PHOTO NOTES
How to reduce a photo’s file size for an upload
Balance pixel dimensions, quality and the upload form’s requirements.
Read the upload requirements first
Check the allowed formats, maximum bytes and required pixel dimensions. A 2 MB limit describes storage size; 1200 × 800 describes dimensions. One does not tell you the other. Keep an untouched original, especially for official applications that restrict editing.
Resize before reducing quality
If a destination only needs a 1200-pixel-wide photo, a 6000-pixel original carries unnecessary detail for that use. In Crop & Resize, choose the required dimensions and keep the aspect ratio locked. Avoid enlarging a small photo: this adds pixels, not captured detail.
Choose a sensible quality setting
Open Compress Photo. Start with JPG at 80% quality and optionally set a maximum width. PNG inputs will be converted to JPG unless you choose WebP; transparent areas become white in JPG. WebP can be useful for websites, but some upload forms accept only JPG.
Check the actual result
Process and read the output byte size. To meet an upload limit, choose Fit a file-size limit and enter its maximum KB. Each successful result is checked against that limit. The tool tries quality settings first; enable Allow smaller dimensions only if you accept a smaller image. If it cannot meet the target, it reports an error. Inspect faces, fine text and edges before downloading. Compare the final file against every requirement rather than relying on its extension.
Keep one final export
Repeated JPG saves can accumulate artefacts. Return to your original when trying new settings. A ZIP is convenient for several files but does not make each photo meet an upload limit. Unzip the results and choose the actual photo when submitting a form.