FAQ: reduce image size online
Answers about how to reduce image size, formats, privacy, PicLite accounts, the WordPress plugin, and API usage. Try the free tool on the home page or compare pricing.
File size & quality
What is an image file size?
It is the storage footprint of the image file in bytes. Larger files load slower on websites and use more bandwidth and quota — the same reason sites use online tools to reduce image size.
How can I reduce image size?
Shrink dimensions, pick an efficient format (often WebP or JPEG), and lower quality slightly. Use PicLite’s free browser tool locally, or create an account for the cloud optimizer and WordPress plugin.
Will compression ruin quality?
Moderate JPEG/WebP quality cuts usually keep images looking sharp on the web. Preview before you download, and keep originals of important photos.
Browser tool
What formats does the free tool support?
JPEG, PNG, GIF, and WebP. Animated GIF frames are flattened to a still image when resized in the browser.
Is the guest tool private?
Yes. Processing happens in your browser with Canvas. We do not receive the file unless you later use the signed-in dashboard optimizer — a privacy difference vs many upload-based online tools.
Is there a file size limit on the free tool?
Limits come from your browser memory. Very large images may fail locally — create an account and use the dashboard optimizer for bigger pipelines.
Can I resize by percent and pixels?
Yes. Switch between pixel width/height (with optional aspect lock) and percent scale, then download the result.
Accounts, WordPress & API
When should I create an account?
When you need optimization history, API tokens, higher quotas, billing plans, or the PicLite WordPress plugin connected to your account.
Does account optimization use the same engine as the browser tool?
No. The guest tool is a quick Canvas resize. The dashboard optimizer uses the PicLite server pipeline with quota tracking.
What is the PicLite WordPress plugin?
It is the official WordPress plugin for PicLite. Connect an API key from your PicLite account to compress media library uploads and run bulk optimize jobs.
How does quota work?
Signed-in optimization is metered in MB (about 1 credit ≈ 1 MB processed). Remaining quota shows in the dashboard top bar and account panel.
Where do I manage billing?
After you sign in, open Pricing plans and Subscription in the dashboard to subscribe, resume, or review invoices. Public plan teasers are on the pricing page.
Ready to resize?
Use the free online tool now, or create an account for cloud optimization.