What Is Image Compression?
Define image compression in simple terms and learn when lossy or lossless compression is appropriate.
The short answer
Image compression reduces the amount of storage required for an image. Lossy compression makes files smaller by permanently removing some image information. Lossless compression makes files smaller while preserving the information needed to reconstruct the image.
A quality-first workflow
Compression is useful when an image must upload faster, fit under a KB or MB limit, use less storage, or load faster on a website.
Why this matters
Image dimensions, file size, format, and compression settings all affect upload success, page speed, and visible quality. The right workflow starts with the actual requirement, then changes only what is needed.
About the author
PixelPerfect publishes browser-based image optimization tools and practical guides about image compression, image resizing, JPG, PNG, WebP, dimensions, and file-size limits.
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