Why image compressors can't satisfy portals with file-size floors — and how to fix it

Short summary

Most image compressors only target a maximum file size, but government and university portals often require a file-size range (e.g., 20–50 KB). At small pixel dimensions, a clean JPEG naturally falls below the floor, creating an impossible loop. The fix: binary-search JPEG quality upward to maximize file size, and if that still falls short, pad the JPEG COM metadata segment with inert bytes — no pixels change.

• •Image compressors only shrink files, but portals like JEE Mains require a minimum file size, creating an impossible loop at small dimensions
• •Fix: binary-search quality upward to maximize file size within the allowed range
• •If still too small, pad the JPEG COM (0xFFFE) metadata segment with inert bytes — image stays bit-for-bit identical

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.