The megapixels are skyrocketing, the image sensors of the cameras are getting better and better, meaning they can capture better and sharper images. In addition to the image quality, the size of the images is also a deciding factor, especially when images are to be processed. Photos are becoming more and more important, not only in the private sector: in many business areas, photos are key. No matter what you need pictures for, it always happens that photos have to be sent. In this case, you should compress the pictures, i.e. reduce them in size. This is because the larger the files are, the more difficult it is to send them – especially if there are several of them. This tutorial will show you how to compress a jpeg and reduce a png.
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Compress images – with and without loss of quality
You’ve probably asked yourself why there are different endings for photos like jpg, png, gif or tiff. This difference also brings us straight to file compression because they are different. Compression is lossless with a png format, but not with a jpg format. In the case of a jpg image, compression removes information, which affects the quality. This is not the case with a png image.
So it depends on what you want to use the image for. For example, if it is intended for Facebook or WhatsApp, it doesn’t matter because these images are resized anyway. The quality will suffer, but it’s negligible in social media or instant messaging. The situation is different if the photos are to be used for a website or printed, for example. Here, high quality is important.
Compressing images with Microsoft Office
If you work with Microsoft, you don’t need any extra software to resize photos. Simply select the photos you want to compress in the Office application. In the image tools, you can now change the image size under “Edit images” by clicking on the “Compress images” tab. Here, you have the options to compress the photos for documents, for web pages or for e-mails. The estimated total size is also displayed immediately.
Compressing images with a Mac
If you are using a Mac with the operating systems macOS, Mac OS X or OS X, you can reduce jpg formats in the following way – although any other image format can be reduced as well:
- Select the appropriate image and open the preview.
- Now open the “Size Correction” under “Tools”.
- Then change the size by reducing the pixels, alternatively the percentage.
- The new size is shown in the window below.
- You can save the result under a new file name so that the original file is not overwritten.
Compressing images with Paint
The image processing program Paint is installed by default on many PCs. With it, you can not only edit pictures, but also resize photos. Open the image to be compressed in the program by selecting “Insert from”. Now click on the “Resize” tab. In the following window, you can reduce your photo by using the percentage or pixels. Now save the photo under a new name.
Compress pictures as a Zip file
Since it is quite cumbersome to reduce the size of each individual photo, especially with many photos, Zip programs offer the possibility of compressing the images and then unpacking them again without loss of quality. This is useful if you want to send several photos or entire folders. Zip programs are automatically integrated with the latest macOS and Windows operating systems. Alternatively, you can download a free app like WinZip, 7-Zip or winRAR.
To compress images, select them in the appropriate program. You can also combine the images in a folder. Now click on “Add” or “Send to” and a so-called Zip archive will be created, which you can recognize by the ending .zip. The recipient must also have a Zip program to unpack the archive.
Compress images – automatically with TransferXL
TransferXL is another way to compress your images, but you won’t even notice it because it runs in the background. With TransferXL, you can quickly and safely send large files (even up to a size of 200 GB). You do not need an extra program and can use your original photos. By uploading them to the server, the images are automatically resized so that they can be sent to the recipient in no time. The recipient only needs a link and a password, if necessary, and then he can access and download the files. The basic version of the service is available free of charge and transmits every photo without loss of quality.
The most important questions and answers about compressing images
For what occasions should photos be reduced in size?
Compressing is especially useful when pictures are to be sent. The reason: Both e-mail programs and cloud services have a limited volume. Large and high-resolution image files can quickly reach their limits.
Which photos can be compressed without loss of quality?
Of the four common photo formats jpg, gif, png and tiff, only png can be reduced without loss of quality. All other formats can have quality losses. Often these are in the area invisible to the eye, but can be very noticeable when the image is to be enlarged.
How can I reduce images on PC and Mac?
You can easily compress images with integrated programs of the latest versions of Microsoft and macOS. The Paint program, which is often available as standard program or can be downloaded free of charge, also offers this option.
What does “zipping” mean?
When you zip files, they are compressed for sending. To do this, the program creates an archive that significantly reduces the size of the files. After sending, the archive can be unpacked again without loss of quality.
What does TransferXL offer?
TransferXL is a service that allows you to send large files – without any loss of quality and without any additional program. Simply upload your preferred images and they will be automatically zipped and placed on an external server. You will receive a link that you can pass on. The recipient can then access the images directly.