Images from AI generators often come out as large PNG files at a fixed resolution. Drop them straight into a web page and you can add megabytes to the load, hurting speed and Core Web Vitals.
The fix is quick: resize to the display size, pick a lighter format, and compress. Here is the workflow.
Key Takeaway: Never upload an AI image as it came out of the generator. Resize, convert and compress first, then add alt text.
Step 1: Resize to the Size You Actually Need
If an image shows at 800 px wide on your page, a much larger file wastes bytes. Set the width to about what you display, or up to twice that for sharp results on high-density screens, with the Resize tool. See how to fix the Properly size images warning for the reasoning.
Step 2: Convert PNG to WebP or JPG
PNG keeps every pixel, which makes AI images heavy. For most illustrations and photos, WebP or JPG is far smaller with little visible change. Use PNG only when you need transparency. Learn the trade-offs in WebP vs PNG vs JPG and convert with PNG to WebP.
Step 3: Compress
Run the result through the compressor. A quality of about 75 to 85 is a good starting point. Compare the preview with the original and lower the quality until you just start to see a difference, then go back one step.
Pro Tip: Some tools embed generation details, such as prompts, in the file's metadata. Strip it with the EXIF remover if you do not want to publish it.
Step 4: Add Alt Text
AI images still need accurate alt text. Describe what the image shows and why it is on the page. Our guide on writing alt text has examples, and the image SEO guide covers file names and the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are AI-generated images so large?
Many generators export full-resolution PNG files, which keep every pixel and are much larger than a web-ready WebP or JPG of the same picture.
What is the best format for AI images on a website?
WebP for most images, JPG as a widely supported alternative, and PNG only when you need transparency.
Will compressing an AI image reduce quality?
At a sensible quality setting the change is rarely visible while the file shrinks a lot. Always keep your original.
Does image compression remove AI metadata?
Compression alone may not. Use an EXIF remover if you want to strip metadata such as prompts, where a tool embeds them.
How big should an AI image be on my page?
About the size it is displayed at, up to roughly twice that for high-density screens. Larger files only slow the page down.
Summary: Resize to the display size, convert to WebP or JPG, compress, strip unwanted metadata and add alt text. Use the free TinyPNG Now compressor in your browser.