What fits in 30 KB
With a 30 KB target, the 2000 x 1333 test photo came out at 1554 x 1036 pixels and JPEG quality 33. The 12 MP photo needed more shrinking and ended at 1400 x 933. The screenshot kept its full 1600 x 900 size at quality 43, because a screen of flat colours and text costs much less than a photo.
For a passport style photo of a few hundred pixels, 30 KB is plenty. For a full photo it is tight, and the tool has to give up both quality and pixels.
| Test image | Original | Result | JPEG quality | Pixels | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo | 694 KB | 30 KB | 33 | 1554 x 1036 (from 2000 x 1333) | 2.9 s |
| 12 MP photo | 1.81 MB | 29 KB | 38 | 1400 x 933 (from 4000 x 2667) | 4.0 s |
| Screenshot | 46 KB | 30 KB | 43 | 1600 x 900 | 1.5 s |
| Illustration | 94 KB | 26 KB | 79 | 1200 x 1200 | 1.4 s |
Test images are synthetic files made by this project: a 2000 x 1333 landscape photo, a 1600 x 900 interface screenshot and a 1200 x 1200 transparent illustration. The 12 MP photo is the same photo scaled up to 4000 x 2667, the size a phone camera saves. Quality is lowered first and the image is only scaled down when quality alone cannot reach the target. A JPEG that is already under the target is left as it is. Timings: one thread of WebAssembly on Node v22.23.4, Intel(R) Xeon(R) Processor @ 2.10GHz, 2 cores, measured 2026-10-31. Other devices will differ.
Photos and scanned pages
A face photo for a form survives 30 KB well once it is cropped to the head and shoulders. A scanned page of text is harder, because the letters need sharp edges. For a document, resize it to about 1000 pixels wide first, then compress. If the text still blurs, the form probably expects a PDF; the JPG to PDF tool can make one.
Steps for an application form
- Check the form for a size range, a pixel size and a file type. Many say something like 10 to 30 KB, JPG only.
- If there is a pixel size, use the exam photo and signature resizer, which handles the pixels, the range and the DPI together.
- If there is only an upper limit, drop the image here and download the JPEG.
- Open Compare to check the face or the signature at 100% before you upload.
Counting kilobytes
This site counts 1 KB as 1000 bytes, so a 30 KB target means under 30,000 bytes. Windows and some portals count 1 KB as 1024 bytes and will show a slightly smaller number for the same file. Either way, a file made here is under the limit.
What happens to the rest of the file
Camera details, GPS location and edit history are removed by default, which also saves a few kilobytes. The photo is turned upright according to its orientation tag before it is saved, so it will not appear sideways on the form.
Questions
My form says 20 to 30 KB. Will this work?
This page only aims under 30 KB. For a range, use the exam photo and signature resizer, which also keeps the file above the minimum.
Can I keep the PNG format?
Yes, choose Same in Save as. PNG can only reach 30 KB by losing pixels, so JPEG usually looks better.
Is the photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The compression runs in your browser and the file stays on your device.