When an upload form rejects an image over 1 MB, renaming the extension or putting it in a ZIP does not solve the image requirement. Start with JPEG or WebP for photos, and PNG or WebP for transparent artwork.
PolishTools processes the image in your browser. You can set a target size and maximum long edge without signing up or uploading the selected file.
Set a target with room below 1 MB
Open Image Compressor, choose your image and press 1 MB. This sets the target to 950 KB. The tool uses 1,024 bytes per KB, so the target is 972,800 bytes, leaving room below a website's decimal limit of 1,000,000 bytes.
The button only sets the target. Check the format and maximum long edge, then select Generate result. It is a target, not a guaranteed output size.
Adjust both quality and dimensions for photos
For JPEG and WebP, the compressor searches at or below your selected quality for a result that meets the target. It attempts to preserve the highest suitable quality within its search range. A warning appears if even the minimum quality exceeds the target.
If that happens, reduce the maximum long edge to 1920 px, or 1280 px when appropriate, and generate again. A small upload field rarely needs a 6000 px photograph. Inspect faces and small text in the encoded preview.
Why a PNG may stay too large
PNG does not use the lossy quality setting supported by JPEG and WebP. If a PNG exceeds your target, reduce its dimensions or choose WebP if the destination supports it.
JPEG does not preserve transparency. Keep PNG or WebP for transparent logos and check their edges after export. Changing a filename extension does not convert an image.
Check the actual downloaded file
Compare the original and output sizes in the result card and inspect the result preview before downloading. If a rounded size is close to the upload limit, use a smaller target for extra room.
If the destination still rejects the file, check its permitted formats, dimensions and aspect ratio as well as its byte limit. ZIP files may not be accepted by image-only upload forms.
Example: fit a profile photo under a 1 MB limit
Your original photo is large and the upload form accepts only JPG files below 1 MB.
Steps
- Open the photo in Image Compressor and choose JPEG.
- Press 1 MB to set 950 KB and set the maximum long edge to 1920 px.
- Generate the result and check file size, faces and small text.
- If the target is missed, reduce the long edge and generate again before downloading.
Result
Upload only after verifying the actual result fits the destination's limit. Compression varies with image content and the browser.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1 MB button guarantee a file below 1 MB?
No. It sets a target. The source, format and dimensions may prevent reaching it. Check the warning and result size, then reduce dimensions if needed.
Can I use a 100 KB or 500 KB limit?
Yes. Those buttons set 95 KB and 475 KB targets respectively. Smaller targets may require smaller dimensions.
Is my photo uploaded to a server?
The image-processing code does not transmit the selected photo or result to a server. The privacy policy separately describes website delivery and advertising data processing.