Best JPEG Quality Setting for Scanned Documents

Updated March 22, 2026 · 6 min read

Quality is the slider people touch first, yet it is often the least understood. Scanners often save huge files by default, far more detail than is needed to read a page on screen.

Recommended settings for scanned documents

SettingStarting point
FormatJPEG (WebP where accepted)
Widthabout 1700 px on the long edge
Quality78
File size200 KB or less

These are practical defaults. If the platform or form you are using publishes its own limits, follow those instead.

Best JPEG Quality Setting

JPEG quality is not a percentage of the original. It controls how aggressively fine detail is discarded. Between 90 and 100 the file grows quickly for almost no visible gain, while between 70 and 85 most photos look identical at normal viewing size.

For scanned documents, quality 78 is a good default. Drop toward 60 for small thumbnails or simple graphics, and stay nearer 85 for images people will zoom into.

Step by step with TheCompressJPEG

  1. Open the compress JPEG to 200 KB tool, or the main compressor for custom settings.
  2. Drop in your image. Nothing is uploaded; it is processed in your browser.
  3. Set the maximum width to 1700 and the target size to 200 KB.
  4. Press Compress, check the result and download it.
Ready to try it? Compress your JPEG to 200 KB now. It's free and private.

Quick tips

  • Always keep the original file and compress a copy.
  • Use JPEG for photos and PNG for logos and line art.
  • Name files descriptively with lowercase words and hyphens.
  • Check the result on a phone, where most people will see it.

FAQ

What size should an image be for e-learning courses?

A practical default is about 1600 pixels wide and 200 KB or less, unless the destination states its own limits.

Can I compress images for e-learning courses without uploading them?

Yes. TheCompressJPEG runs entirely in your browser, so your images never leave your device.

Is WebP accepted for e-learning courses?

It depends on the platform. JPEG is the safest choice when you are not sure.

Wrapping up

For scanned documents, the reliable recipe is simple: resize to around 1700 pixels, compress at quality 78 or to a 200 KB target, and check the result before you upload. Keep the original so you can always start again.

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