Image Export Size & Quality Planner
Determine the optimal settings to meet a target file size for web or client delivery.
Optimization Inputs
E.g., 400KB for web galleries, 1000KB for high-res downloads.
Recommended Export Settings
*The relationship between quality and size is non-linear and depends on image content (complexity, noise). This is a reliable starting estimate.*
The Photographer's Export Dilemma: Quality vs. Size
Whether you're uploading to a portfolio site, preparing images for a fast-loading blog, or submitting work to a client with strict file size limits (e.g., "must be under 500KB"), finding the perfect balance between image quality and file size is tough. Too much compression lowers quality; too little breaks the size limit.
This Export Planner solves that problem by calculating the optimal settings for you before you even open Lightroom or Photoshop.
How It Works
This tool uses the relationship between your original pixel count and your desired file size (in KB) to provide a reliable export strategy.
Input: Enter the full pixel dimensions of your original image (e.g., 6000px by 4000px) and your Target File Size in kilobytes (KB).
Estimation: The planner first tries to meet the target size solely by adjusting the JPEG Quality (%).
Recommendation: If the tool determines that the required quality would drop below 65% (resulting in noticeable compression artifacts or "mushy" images), it recommends two things:
It resets the quality to a highly respectable 80%.
It calculates the necessary scaling factor (e.g., 75%) and provides the new required Export Width (px) to hit your size target at that higher quality.
Use the results displayed to set the exact dimensions and quality slider in your photo editor's export dialog to ensure perfect compliance every time.