Why Is My JPG File So Large?
A JPG can be surprisingly large when it has very high pixel dimensions, detailed content, high quality settings, or extra metadata.
What to do
If the dimensions are much larger than the place where you will display the image, resize it first. Then compress the resized copy. The simplest next step is to Compress Image. If the issue is actually about resize image, see Resize Image as well.
Why this happens
Image problems often come from three separate variables: pixel dimensions, encoded file size and file format. Changing one does not automatically solve the others. A very large photo may need resizing even when its format is already JPG; a transparent graphic may need PNG or WebP even when the file size is acceptable; and an upload limit may be measured in megabytes rather than pixels.
Before editing, check the requirements of the place where the image will be used. That gives you a concrete target and reduces unnecessary quality loss. When possible, keep the original file and create a delivery copy for the specific destination.
Common questions
How do I reduce a large JPG?
Check its dimensions first. If they are excessive, resize the image and then use compression. If the dimensions are already appropriate, try compression alone.
Does JPG always mean small?
No. JPG is efficient for many photos, but a very large photo can still be several megabytes.
Will resizing and compression do different things?
Yes. Resizing changes the number of pixels; compression changes how those pixels are encoded.