Image Optimization Checklist

Use this checklist whenever you prepare images for a website, email, or social media. Each step links to our free tools so you can do everything in your browser—no upload to our servers, no signup.

1. Resize to the size you’ll actually use

Don’t upload a 4000×3000 image if it will only display at 1200px wide. Resize first so you’re not wasting file size on pixels nobody will see. Use our resize image tool: set the width and height (or scale by percent) and download. For social media, use the right dimensions—see our resize for Instagram and crop for social media guides.

2. Choose the right format

Use JPG for photos when you want small file size. Use PNG when you need transparency (logos, graphics). Use WebP when your site or app supports it for even smaller files. Not sure? Read our PNG vs JPG and best image formats for web guides. Convert with our convert image tool or specific converters (e.g. PNG to JPG, HEIC to JPG).

3. Compress to hit your target file size

After resizing and choosing format, compress so the file isn’t larger than it needs to be. Use our compress image tool: set a target file size (e.g. 100 KB, 500 KB, 1 MB) and download. For tips on keeping quality high, see compress without losing quality. For email and form limits, see reduce image size for email and forms.

4. Crop to the right aspect ratio (if needed)

For social posts, crop to 1:1, 4:5, or 9:16 so the platform doesn’t crop for you. Use our crop image tool with fixed ratios or free crop. Do this before or after resizing depending on your workflow.

5. Optional: remove background or add watermark

For product photos or portraits, use our remove background tool (runs in your browser with AI). For branding or copyright, use our add watermark tool. Then resize and compress as needed.

Quick reference

Web (general): Resize to display size → JPG or WebP → compress to < 200–300 KB for large images.
Email / forms: Resize → compress to under the limit (e.g. 1 MB). See our email and forms guide.
Social: Crop to platform ratio → resize to recommended dimensions → compress. See Instagram and social media guides.

Summary

Resize first, choose the right format, then compress. Crop for social if needed. All our tools run in your browser—we don’t store or see your images. Start with resize, compress, or convert, and use our guides for detailed steps.