A photo from a modern phone is usually 2 to 6 MB (2,000 to 6,000 KB) and 3,000 to 4,000 pixels across. Many forms ask for a fraction of that: under 1 MB, 200 KB, 100 KB, sometimes 50 KB or less, and sometimes an exact size in pixels too. Two things decide a photo's file size: its pixel size (width × height) and its compression (the JPG quality). Reduce both and the file shrinks fast.
Step 1: Resize to the pixels you need
If the form gives a size in pixels, start there with Resize photos. If it doesn't, 1200 pixels on the longest side is plenty for most forms, and 600 pixels is usually enough for an ID-style photo. Keep "Keep the shape" on so the photo isn't stretched, and if the form wants a square or another set shape, crop it first in the Photo editor.
Step 2: Compress to the size in KB
- Open Compress photos and drop your photo.
- Choose JPG (most forms accept only JPG or JPEG).
- Set the quality and the largest side using the table below, and press Compress photos.
- Check the new size shown for the photo. Still too big? Lower the quality or the largest side a little and try again.
Rough settings for each size
Every photo is different, and a busy, detailed scene makes a bigger file than a plain background, but for a JPG, these settings usually land under each limit:
| To get under | Largest side | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 1 MB | 2000 px | 80% |
| 500 KB | 1600 px | 75% |
| 200 KB | 1200 px | 70% |
| 100 KB | 800 px | 65% |
| 50 KB | 600 px | 60% |
| 20 KB | 400 px | 55% |
Common mistakes
- Saving as PNG. PNG files of photos are much bigger than JPGs. Use JPG unless the form asks for PNG.
- Lowering only the quality. A 4000-pixel photo at 30% quality looks blocky and may still be too big. Reduce the pixels first.
- Sending a screenshot of the photo. It adds your screen's size and status bar. Use the photo itself.
- The wrong file type. Some forms reject WebP and HEIC. Switch to JPG with Convert photos.