Windows image compression guide

Windows beginners can learn how to compress images

Choose your Windows version, image format, and purpose to see how to save a smaller image with built-in tools. Follow the steps through to choosing a save location and checking the result.

Image compression settings

Keep the original and save a copy

Check the extension at the end of the file name.

No image upload is needed. You will reduce the file size in Paint on your PC.

Resize in Paint

Windows 11 / JPG
Suggested dimensions
1,280 px on the long edge as a starting point
Output format
JPEG for photos
Aspect ratio
Keep the original proportions
Example output file name
photo_mail.jpg
  1. Open the image in Paint. Select pixels in Resize and change the longer edge. Do not enlarge an image that is already smaller than the suggested dimensions.
  2. Choose JPEG under Save as. Check the save location and use a different file name from the original.
  3. Open and check the saved image. Inspect text and fine details, then compare file sizes in the file properties.

If the file is still too largeCheck the attachment size limit, reduce the longer edge further, and save again. Judge the result by how it looks, without relying on a numeric quality setting.

Keep the save location and checks in your checklist

Save the displayed Windows 11 / JPG / email attachment steps as a text file.

Save the step checklist (TXT)

Free, with no registration. Save the checklist from your browser. Your images are not sent anywhere.

These dimensions are a starting point for email attachments. Adjust them to the required resolution and the recipient's size limits.

After saving, record the original and reduced file sizes in the checklist.

Reuse your settings for the next image

Keep separate settings for email photos, blog images, and diagrams for documents. Each checklist includes your selected settings, an example file name, and spaces to record file sizes before and after compression.

Saved settings

Once you save settings, you can load them here. They are stored in this browser.

What to check before reducing an image

Image compression and ZIP files

This page explains how to reduce an image's file size by changing its pixel dimensions or format. This differs from putting files in a ZIP archive. Formats such as JPEG may not get much smaller when zipped.

Formats for photos and images with text

Start with JPEG for photos and PNG for images where text, lines, or transparency need to be preserved. Converting PNG to JPEG removes transparency. For BMP images containing mainly diagrams or text, save a PNG copy and check the result.

If you cannot reach the target file size

Images with the same long-edge dimension can have different file sizes depending on their content and detail. The displayed values do not guarantee a particular result. Check the saved copy's file size in Properties. If it exceeds the destination's limit, adjust the dimensions using a copy of the original.

Sending an image for printing

Follow the print provider's requirements for print dimensions, resolution, and accepted formats. Reducing an image to email dimensions first may remove details needed for printing.

If Paint looks different

The names and locations of resize and save options vary by Windows and app version. These steps do not assume that you can enter a quality percentage. If you cannot open a format such as WebP, export a JPEG or PNG copy from a compatible app before continuing.