# Compress an Image to Under 500 KB

Fit a 500 KB photo upload limit. Add your images, review the result, and download. The limit is already selected; nothing leaves your device.

Page: https://easy-edits.com/compress-image-to-500kb. Runs in the browser; files are not uploaded.

## How to make a photo smaller than 500 KB

1. Add one photo or a batch. HEIC, JPG, PNG and WebP are accepted.
2. Keep the preselected 500 KB limit and choose JPG or WebP. Quality changes first; dimensions reduce only when allowed.
3. Check the preview and output dimensions. For forms that require exact dimensions, enter them and turn off Reduce dimensions if needed.
4. Download the selected image, or prepare the batch and download a ZIP.

## Tips

- For a batch, Scale applies to each image separately. Exact width and height apply to the selected image only.
- Very large images are fitted within 8,192 pixels per side and 16.7 megapixels for browser memory. Check the displayed output dimensions.
- For screens, 1,500 to 2,000 pixels on the long edge is plenty.
- Enlarging an image interpolates new pixels, so upscaled photos look soft.
- To change the shape on purpose, untick Keep proportions or use the [stretch tool](https://easy-edits.com/stretch-image).

## FAQ

### Does 500 KB mean 500,000 bytes?

Yes. Every successful target-size export is strictly below 500,000 bytes. If the limit cannot be reached with your settings, the tool reports the problem instead of downloading an oversized file.

### Will my photo keep its original dimensions?

Quality is adjusted between 45% and 92% first. Dimensions change only if needed and Reduce dimensions if needed is checked. For a strict pixel requirement, turn that off; the tool will report when both requirements cannot be met.

### Can I compress several photos at once?

Yes. Add up to 50 images, choose Prepare batch, and download the results together as a ZIP. Files are processed one at a time on your device.

### Can I use another upload limit?

Yes. Change the number or unit to use 100 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB or another limit. Copy settings link shares the settings without sharing photos.

## For AI agents

In-page tools (WebMCP and `window.easyEdits`): `load_image`, `resize_compress_image`, `process_image_batch`, `export_image`.

Local MCP server (`claude mcp add easy-edits -- npx -y easy-edits-mcp`): `resize_image`, `compress_image`.

## Guides

- [How to Make an Image File Smaller Without Ruining It](https://easy-edits.com/reduce-image-file-size.md): How dimensions and compression affect image file size, with practical settings for email, websites, and upload limits.
- [PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?](https://easy-edits.com/png-vs-jpg-vs-webp.md): How PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, and HEIC differ, with format guidance for photos, logos, screenshots, and websites.