Checklist for the Perfect 20KB Image
You’ve compressed a file, but how do you know it’s optimally compressed and not just smaller? A true professional doesn’t guess; they follow a consistent process. This five-point checklist is the same one I use before finalizing any client asset.
Goal Clarified
Before you touch a setting, define success. Is this for a modern website? Then WebP is your priority for superior image compression. Is it for a PDF or a print-on-demand service? Stick with the universal compatibility of JPEG. This first decision steers every step that follows and prevents rework.
Dimensions Checked
Here’s the most common oversight: trying to compress image to 20kb from a 4000-pixel-wide source. It’s a losing battle. Your online tool is designed for compression, not intelligent resizing. From my experience, you must resize first. If the image will only ever display at 1200px wide, resize it to that first. Then, compression works its magic on a properly scaled file.
Quality Adjusted
Don’t just set and forget the slider. The 60-80% range is your workspace. Drag it to 60%, look closely at detailed areas (like hair or foliage), then compare at 80%. The image quality sweet spot is where textures remain sharp, but the file size plummets. This visual check is non-negotiable.
Format Selected
Leverage the tool’s converter. If your goal is web performance, convert that JPEG to WebP. You’ll often gain an extra 20-30% size reduction over a JPEG at the same visual quality. For universal systems, lock it to JPEG. This choice directly impacts your result.
Summary Reviewed
A final sense-check. Did you achieve a >50% reduce image size ratio? Does the preview look intact? This confirms you’ve applied an efficient image optimization, not just damaging compression. You’ve now created a technically perfect file.
Following this checklist builds confidence. Yet, specific hurdles always pop up. Let’s tackle the most common ones head-on.