The JPEG Quality on the IRender Image Tab lets you set the quality (vs file size) of saved JPEG files.

Settings at the left side of the slider create files about 1/2 the size of full-quality JPEG files, but for some images, (especially images with large areas all in the same color - such as the ground plane in this image), the compression "noise" will become objectionable. We recommend the highest quality JPEG setting. (This is the default setting.)

Files saved in .PNG format have no compression loss at all, but may be larger.

Rendered image - 100% zoom - saved in highest JPEG quality

Lowest JPEG quality
enlarged 800% to show compression artifacts.
File size 27KB
The compression artifacts look extreme here, but are less noticeable at 100% zoom.
The smaller file size, especially on larger renderings, can improve download and distribution speeds.

Highest JPEG quality
enlarged 800% to show compression artifacts.
File size 59KB
The compression artifacts are much less noticeable at 100% zoom.
The larger file size, especially on larger renderings, can slow down download and distribution speeds.
We recommend this full-quality JPEG for the best balance of quality and speed. (default)

PNG format - no compression loss
enlarged 800% to show compression artifacts.
File size 261KB
There are no compression artifacts.
The larger file size, especially on larger renderings, can slow down download and distribution speeds.

See also

• IRender Image Tab