Does compression reduce image dimensions?

By default, it does not reduce image dimensions. This tool reduces the image size by re-encoding it at a lower quality. But I’ve added a feature that lets users resize the whole batch using a preset (limit longest side) or enter a custom width (height adjusts automatically), which streamlines the workflow since you don’t have to open a separate tool for this task.

What quality setting should I use?

For most web use cases, the acceptable range is between 75% and 85% before there’s noticeable degradation in image clarity. At 80%, there’s hardly any difference from the original image. If you’re trying to compress a file directly from a DSLR camera, you could resize it to get more savings. For certain lossless formats like PNG or WebP, you could compress it between 85 and 95% without much quality degradation, but always check the output first.

Why doesn’t PNG compression change how the image looks?

One reason is that PNG is a lossless format, meaning pixels can’t be altered during compression, so the output stays unchanged. I’ve tried lowering the quality to as low as 20%, and the image still doesn’t change much. Another downside of just compressing a PNG file is that there’s a cap on how many bytes you can shave off. The range (based on my tests) for savings is between 25% and 50%. Now, if you want a larger reduction, consider converting that PNG file into another, more web-friendly format like WebP or AVIF, which can lower the file size by over 90% (over 100% if you reduced the dimensions).

How does target size compression work?

If a maximum file size for file generation is specified, the tool first reduces the image quality in steps of 10% (e.g., from the quality specified by the user down to 20%). If the generated file is within the size limit, it stops there. Otherwise, it continues reducing quality in steps of 10% down to 20%, and then continues reducing the image dimensions in steps of 10% down to 50% of the original size, and returns the smallest generated file even if the specified size cannot be reached exactly.

What is chroma subsampling, and should I change it?

Subsampling color information is another method to reduce image size. The large majority of online images are cached as 4:2:0 JPEGs. To the eyes of 99% of online viewers, the difference is invisible. For images with overlaid text or logos and sharp color transitions, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling makes a huge difference and saves an additional 15–25% in file size.

Why is "Strip metadata" on by default?

The reason is two-fold. First, it reduces file size because the data stored in the EXIF file adds to it. The second reason is security. Photos taken with smartphones like the iPhone contain GPS location data, so if these photos are downloaded with the EXIF data intact, the individual who downloads it can run it through an EXIF reader and know where the photo was taken, the phone model, and other details that you may not want to be there online. One reason to keep the ‘metadata’ is if you want to keep the optimized photos locally in a personal archive.

Why does my image look softer at very small targets?

Pushing the quality slider lower or setting a small max file size makes the encoder throw away a lot of pixel data to hit the target. This shows up in two ways: smudged artifacts on the edges and text, and a loss of detail (meaning it looks blurred), making the image look soft.

Are my images uploaded to your servers?

Nope. The image compression process is done in the browser. So I can’t see them, store them, or access them in any way. Your files never leave your device — ConvertYard only delivers the tool’s code to your browser.

Why do UPSC and NEET require a square photo when passport photos are rectangular?

UPSC and NTA use square crops (typically 200×200 or 350×350 px) for their admit card and hall ticket displays. Rectangular passport photos get stretched to fill a square frame, which distorts the face. Take or crop your photo as a square before uploading to avoid this. The standard 3.5×4.5 cm portrait dimensions specified in some NTA notifications refer to the print size on the hall ticket, not the file's aspect ratio.

UPSC says my photo must be between 20 KB and 300 KB. What size is best?

100 KB is the practical sweet spot. It is clear enough for hall ticket printing and admit card display, well within the range, and uploads reliably even on mobile data connections. Going up to 300 KB adds marginal quality improvement but can cause upload timeouts on slow government portal servers.

My photo is already 85 KB. Should I compress it to exactly 100 KB to use more of the allowance?

No. Increasing a file from 85 KB to 100 KB would require adding artificial noise or expanding metadata — neither improves actual image quality. If your photo is already within the portal's range, upload it as-is.

Can I use the same photo for UPSC, NEET, JEE, and GATE?

If the photo meets the requirements for all four — recent, white background, facing forward, no headwear — then yes, one photo can work for all. Confirm each portal accepts square crops; if any requires a rectangular passport format, you will need two crops of the same photo.

Why does my image look softer at very small targets?

Pushing the quality slider lower or setting a small max file size makes the encoder throw away a lot of pixel data to hit the target. This shows up in two ways: smudged artifacts on the edges and text, and a loss of detail (meaning it looks blurred), making the image look soft.

Compress Image to 100 KB

The UPSC, NEET, and JEE photo upload limit — more detail, square format.

Drop files or a folder here

or click to browse · paste from clipboard

Accepts .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .WEBP, .AVIF, .GIF, .SVG · Up to 1,000 files

How it works

Drop your files
Drag and drop, click to browse, or paste from clipboard. Up to 1,000 files at once.
Choose settings
Adjust quality, format, and other options to match your needs.
Click Compress
Everything runs in your browser via WebAssembly. Image Compressor happens locally — no server involved.
Download
Download files individually or grab all at once as a ZIP.

100 KB is the photo upload ceiling for UPSC Civil Services, NEET, JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and GATE applications. These exams set a higher limit than SSC or IBPS because they require square-format photos — typically 350×350 pixels — which carry more pixel data than a rectangular passport crop. UPSC accepts photos from 20 KB to 300 KB, but 100 KB is the practical sweet spot: visibly clearer than a 50 KB upload, well under the limit, and small enough to upload reliably on a slow connection. This compressor targets 90–100 KB, giving you the full benefit of the higher allowance.

When do you need 100 KB?

UPSC Civil Services application photo. UPSC accepts photos from 20 KB to 300 KB. 100 KB provides good quality while leaving margin from the upper limit, and is accepted by every UPSC recruitment portal.
NEET 2026 photo upload. NTA's NEET application requires a recent passport-size photograph with a white background, compressed within the portal's size limits. 100 KB is within the accepted range for all NTA exam portals.
JEE Main / Advanced photo upload. JEE Main and Advanced applications require a square photo (typically 3.5×4.5 cm as specified by NTA) within the upload size limit. 100 KB sits comfortably within the allowed range.
GATE application photo. IIT GATE applications require a passport-size photograph uploaded within specified size limits. 100 KB is accepted across all GATE exam cycles.
Postgraduate entrance exams. CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and most IIM/university entrance forms use a 100 KB photo ceiling. One compressed image works for all of them.