How to compress a photo to 100KB or 200KB
- Pick the maximum size the form asks for. If it says "max 200 KB", tap 200 KB.
- Choose the photo from your phone or computer, or drag it into the box.
- Check the preview and tap Download JPG. The file is now under the limit.
The tool tries several compression levels and keeps the highest quality that fits your size limit, so the photo looks as good as possible without going over. If the image is very large, it also reduces its dimensions.
Why do websites ask for such small photos?
Government portals, job sites and schools receive thousands of files a day, so they cap the file size to save storage. A photo from a modern phone weighs 2 to 6 MB, which is 10 to 30 times more than most of these forms accept.
Common file size limits
| Where | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| US visa application photo (DS-160) and DV Lottery | Up to 240 KB, 600 × 600 px |
| Profile photos on school and job portals | 50 to 200 KB |
| Scanned documents on government portals | 200 KB to 1 MB per file |
| Scanned signature | 20 to 50 KB |
Limits vary by institution. Always check what the form says.
Tips for a sharp result
- If the portal also asks for exact pixels (for example 600 × 600), crop the photo first with our passport photo maker, then compress it.
- If your photo is from an iPhone and saved as HEIC, convert it first with HEIC to JPG.
- For documents with text, choose a longest side of 1600 px: the text stays readable and the file gets much smaller.
- Need several pages in one file? Use JPG to PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Are my photos uploaded to a server?
No. Compression happens inside your browser. Your photo never leaves your phone or computer.
Will my photo lose quality?
A little, but the tool finds the highest quality that fits your size limit. For form photos the difference is barely visible.
Can I compress a PNG?
Yes. It is converted to JPG, the format that shrinks photos the most and the one almost every portal accepts.
How do I make a photo under 240 KB for a US visa?
First crop it to 600 × 600 px with the passport photo maker, then choose 240 KB here and download. Always confirm current requirements on the official State Department website.