
Compress JPGs fast with our free JPG size reducer—no quality loss, no downloads, and no limits on where or how you use your smaller images.
How to Compress JPG Online with Smallpdf
Sitting with a JPG that’s too big to upload, email, or even save without eating up space? Trim down oversized images in a few easy clicks. No tech skills needed.
Here's how to compress a JPG using Smallpdf:
- Go to the PDF Compressor.
- Upload your image.
- Choose “Basic Compression” for a quick size fix.
- When it's done, click “Export As.”
- Select “Image (.jpg)” and choose “Extract images only.”
- Download your smaller, leaner image.

The easiest way to reduce photo file size without stress
That's it—your new file's ready to save, send, or share without breaking a sweat.
Why Compress JPG Images (and Why JPGs Get Big)
You'd think JPGs would always be small, right? After all, they're already compressed by design. But many JPGs (especially those snapped on smartphones or professional cameras) come packed with high resolution, color data, and even hidden metadata. All of this inflates the file size.
So even if the format is compact, the content can still be chunky. It's not unusual for a simple photo to take up 5 MB or more. That's fine for storage, but not so great when you're trying to upload it to a form, send it via email, or speed up a web page. If you're working with large dimensions, resizing the JPG before compressing can also make a big difference in file size. Here are a few everyday situations where a smaller JPG makes life easier:
- You're trying to attach a photo to an email and keep hitting the size limit.
- You're uploading product images to an online store and want faster page loads.
- You're running out of space on your phone or cloud storage.
- You need to meet strict upload limits for things like job applications or visa forms.
Whatever your situation, cutting down on image size can save you time, space, and stress.
How Much Can You Reduce JPG File Size Without Losing Quality
With our JPG size reducer, your files get compressed while keeping the visual quality intact.
The tool even shows you how much space you saved. After compression, you'll see a comparison that shows your original image versus the new version. For everyday use, like posting online, attaching to emails, or sharing on messaging apps, this smaller version works just as well and loads a whole lot faster.
In many cases, you won't be able to tell the difference. And if that JPG is part of a scanned document, you can run it through our AI PDF Summarizer before exporting it as a JPEG to get a quick breakdown of the content.
Tips to Meet Size Limits (200 KB, 500 KB)
Need to hit a specific file size? Here are a few tricks:
- Try cropping or resizing your image before compressing to reduce the overall dimensions.
- Use basic compression first—it often gets you under common limits like 500 KB for forms or 200 KB for ID uploads.
- If you're still over the limit, consider running the compressed file through the tool again.
Batch Compress Multiple JPGs Online
Working with more than one image? No problem. You can compress a whole batch in just a few steps.
Just upload all your JPG files into the Compress PDF tool. Our platform will convert them to PDF automatically, then compress them as a group. Once done, you can export the compressed files back to JPG format all at once.
This is especially handy if you're a photographer, marketer, or are handling a folder full of product shots or scanned documents. It saves time, keeps things consistent, and avoids the drag of compressing files one by one.
Is Online JPG Compression Safe with Smallpdf?
Definitely. We take security seriously, especially when you're uploading personal photos or sensitive documents.
All file transfers are encrypted using 256-bit TLS encryption, the same level of security used by banks. Your uploads stay secure from start to finish, and we delete all files from our servers automatically after one hour. That means your vacation photos, ID scans, or sensitive documents don't hang around online longer than necessary.
Plus, our tool works right in your browser, so you don't need to install anything or worry about software accessing your files. It's an image compressor that gets the job done with zero friction and works perfectly on mobile, tablet, or in your favorite browser.
Start Your Free Trial to Access All Smallpdf Tools
Need to compress more than a couple files? Sign up for a free 7-day trial to work without limits. You'll get unlimited compressions, plus access to our full suite of PDF and document tools.
No credit card required, and we don't slap watermarks on your downloads, even on the free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compress a JPG online without losing quality?
Our tool focuses on keeping your image looking crisp while trimming unnecessary data behind the scenes. For web, social media, or general sharing, the compressed version will be virtually identical to the original.
How do I get my JPG under 200 kb or 500 kb?
Try basic compression first—it often gets you under common limits. If you're still over, crop or resize your JPG files before compressing, or run the compressed file through the tool again.
Can I compress JPGs on my phone?
Yes! The JPG size reducer works right in your browser, so you don't need to install anything. Just open the page on your phone or tablet, upload your image, and compress away. The steps are exactly the same, and everything's touch friendly.
Is Smallpdf safe for personal photos and IDs?
Absolutely. All file transfers use 256-bit TLS encryption, and we automatically delete uploads after one hour. Your personal photos, ID scans, or sensitive documents stay private and secure.
No need to mess around with complicated software or risk losing quality. Our JPG size reducer is one of the best JPEG compression tools available online—especially if you want speed without sacrificing quality.



