual bytes and original pixel dimensions.
2. Try 200 KB with “Keep original dimensions” still selected. If it cannot fit, the over-limit result is evidence to change the settings; it is not a successful download.
3. If your destination permits smaller pixels, choose “Fit within maximum bounds,” enter 2091 as the maximum width, and retry 200 KB. Compare both dimensions with its minimums and inspect fine lines before using the export.

The chart’s measured results, original PNG, JPEG outputs and file hashes let you compare a fresh run with the saved test. Browser encoders can produce different bytes. These examples demonstrate the tradeoff between bytes and pixels; they do not test acceptance by any receiving website.

The file fits, but the upload is rejected

• Check the new file, not the original. Select the downloaded result when returning to the form. Verify its size in file properties; rounded KB labels can hide a small overage.
• Check format and dimensions again. A smaller WebP will not help a JPEG-only form. This tool does not validate a destination’s crop, aspect ratio, or content rules.
• Allow a little room below the stated limit. If the site rejects a file near the maximum and gives no exact byte count, try a slightly lower target, then check readability again.
• Use the original if it already meets all requirements. Recompressing a compact image can increase its size or reduce quality without helping.