How Do You Compress JPEG Files?
JPEG is an acronym for Joint Photographic Expert's Group, which developed the file compression format now considered to be the standard. The format allows for compression to achieve different size files as well as different quality results. The average photographer using a digital format will need at least a basic knowledge of how to compress JPEG files for storage and for email and posting purposes. With the right software, compressing JPEG files is fast and simple.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Computer with mouse
- Microsoft photo editing software (either Picture Manager or Photo Editor, depending on your version of Windows)
Instructions
-
Compressing JPEG Files
-
1
Using Windows Explorer, locate the JPEG image you want to compress. Double-click on it and it will open the default photo viewing and editing software. If you have not selected another one, the default will be either Microsoft Photo Editor or Picture Manager. If neither of these open, click on the "Start" or Windows button on the lower left of the screen, select "All Programs" and then select Photo Editor or Picture Manager from the list by clicking on the name. After the program opens, select the file you wish to compress.
-
2
Left-click on "File" from the menu bar at the top of the screen.
-
-
3
Left-click on "Save."
-
4
Left-click on the "More" button.
-
5
Left-click on the slider pointer and hold the left mouse button down. Move the pointer to the left to make the file size smaller and to reduce picture quality, to the right to improve quality and make the file size larger.
-
6
Click on "Save."
-
1
Tips & Warnings
"JPEG can achieve much greater compression than other methods, but the results may not be fully reversible. At higher compression ratios (greater than 20:1), JPEG degrades the quality of the image. JPEG is available only for true color images," according to Microsoft Help.
References
- Photo Credit photographer image by dave verch from Fotolia.com
