Fixing Blurry Images After Compressing for Scanned Receipts

Updated May 9, 2026 · 8 min read

Blurriness after compression usually comes from resizing too far, not from JPEG itself. Expense tools mostly need receipts to be legible, not print quality, so small files work well.

Recommended settings for scanned receipts

SettingStarting point
FormatJPEG (WebP where accepted)
Widthabout 1200 px on the long edge
Quality70
File size150 KB or less

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

Fixing Blurry Images After Compressing

If a photo looks soft, you probably scaled it below the size it is displayed at. Try a maximum width of 1200 pixels instead of something smaller.

If it looks blocky rather than soft, raise quality a few steps. Re-compress from the original file, never from an already compressed copy.

Step by step with TheCompressJPEG

  1. Open the compress JPEG to 150 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 1200 and the target size to 150 KB.
  4. Press Compress, check the result and download it.
Ready to try it? Compress your JPEG to 150 KB now. It's free and private.

Quick tips

  • Write a size limit slightly below the stated maximum to leave a margin.
  • Process private images locally rather than uploading them to unknown servers.
  • Crop out distractions so pixels go to the subject.
  • Use WebP where it is supported and you control the page.

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 receipts, the reliable recipe is simple: resize to around 1200 pixels, compress at quality 70 or to a 150 KB target, and check the result before you upload. Keep the original so you can always start again.

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