Browser-only image tool
Compress Image for Email Attachment
Reduce image file sizes so they send easily as email attachments. Most email clients limit attachments to 10–25 MB total, and large images slow down delivery. Compress to under 1 MB for fast, reliable email sending. Browser-only.
Upload your image and compress it for email attachment instantly. Open the compress tool →
Email client attachment limits
| Email client | Total attachment limit | Recommended per image |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB | Under 1 MB |
| Outlook (Microsoft 365) | 20 MB | Under 1 MB |
| Yahoo Mail | 25 MB | Under 1 MB |
| Apple Mail / iCloud | 20 MB (Mail Drop for larger) | Under 1 MB |
How it works (3 steps)
- Upload your image. JPEG, PNG, or WebP — the file stays in your browser, never sent to any server.
- Set a target file size. Under 1 MB is recommended for most email uses. For document photos and ID scans, 200–500 KB is sufficient.
- Download and attach to your email. The compressed file is ready to attach to Gmail, Outlook, or any email client.
When to use file sharing instead of email attachment
If you need to send more than 5–10 photos, or if the total size exceeds your email client's limit, use a cloud file sharing service instead. Upload all images to Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer and paste the share link in the email body. This avoids attachment size limits entirely and lets the recipient download at their own pace — especially useful for wedding photos, event albums, or large document sets.
Tips for emailing images
- Use JPEG for photos. JPEG produces much smaller files than PNG for photographs. A 5 MB PNG photo can compress to under 500 KB as JPEG with no visible quality loss.
- Compress each image individually. If attaching multiple images, compress each one before attaching — do not zip the originals.
- Check the total size before sending. Even with individual images under 1 MB, 20 attachments will hit most email limits. Use file sharing for large batches.
- Keep originals safe. Always keep a copy of the uncompressed original before compressing. The compressed version is for sending — the original is for archives and editing.
FAQ
What is the maximum image size for Gmail attachments?
Gmail allows 25 MB total per email across all attachments. For individual images, under 1 MB per file is recommended for fast, reliable delivery to any email client and to avoid spam filters.
What size should I compress images to for email?
Under 1 MB per image is recommended. At 1 MB, a full-resolution photo retains excellent quality. Below 200 KB, visible quality loss begins on high-resolution photos — though for small document scans this size is sufficient.
Does compressing reduce image quality?
Minimal at 1 MB. A typical 5 MB smartphone photo compressed to 1 MB retains 90%+ visual quality — the difference is not visible at normal screen viewing sizes. Quality loss becomes noticeable only when compressing high-resolution photos below 200 KB.
What format is best for email attachments — JPG or PNG?
JPEG for photos — produces much smaller files than PNG. PNG only for logos, screenshots, and graphics with text or sharp edges where JPEG artefacts would be visible. For a photographic image, always use JPEG for email.
Can I send multiple compressed images in one email?
Yes — compress each image individually, then attach all. Gmail: 25 MB total. Outlook: 20 MB total. Yahoo: 25 MB total. If total size exceeds limits, use Google Drive or WeTransfer and paste the link in the email body instead.