How to compress a JPEG in 3 steps.

Two people at a construction site looking over plans on a tablet learning how to compress a JPEG.

Large image files aren’t always ideal for websites or sharing via email. Keep your graphics manageable by learning how to compress a JPEG with an online converter.

When files get too big, they can cause longer load times on your website and might not even fit as an email attachment. Luckily, you can follow these three easy steps to compress a JPEG and make the file more manageable.

Step 1: Convert the JPEG image into a PDF.

There are several methods to compress a JPEG with specific programs, but most require downloading additional software to your device. The easiest way to compress a JPEG is to convert it to a more workable file format, like a PDF, first.

It’s easy to convert a JPEG to PDF without downloading new software by using a browser-based converter like Adobe Acrobat online services. Simply visit the converter web page and follow these steps:

  1. Upload the JPEG file you want to convert.
  2. The software will automatically start the conversion.
  3. Download the new PDF file.

The conversion won’t affect the way your graphic looks. It’ll just be in a different format, making it easy to compress the file for future use.

Step 2: Compress the PDF.

Now that you have a PDF of your original image, it’s time to compress the file. Compressing a JPEG or PDF won’t shrink your image. It just reduces the file size, making storing, uploading, and sharing easier. You can quickly and easily compress a PDF right through your web browser using Adobe Acrobat online. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Compress PDF tool web page.
  2. Upload the PDF file you want to compress and select your desired compression level.
  3. Download the compressed file.

If your graphic is very large, you can go through the steps to compress the file even more. Repeat the process until the file is the correct size for what you need.

Step 3: Convert the PDF back to JPEG.

PDFs are compatible with nearly every program and software, so there's a good chance you can use your compressed PDF for whatever purpose you need. However, if you need your graphic to be in a JPEG format, you can easily convert it back using Adobe Acrobat online services.

Just like with the other steps, go to the PDF to JPEG converter web page and follow the same steps:

  1. Upload the compressed PDF.
  2. Allow the software to convert your graphic.
  3. Download the file.

Your new JPEG will be identical to the JPEG you started with — the only difference is that you'll have a file with a reduced size. And that’s how to compress a JPEG in three easy steps.

Frequently asked questions.

What is a JPEG?

JPEG (also known as JPG) is a file format that stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. It’s a filetype used almost exclusively for digital images, including graphics and photographs. JPEGs are compatible with most online platforms.

Why compress a JPEG?

Digital images, especially photographs, typically have large file sizes and can take up a lot of space on your device or website. Compressing a JPEG reduces the overall file size without changing the image itself, making it more sharable and easier to manage.

How do I compress a JPEG on mobile?

You can easily compress a JPEG on your iPhone or Android using Adobe Acrobat online in your device’s web browser. Follow the same steps listed above.

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Content as a Service v2 - acrobat-hub - Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 10:18