How Much Can You Compress a JPEG for Scanned Receipts?
The honest answer is: more than you think. Expense tools mostly need receipts to be legible, not print quality, so small files work well.
Recommended settings for scanned receipts
| Setting | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG (WebP where accepted) |
| Width | about 1200 px on the long edge |
| Quality | 70 |
| File size | 150 KB or less |
These are practical defaults. If the platform or form you are using publishes its own limits, follow those instead.
How Much Can You Compress a JPEG
A typical phone photo of 3 to 5 MB can usually drop to 150 KB or less at 1200 pixels wide with no visible problem at normal viewing size.
The limit is reached when artefacts appear: blocky skies, haloes around edges or smeared fine textures. Stop one step before that for scanned receipts.
Step by step with TheCompressJPEG
- Open the compress JPEG to 150 KB tool, or the main compressor for custom settings.
- Drop in your image. Nothing is uploaded; it is processed in your browser.
- Set the maximum width to 1200 and the target size to 150 KB.
- Press Compress, check the result and download it.
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
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 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.
Related guides
- Lossy vs Lossless Compression for Scanned Receipts
Image compression comes in two flavours.
- Compressing Photos With Text for Scanned Receipts
Text inside photos, like signs or slides, needs a gentler touch.
- Compressing Portrait Photos for Scanned Receipts
Faces are where viewers notice compression first.
- Compressing Product Photos for Scanned Receipts
Product photos must look accurate because people judge the item by them.
- Lossy vs Lossless Compression for E-learning Courses
Image compression comes in two flavours.
- Compressing Portrait Photos for Etsy Listings
Faces are where viewers notice compression first.