This guide provides recommended settings and best practices for using Zipic effectively. We suggest first reviewing the following guides to learn advanced usage: Auto Compression, Integrating Zipic Capabilities, and Using the Raycast Extension.
Level 2-3 Recommended
For most use cases, compression levels 2 or 3 provide the best balance between image quality and file size. Level 2 offers higher quality with moderate compression, while level 3 provides better compression with slightly lower quality.
Adjust Based on Needs
Increase the level (4-6) if you need maximum compression for web use or storage optimization. Use level 1 for minimal compression when quality is paramount.
WebP/AVIF for Web
For web use, WebP or AVIF formats offer excellent compression ratios while maintaining good quality. These formats are widely supported by modern browsers.
JPEG-XL (JXL) for High Quality
JPEG-XL (JXL) provides excellent compression with superior quality preservation. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, making it ideal for archiving and high-quality image storage.
HEIC for Apple Ecosystem
HEIC is ideal for Apple devices, providing superior compression compared to JPEG while maintaining high quality. Perfect for photos stored on macOS/iOS devices.
JPEG for Compatibility
Use JPEG when maximum compatibility is required, especially for sharing images across different platforms and older devices.
PNG for Transparency
Choose PNG when transparency is needed. Note that converting to PNG may increase file size, so use it only when necessary.
Create Presets for Common Tasks
Create different presets for various use cases (e.g., “Web Images”, “Blog Posts”, “Social Media”). This allows you to quickly switch between compression settings without reconfiguring each time.
Use Favorites
Mark frequently used presets as favorites for quick access. This is especially useful when you have multiple presets.
Auto Compression for Screenshots
Set up folder monitoring to automatically compress screenshots. Configure your screenshot tool to save to a monitored folder, and Zipic will handle compression automatically.
Use URL Scheme
Integrate Zipic into your automation workflows using URL Scheme. This is perfect for scripts and other applications that need image compression capabilities.
Raycast Extension
Use the Raycast extension for quick compression directly from Finder. This is ideal for compressing selected images without opening the main window.
Replace Original
Use “Replace Original” when you want to save space and don’t need to keep the original files. Always ensure you have backups if the originals are important.
Custom Folder
Save compressed images to a custom folder when you want to keep originals and compressed versions separate. Useful for batch processing and comparison.
Add Suffix
Add a suffix (e.g., “-compressed”) when you want to keep both original and compressed versions in the same folder. This helps identify compressed files easily.
Start with Default Preset: Begin with the default preset and adjust settings based on your specific needs.
Preview Before Batch Processing: Use the preview window to check compression results before processing large batches. The preview window supports real-time compression strength adjustment.
Use Presets for Consistency: Create and use presets to ensure consistent compression settings across different sessions.
Monitor Compression Results: Check the compression ratio and file sizes in the history list to understand the effectiveness of your settings.
Combine with Automation: Set up automatic compression for folders that receive new images regularly (e.g., screenshot folders, camera imports).
Format Selection: Choose formats based on your use case - WebP/AVIF for web, HEIC for Apple devices, JPEG for maximum compatibility.
