Large image files can take longer to upload, use more storage, and be harder to share. SOFRIQ Image Compressor lets you create a compressed copy of a supported image, choose an output format, compare the result with the original, and download one file or a ZIP of your completed batch.
This guide explains how to use the compressor, what its settings mean, how plan limits work, and where your original and compressed images go. Open SOFRIQ Image Compressor to follow along.
What the Image Compressor does
The compressor processes supported static images and returns a compressed result. You can set a quality value, optionally request a maximum target size, and choose JPG, PNG, WebP, or the original format option. The tool shows a before-and-after preview and reports the resulting file size and size change.
The compressor does not provide crop, resize, or image-editing controls. It creates a new file from the uploaded image; it does not overwrite your source file on your device.
How to compress images
- Check your limits. Review the displayed batch limit and maximum size per image before selecting files.
- Add images. Choose files from your device or drag them into the upload area. Only supported static images can be processed.
- Wait for upload completion. The compressor uploads each source image for processing. If an upload fails, that image is not ready to compress.
- Choose an output format. Select Keep original format, JPG, PNG, or WebP. The format you choose applies to each image in the batch.
- Set the quality. Use the slider or number field to choose a value from 1 to 100. The default is 75.
- Optionally set a target size. Enter a target in KB if you have a file-size goal. The compressor may lower quality to try to reach it, but the target is not guaranteed.
- Choose whether to save a copy to Media. Signed-in users can select Save compressed images to Media. This stores an additional compressed copy and uses account storage.
- Compress and review. Select Compress all images. Choose an image in the queue to compare its original and compressed previews, file sizes, and any target-size status.
- Download your results. Download images individually or select Download all as ZIP. Download anything you want to keep before leaving or clearing the workspace.
Upload limits by plan
The compressor applies a maximum number of images per batch and a maximum file size for each image. These are separate limits: each file must fit the size cap, and the total number of selected files must fit the batch cap.
| Access level | Images per batch | Maximum size per image |
|---|---|---|
| Guest | 1 | 5 MB |
| Free | 3 | 10 MB |
| Basic | 5 | 20 MB |
| Creator | 10 | 50 MB |
| Pro | 15 | 100 MB |
These are the currently configured limits and may change with SOFRIQ plan settings. The live limits shown in the compressor are the ones to follow. Signed-in uploads are also subject to the available storage quota for the account. The compressor displays batch and per-image limits; it does not show a separate daily compression counter.
Supported image formats
You can upload JPG/JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, AVIF, TIFF, and SVG images. Animated and multi-page images are not supported. For example, an animated GIF must be replaced with a static image before it can be compressed.
Available output choices are JPG, PNG, WebP, and Keep original format. Keep original format preserves JPG, PNG, and WebP as those formats. Other supported input formats, including GIF, AVIF, TIFF, and SVG, are encoded as WebP when Keep original format is selected.
Choosing an output format
You can choose a different output format for your image. Currently supported output formats are:
- JPG
- PNG
- WebP
Keep original format
This setting keeps JPG, PNG, or WebP in its existing format. Other accepted input formats are converted to WebP. Choose a specific output format when you need to control the format of every result in your batch.
Understanding quality
The quality control accepts whole-number values from 1 to 100 and starts at 75. In general, a lower value may reduce file size while increasing visible changes; a higher value tends to retain more visual detail but may produce a larger file. The relationship varies by image and output format.
Quality is not a percentage guarantee of retained detail or a promise of a specific file size. PNG, JPG, and WebP encode images differently, so the same quality value can produce different results across formats. Compare the preview and file-size information before choosing which result to use.
Setting a target file size
The optional target size is entered in KB. It is a goal, not a promise that the output will be exactly that size. If the first result is larger than the requested target, the compressor makes a limited number of quality adjustments and tries again. Some images cannot reach a small target without substantial quality reduction, and some may remain above the target.
- Leave the field blank if you do not have a specific size goal.
- Enter at least 1 KB. The requested target cannot exceed the maximum file-size allowance for your access level.
- Use a realistic target. Very small targets can make images look visibly worse or still remain out of reach.
- Check the result message. It indicates when the requested target was not reached.
- If the image does not meet your needs, try a larger target or another output format.
Comparing the original and compressed result
Select an image in the queue to view its original and compressed versions side by side. The preview area reports their file sizes and summarizes whether the result is smaller or larger. When a result is smaller, the interface also reports the size reduction.
Compression does not always make a file smaller. A result can be larger depending on the source image, output format, and settings. For images that will be used in a design, listing, or website, inspect the preview at a useful viewing size and open the downloaded file before replacing your original.
Where your images are stored
- Original uploads while signed in: The source images are uploaded to SOFRIQ Media storage for processing and associated with your account. Removing an image from the queue or clearing the workspace does not delete a signed-in original already stored in Media.
- Original uploads as a guest: Guest source files are temporary and scheduled to expire after 15 minutes. Cleanup happens separately, so removal may occur after the expiry time rather than at exactly 15 minutes. Read More about Guest Upload.
- Compressed results by default: Results are returned to your browser for preview and download. They are not automatically saved as Media items.
- Saving a compressed copy: When signed in, select Save compressed images to Media before compressing to store an additional copy. That copy uses your account storage allowance. You can learn about managing files and visibility in SOFRIQ Media.
Download results you want to keep. Clearing the queue removes the current page’s previews and queue entries, not a signed-in original already stored in Media. Only upload files you are allowed to process, and consider carefully before uploading confidential or sensitive images.
Tips for a practical workflow
- Keep a source copy. Compression creates a new result; retain the original in case you want to compare or export another version later.
- Start with a moderate quality. The default is 75. Compare the result before lowering quality further.
- Choose a format for the image’s purpose. Use PNG when transparency is important; avoid JPG for images that need transparent areas.
- Use a target only when needed. A target-size goal can be helpful for an upload requirement, but a very aggressive target may reduce visual quality.
- Review each result. A single batch uses the same settings for each image, but images can respond differently to compression.
- Download before leaving. Browser results are not automatically added to Media. Save them to your device or opt in to saving a copy to Media.
Troubleshooting
The upload control is not ready
The compressor checks your access level and upload limits when the page loads. If limits cannot be checked, reload the page and try again. The tool keeps uploads disabled until it can determine the active limits.
The image exceeds the file-size limit
Check the maximum size shown in the workspace. Each image must be within that limit. Use a smaller source file or, if appropriate, an account plan with a higher configured allowance. Signed-in uploads must also fit within your remaining Media storage.
I reached the batch limit
The number beside the queue shows how many images are selected against your current batch limit. Remove an item or clear the queue before adding more.
The compressor says the image is unsupported
Confirm that the file is a valid JPG/JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, AVIF, TIFF, or SVG image. Animated and multi-page images are not supported; use a static image instead.
The target size was not reached
The target is not guaranteed. The compressor makes limited quality adjustments, and some images cannot be reduced to the requested size at an acceptable quality. Try a larger target or a different output format.
The compressed file is larger than the original
This can happen because output size depends on the image, format, and quality. Try another output format or compare the result at a quality that still looks acceptable. Keep the larger result only if its format or other characteristics suit your needs.
I cannot save the compressed result to Media
The Save compressed images to Media option is available to signed-in users and stores an additional copy. Saving can fail if your account does not have enough available storage. You can still download the result to your device.
The ZIP download did not start
Allow downloads for SOFRIQ in your browser and try again. You can also download completed images one at a time. If multiple files have the same name, the ZIP assigns distinct names to avoid overwriting entries.
Frequently asked questions
Is SOFRIQ Image Compressor free?
You can use the tool as a guest or while signed in. The number of images per batch and maximum size per image depend on your access level and plan. Check the live limits displayed in the workspace.
Is there a separate daily compression limit?
The compressor shows per-batch and per-image upload limits. It does not display a separate daily compression counter. Check the limits shown in the tool before uploading.
Can I compress several images with different settings in one batch?
The selected output format, quality, and optional target size apply to each image you compress in that batch. To use different settings, compress the images in separate batches.
Does compression change image dimensions?
The compressor does not offer resize or crop controls. Its settings focus on output format, quality, and an optional target file size.
Are compressed images automatically saved to my account?
No. Results are returned to your browser by default. Signed-in users can choose Save compressed images to Media to store an additional copy, subject to available account storage.
Does Clear delete my uploaded original?
Clear resets the current queue and previews. It does not delete a signed-in original that has already been stored in your SOFRIQ Media account. Guest source files are temporary and expire according to their retention schedule.