Image Compressor

Image Compression Explained

Image compression reduces file size by either removing data that human vision cannot easily detect (lossy compression) or encoding repeated patterns more efficiently without data loss (lossless compression). JPEG uses lossy compression: it divides the image into 8x8 pixel blocks and discards high-frequency detail. At high quality (90+), JPEG files are visually indistinguishable from the original. At low quality (50 and below), blocky artifacts appear, especially around edges and text. PNG uses lossless compression - no data is discarded, so PNG files are pixel-perfect but larger than JPEG for photographs. WebP typically achieves 25-35% smaller files than JPEG at equivalent quality. For web use: use JPEG for photographs, PNG for graphics with transparency or text, and WebP for maximum performance where browser support permits.