Image Compression Guide
Image compression is one of the fastest ways to improve website performance. Smaller images download faster, consume less bandwidth, and reduce page load times. This guide explains how to choose the correct compression settings and how to use Chattsphere tools to compress images while preserving visual quality.
Lossy vs Lossless
Lossless compression reduces file size without changing image data. It preserves every pixel and is best for screenshots or images with sharp lines and text. Lossy compression discards some data and can dramatically reduce file size for photographs. When using lossy methods, adjust quality settings to balance visual fidelity and file size.
Choose the right format
Modern formats like WebP and AVIF offer better compression than older JPEG and PNG formats for photographs. PNG is still the right choice for images that require transparency or images with large areas of a single solid color. Use WebP for photos and complex images where browser support is acceptable.
Practical workflow
- Start with the highest quality original image you have.
- Decide target display size; do not serve images larger than the space they occupy on the page.
- Choose compression format and initial quality setting (for example, WebP at 80%).
- Compress and visually inspect at 100% and at reduced sizes.
- If acceptable, batch process the final set for production.
Using Chattsphere Image Compressor
Upload an image, select the target format, and adjust quality. Use the preview to confirm that the compressed result matches your expectations. For multiple images, use batch mode to maintain consistent settings across the set.
Additional tips
- Resize images to the display size before compressing to save more bytes.
- Run a visual comparison between the original and compressed file to catch artifacts.
- Automate compression in build pipelines for static sites.
Following these steps will help your site load faster and provide a better experience for visitors while retaining acceptable image quality.