Browser-only image tool
PNG Compressor Online
PNG files are significantly larger than JPEGs for photos. This tool compresses your PNG to any target file size — by reducing pixel dimensions while keeping the PNG format — entirely in your browser.
PNG compression targets — quick links
| Target size | Typical use case | Direct link |
|---|---|---|
| 50 KB | Exam portals, signatures | Compress PNG to 50 KB |
| 100 KB | Identity forms, job portals | Compress PNG to 100 KB |
| 200 KB | Government portals, web uploads | Compress PNG to 200 KB |
| 500 KB | Passport applications, high-quality uploads | Compress PNG to 500 KB |
Why PNG is harder to compress than JPEG
PNG uses lossless compression — it stores every pixel without any data loss. This means there is a hard floor on how small a PNG can get: the lossless algorithm can only reduce redundancy, not discard information. A 1200x1600 pixel photo as PNG typically cannot be reduced below 300–500 KB using lossless compression alone.
JPEG, by contrast, uses lossy compression that discards data the human eye is less sensitive to. This is why the same photo saved as JPEG at 80% quality can be 80% smaller than the PNG version — at near-identical visual quality on screen.
When UploadReady compresses a PNG to a strict KB target, it reduces pixel dimensions proportionally until the file meets the size limit, while keeping the PNG format (and transparency, if present).
When to convert PNG to JPEG instead of compressing
If the portal accepts JPEG and your image is a photograph (not a logo, screenshot, or graphic with text), converting to JPEG will give you a much smaller file at higher quality than compressing the PNG. Use UploadReady's PNG to JPG converter first, then compress the JPEG to your target.
Keep PNG when: the image has a transparent background, it contains sharp text or logos, or the portal specifically requires PNG format. Converting a PNG with transparency to JPEG will fill the transparent area with white.
FAQ
Why are PNG files larger than JPEG?
PNG uses lossless compression — every pixel is preserved exactly. JPEG uses lossy compression that discards visual data the eye is less sensitive to. A PNG photograph is typically 3–10x larger than a JPEG at similar visual quality.
Does PNG compression lose quality?
PNG's compression algorithm (zlib) is lossless — it does not reduce quality. However, to reach strict KB limits, pixel dimensions must be reduced, which does reduce visible detail. UploadReady reduces dimensions proportionally to meet your target.
What is the maximum compression for a PNG file?
Maximum lossless PNG compression reduces file size by 20–40%. Beyond that, pixel dimensions must be reduced. A 2 MB PNG photo compressed losslessly might reach 1.5 MB — to reach 100 KB, significant dimension reduction is required.
Does PNG support transparency at small file sizes?
Yes — PNG preserves transparency (alpha channel) at any file size. This is a key reason to use PNG over JPEG for logos, icons, and graphics with transparent backgrounds.
When should I use PNG vs JPEG?
PNG for: logos, icons, screenshots, graphics with text, transparent backgrounds. JPEG for: photographs, headshots, any use case where file size is the priority. For portal uploads that accept JPEG, converting a PNG photo to JPEG will produce a much smaller file at similar quality.