Reduce image size for email and messaging
Large phone photos can make messages slow to send, consume mobile data and exceed an attachment limit. A dedicated sharing copy is usually better than repeatedly retrying the original or relying on an app’s unpredictable automatic compression.
Decide how the image will be used
A photo meant only for screen viewing does not need the same dimensions as a file intended for printing or detailed editing. Keep the original and make a smaller delivery copy for the message.
For ordinary viewing, reducing a very large camera photo to a sensible screen resolution can cut far more weight than a small quality adjustment alone.
Pick a compatible file
JPG is the safest choice for normal photographs because it is widely accepted and efficient. WebP may be smaller, but the recipient’s older software might not recognize it. PNG is useful for screenshots and graphics with crisp text.
HEIC photos from an iPhone may need a JPG copy for recipients using older devices or document systems.
Compress, inspect and attach
Set a target comfortably below the service’s attachment ceiling, compress the source once and open the finished copy. Check faces, text and other important details at normal size.
Attach the new file and retain the source separately. If several images are needed, compress them as a batch so the whole message remains manageable.
- Keep the original
- Resize excessive dimensions
- Use JPG for broad compatibility
- Leave room below the attachment limit
- Preview before sending