Compression
Use compression to reduce PNG and JPEG file sizes after choosing the pixel dimensions required for delivery. It is useful for web images, email attachments and batches of catalogue assets.
Choose where to compress
| Starting point | Workflow |
|---|---|
| Existing PNG/JPEG files | Open Tools → Compress Images. Add files, folders or a path list, then choose the output location and quality. |
| New images generated from records | Configure compression in the Export settings, alongside the raster output settings. Compression runs in the background after export. |
The standalone tool does not require a variable-data export. For its controls, supported path lists and a size comparison, see Compress Images.
Prepare a batch for delivery
- Export at the dimensions the recipient needs. Compression keeps the pixel dimensions; it does not add resolution.
- Start with Standard: 50. High: 30 and Heavy: 10 use stronger compression and can lose more detail.
- Choose a separate output folder or keep the default
-compressedsuffix while comparing results. Check the output preview before enabling Replace originals. - Leave Strip metadata off when titles, keywords, attribution or other XMP fields need to travel with the images. See XMP Usage.
- Run the compression and keep Illustrator open until background processing finishes.
- Inspect small text, gradients, transparent edges and any barcodes at the intended display size. Review the saved sizes and any skipped or failed files before handing over the batch.
An already efficient image may show little saving. Compare the result with the source before choosing a stronger setting for the whole batch. Replacing originals changes files on disk and cannot be undone with Illustrator Undo.
XML/XMP is preserved unless stripping is requested. PNG content credentials are removed during compression even when Strip metadata is off.