How to compress an image to 20 KB
- Choose or drop your photo. The maximum is already set to 20 KB.
- If the form asks for exact pixels (for example 200 × 230) or a minimum size, enter those as well.
- Check the size shown under the preview and download the JPG.
Where a 20 KB limit comes up
A 20 KB limit is common on exam, admission and recruitment portals for the candidate's photo, and for small profile pictures. It is one of the tightest limits, so the photo has to be quite small in pixels as well.
Most of these sites only accept JPG files. A photo straight from a phone is usually 2 to 5 MB, so it has to shrink a lot, and that's easiest when the pixels shrink too: a photo of about 378 by 473 pixels can be stored in 20 KB at good quality, while squeezing all 12 megapixels into 20 KB would make it blotchy.
Sharpest result that fits
Instead of one fixed setting, the tool tries the compression quality step by step and keeps the highest one that stays under 20 KB. The size you see is the size of the file you download, measured exactly, so the upload won't be rejected for being a few bytes over.
Other sizes
Need a different limit, a minimum size, or a signature? Use Resize Image to KB to enter any numbers, or the Signature Resizer for 10–20 KB signatures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reduce a photo to 20 KB?
Choose the photo here. It is saved as a JPG under 20 KB automatically, at the best quality that fits. Download it and upload it to your form.
Will my photo look bad at 20 KB?
The pixels are reduced to a sensible size first, so the photo stays clear. At 20 KB a face or document photo looks good on screen.
Can I set exact pixels too?
Yes. Type the width and height the form asks for and the photo is cropped and resized to exactly that, then compressed under the limit.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The photo is compressed in your browser and never leaves your device.
Last updated October 2026 · More image tools