How to Control Image Size and Compression

Two site settings control how large images are stored: maximum dimensions on upload, and compression. Both apply to new work. Changing them does not rewrite images that are already on the site.

Max image size on upload

The Max Image Size on Upload site setting shrinks any upload that is taller or wider than the limit. New sites default to 3000px in either dimension.

To allow a one-off full-size upload, delete the setting, upload the image, then restore the setting. Leaving the setting empty disables the limit.

Image compression

Compression never increases filesize. Heavier compression can make generating image presets slower; reduce compression if presets feel slow.

• None — no compression.
• Lossless — default for Image Compression on Upload. Applied when the file is stored. This step is irreversible for that upload.
• Lossy — default for Default Image Compression on Processing (image presets). Applied when a processed derivative is created.

Find both settings with the other site settings. They affect only uploads and processed images created after you change them.