Smaller image files for email, forms and websites
Pixcon compresses images with the "Optimize images" setting, which usually makes the files smaller. Use it when a photo is too large for an email, an upload form with a size limit or a web page.
Each file keeps its format unless you choose JPG, PNG, WebP or AVIF in "Convert to:", which converts and compresses in one step.
How to compress images on this page
- Check the presetThis page already selects "Keep Original Extension" in "Convert to:", "Original Size" and "Optimize images". Change settings before adding files, because Pixcon reads them at that moment.
- Reduce the dimensions if neededFor images that are larger than you need, choose "Resize" and enter a "Width:" or "Height:" of up to 4096 px.
- Add your filesUse "Select files" or drop the files onto the upload area. Every file in that upload is compressed with the same settings.
- Download the smaller filesUse the download button next to each file. With more than one file, "Download all" saves the finished files as one ZIP archive.
What "Optimize images" does to each format
- JPG and JPEG
- Saved again with stronger lossy compression. Pixcon also tries to remove the metadata, but this is not guaranteed.
- PNG
- For PNG source files, Pixcon tries a reduced color palette and keeps it only if the file gets smaller.
- WebP
- Saved again with stronger lossy compression, without the metadata.
- AVIF
- Saved again with stronger lossy compression.
"Optimize images" is an on/off switch, not a quality slider. With the switch off, JPG, WebP and AVIF are saved at a higher quality, and PNG files stay lossless.
How to get a smaller file
- Resize images that are larger than you need: fewer pixels usually mean a smaller file.
- Try WebP or AVIF in "Convert to:". These formats often give smaller files than JPG or PNG. Files that already have the chosen format are then not accepted, so compress those with "Keep Original Extension".
- For HEIC or HEIF photos, choose JPG in "Convert to:" to convert and compress them in one step.
- Pixcon does not compress PDF files. A PDF needs an image format in "Convert to:", and each page becomes an image.
- Keep your originals: Pixcon stores only the new file and deletes it after about 24 hours.
Questions about compressing images
Does compressing an image reduce its quality?
Yes, in most cases. "Optimize images" saves JPG, WebP and AVIF with stronger lossy compression, and a reduced PNG color palette is lossy too. Compare the result with your original.
Can I compress an image to an exact size, such as 100 KB?
No. Pixcon has no setting for a target file size. To get a smaller file, combine "Optimize images" with "Resize" and a smaller width, or choose WebP or AVIF in "Convert to:".
Does PNG compression keep transparency?
Yes. Transparent areas stay transparent in PNG output, also when Pixcon reduces the color palette. WebP and AVIF keep transparency too, but JPG fills transparent areas with white.
Why is my compressed file not much smaller?
Most likely the image was already compressed strongly. Such an image may shrink only a little or even get slightly larger, so keep the original or reduce its dimensions with "Resize".
Does compression remove photo metadata?
Not always. With "Optimize images" on, Pixcon saves WebP files without their metadata, but JPG, PNG and AVIF files can keep it, including the capture date and location. Do not rely on compression to remove this information.