How to Compress Pictures in PowerPoint (Shrink File Size)

To compress pictures in PowerPoint, select a picture, open Picture Format → Compress Pictures, choose a lower resolution, and apply it to all pictures in the file. For the smallest files, also shrink large photos before inserting them. Microsoft's guidance is to keep PowerPoint's default picture resolution at 150 ppi or lower.

Quick Facts
Where	Picture Format → Compress Pictures
Default resolution	220 ppi in Microsoft 365, adjustable (per Microsoft)
Lower it to	150 ppi or lower for slides viewed on screen (per Microsoft)
Warning	Deleting cropped areas can't reliably be undone — keep a copy of the original file

Menu names and options vary slightly by PowerPoint version. Details are based on Microsoft's support pages in October 2026.

How to Compress Pictures in PowerPoint

1. Save a copy of your presentation first.
2. Click any picture, then open the Picture Format tab.
3. Click Compress Pictures.
4. Untick Apply only to this picture so it applies to every picture in the file.
5. Optionally tick Delete cropped areas of pictures to remove the hidden parts you cropped out. Microsoft warns this data can't be restored, so only do it on a copy.
6. Choose a lower resolution setting (the dialog offers several, for example for web and email) and click OK, then save.

Set a Lower Default Resolution for the Whole File

1. Go to File → Options → Advanced.
2. Under Image Size and Quality, set the default resolution to 150 ppi or lower, as Microsoft recommends.
3. Make sure Do not compress images in file is not ticked.

Shrink Photos Before You Insert Them

A single phone photo can be several megabytes, and a slide rarely shows it larger than a fraction of a screen. Compressing images first keeps the file small from the start:

1. Open imgmend.com/compress-image — it runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded, and it's free with no daily limit.
2. Lower the quality slider and, if needed, set a max dimension (for example 1600 px on the long side).
3. Download and insert the smaller images into your slides.

See also how to compress a JPEG on a Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reduce the size of pictures in PowerPoint?

Use Picture Format → Compress Pictures, apply it to all pictures, and choose a lower resolution. Shrinking images before inserting them also helps.

What resolution should I use for PowerPoint pictures?

Microsoft suggests 150 ppi or lower for presentations shown on screen. Keep higher resolution if you plan to print slides.

Will compressing pictures reduce quality?

Yes, somewhat, especially at low resolutions. Check how the slides look at full screen before sending.

Can I undo picture compression?

Not after you save, so work on a copy and keep the original file.

Compress images free — runs in your browser →