How to Compress Images for Website
Sarah Mitchell Updated 2026-06-25 image-compression Upload your image to TinyPNG or Squoosh — both compress files by 50-80% in the browser with no signup. Download the smaller version and replace the original on your server.
Step-by-step
Pick the right compression tool for your workflow
For a single image or two, TinyPNG handles JPG and PNG compression with zero setup — just drop the file and download. When you need to compare quality levels side by side, Squoosh shows a slider between original and compressed output in real time. For WordPress sites, ShortPixel automates compression across your entire media library.
Upload your image
Drag your JPG, PNG, or WebP file into the tool. TinyPNG accepts files up to 5MB per upload. Squoosh runs entirely in your browser so there is no file size limit on the upload side. ShortPixel lets you compress up to 100 images per month on the free plan.
Adjust the quality slider
Squoosh gives direct control over the output quality — drag the slider between 0 and 100 and watch the file size update live. For website photos, 75-80% quality typically cuts the file size by 60-70% with no visible difference. Screenshots and graphics with solid colors can go lower — try 50-60% since they compress more aggressively without losing clarity.
Compare before and after
In Squoosh, toggle the comparison slider to check for compression artifacts — banding in gradients, blurring around text edges, or pixelation in detailed areas. TinyPNG shows the exact percentage reduction and new file size after processing. If the compressed version looks identical to the original at normal zoom, you are good to go.
Choose the right output format
WebP produces smaller files than JPG at the same quality level — typically 25-35% smaller. Use Squoosh to convert PNG screenshots to WebP and cut file sizes by 50% or more. Keep JPG for photographs since the format handles photo compression better than PNG. Use PNG only when you need transparency.
Download and deploy the compressed image
Download the compressed file and replace the original in your project. TinyPNG preserves the original filename with a smaller file size. Upload the new file to your CMS or server. For WordPress, ShortPixel handles this automatically — install the plugin and it compresses every image on upload.
