Compress an image to 500 KB

To compress an image to 500 KB, upload the photo and the tool finds the highest JPEG quality and pixel size that keep the file at or under 500 KB (5,00,000 bytes), while keeping the original proportions. If your form also gives pixel dimensions, pick the exam preset instead so both rules are met.

🔒 Your files never leave this device — all processing happens in your browser.

How to use this tool

Choose an image (JPG, PNG, WebP, HEIC or TIFF).
The 500 KB target is already set. Add a minimum in the Min KB box if your form has one.
Leave width/height empty to keep the original dimensions, or type the pixels your form needs.
Download when the badge turns green.

Worked examples: real input and output

Measured by running this tool on our test photos (headless Chrome, 2026-10-03). Your numbers will differ slightly with your own photo.

Case	Input	Output
Target 500 KB, no preset	1.2 MB phone portrait, 2687 × 3356 px	2687 × 3354 px, 459 KB JPEG, 300 DPI

Which exams and forms have a 500 KB limit?

These presets in our database have a 500 KB maximum. Use the exam page so the pixels are right too:

Document	Dimensions	File size	Format
Canada visa — Photo	413 × 531 px	up to 500 KB	JPEG

Preset data last checked 26 September 2026 · Specs change between notifications — always verify with the latest official notification before you upload.

When to use it

Forms that state only a KB limit, such as 'photo under 500 KB'
Emailing or uploading a phone photo that is several MB
Meeting a KB limit when the portal does not fix the pixels

Understanding your result

Bytes vs KB: 500 KB is checked as 5,00,000 bytes, which is the stricter reading, so the file passes either way.
Pixels: Without a preset, the tool keeps the aspect ratio and reduces pixels only when quality alone is not enough.
Green ✓: The file is at or under the target.

Detailed guide

500 KB is generous: it is used for document uploads, higher-resolution photos and some visa portals. Most photos only need their pixel size reduced from phone resolution to get under it, with almost no visible loss. If you are combining several scans, image to PDF can build one file under 500 KB. For very large images the tool reduces pixels only when quality alone isn't enough.

New to KB limits? Read the full guide on the compress to 50 KB page: how the compression works, 1,000 vs 1,024 bytes, min–max ranges and keeping photos sharp.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a photo 500 KB?

Open this page, add the photo and download the result — it will be under 500 KB. If the form also fixes the pixel size, use the exam preset instead.

Will a 500 KB photo look blurry?

The tool keeps the highest JPEG quality that fits. Cropping to head-and-shoulders first helps a lot.

Is it safe to compress ID photos here?

Yes — compression happens on your device. No file is uploaded or stored.

Related guides

⚠ Specs change between notifications — always verify with the latest official notification before you upload.