How do I compress a photo for WhatsApp?
- Choose the image. WaSize opens it locally.
- Select JPG, WebP or PNG. JPG is usually best for photos; PNG is best when sharp edges or transparency matter.
- Set quality and a target. Start at 80% and 300 KB when you do not have a stricter requirement.
- Allow dimension reduction if needed. Fewer pixels often protect visible quality better than extremely low encoding quality.
- Compress and review. WaSize reports the real before-and-after bytes, dimensions and target status.
- Download the result. Your original remains unchanged.
What settings should I use?
| Image type | Format | Starting quality | Practical target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera photo | JPG | 80% | 300–800 KB |
| Screenshot | PNG or WebP | Lossless / 85% | Keep readable text first |
| Transparent graphic | PNG or WebP | Lossless / 90% | Depends on detail |
| Sticker source | WebP | Adaptive | Use the Sticker Maker for the official static-sticker check |
Frequently asked questions
Are images uploaded when I compress them?
No. Decoding, compression and download happen locally in your browser.
Which format is best for WhatsApp photos?
JPG is the practical default for photos. Choose PNG for sharp graphics or transparency, and WebP when you want modern efficient encoding.
Can WaSize guarantee an exact file size?
WaSize reports whether the encoder reached your target. Allow dimension reduction when quality changes alone are not enough.
Does compression stop WhatsApp from compressing the image again?
No. WhatsApp may still process it after sending.
Sources and how we checked this page
The compressor uses the browser Canvas API and validates the encoded Blob size directly. The suggested photo targets are WaSize working recommendations, not official WhatsApp limits. Last checked October 25, 2026.