Reduce image size to an exact KB limit
Online application forms for exams, jobs, scholarships and passports usually accept a photo or signature only if it is under a strict limit such as 20 KB or 50 KB, and sometimes above a minimum too. A normal compressor just asks for a quality percentage, so you end up guessing. This tool works the other way round: you choose the size, and it finds the best quality that fits. It lowers JPG quality first and only shrinks the dimensions if it has to.
How to compress a photo to 20 KB (or any size)
- Drop your photo or scanned signature above, or paste it with Ctrl+V.
- Pick the maximum size: 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200 or 500 KB, or type your own.
- If the form asks for specific pixels, choose them under Dimensions. Add a minimum size if the form has one.
- Press Compress. The exact result size is shown before you download the JPG.
Typical photo and signature limits on Indian forms
| Form type | Photo | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| SSC exams | 20–50 KB, JPG | 10–20 KB, JPG |
| UPSC | 20–300 KB, JPG | 20–300 KB, JPG |
| IBPS / bank exams | 20–50 KB, 200 × 230 px | 10–20 KB, 140 × 60 px |
| Railway (RRB) | 20–50 KB, JPG | 10–40 KB, JPG |
| State PSC and university forms | Often 10–100 KB | Often 5–50 KB |
These limits change between notifications, so always check the official instructions for your exam and enter the exact numbers here.
Tips so your photo isn't rejected
- Crop tightly around the face first with the image cropper (use the Passport 35×45 preset), then compress.
- Scan signatures in black ink on white paper. Crop away the empty space so the signature stays readable at a small size.
- If the form needs a white background, use the background remover and choose White.
- Need to shrink a PDF instead? Use Compress PDF.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compress a photo to 20 KB?
Drop the photo above, choose 20 KB, and press Compress. The tool finds the highest JPG quality that fits under 20 KB and reduces the dimensions only if needed.
Why is my result slightly smaller than the limit?
The tool keeps the file just under your maximum so it is always accepted. For example, a 50 KB limit usually gives a file between 45 and 50 KB.
Can I set a minimum size too?
Yes. Some forms reject files that are too small, like under 10 KB. Enter a minimum and the tool will keep the file above it.
Will the photo still look clear?
For passport-style photos, 20–50 KB is plenty at 200 × 230 or 350 × 450 pixels. Very large photos squeezed into 10 KB will lose detail, so choose a smaller dimension preset for small limits.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The compression runs in your browser on your own device, which matters for ID photos and signatures.
What format does it save in?
JPG, because that is what almost every application form accepts. Transparent areas become white.