Free Ways to Compress Photos for Mobile Apps

Updated March 22, 2026 · 6 min read

You do not need paid software to compress images well. App screens are small and users are often on cellular data, so oversized images waste bandwidth and battery.

Recommended settings for mobile apps

SettingStarting point
FormatJPEG (WebP where accepted)
Widthabout 1080 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.

Free Ways to Compress Photos

Browser tools like TheCompressJPEG are free, need no installation and keep files on your device. Built-in editors on phones and computers can also export smaller copies.

Whichever you use, the recipe for mobile apps is the same: resize to about 1080 pixels, choose quality around 70, and check the result before uploading.

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 1080 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

  • 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

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.

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.

Wrapping up

For mobile apps, the reliable recipe is simple: resize to around 1080 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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