How do I automatically compress images on Mac?

AutoShelf Pro can watch any folder and automatically optimize JPEG and PNG images when they arrive. Create a rule with the Optimize and Overwrite or Duplicate and Optimize action, pick your folder, and image files get compressed without you lifting a finger.

Does AutoShelf reduce image quality when optimizing?

AutoShelf uses lossless and near-lossless optimization that strips unnecessary metadata and recompresses images efficiently. The visual quality remains virtually identical while file sizes can drop significantly.

What's the difference between Optimize and Overwrite vs Duplicate and Optimize?

Optimize and Overwrite replaces the original image with the optimized version in the same location. Duplicate and Optimize creates an optimized copy next to the original, so you keep both versions.

Is image optimization a free feature in AutoShelf?

Image optimization is a Pro feature. The free tier includes one rule with basic actions like Move To and Trash. Pro unlocks unlimited rules, image optimization, multi-condition rules, and more for a one-time purchase of $19.99.

// image optimization

Optimize and Compress Images on Mac

Screenshots, photo exports, and design files eat disk space fast. AutoShelf watches your folders and optimizes JPEG and PNG images automatically, shrinking file sizes while keeping visual quality intact. Pro feature.

Download from App Store Free with one rule. Pro unlocks image optimization for $19.99 one-time. macOS 13+

// the problem

Large images eat up disk space

macOS screenshots are saved as large PNGs. A few dozen screenshots can consume hundreds of megabytes before you notice.
Photo exports from editing apps come out with bloated file sizes. Stripping metadata and recompressing can cut sizes dramatically without visible quality loss.
Manually running every image through an optimizer is tedious. You download or export images and move on, leaving oversized files scattered across folders.
Finder has no built-in way to compress images. Third-party batch tools require you to remember to run them.
Unoptimized images in project folders get committed to repositories, wasting storage for your whole team.

// how it works

Set it once. Never think about it again.

Create an optimization rule

In AutoShelf Pro, create a rule that matches image file types. Choose JPEG or PNG, or match by extension like .jpg, .jpeg, or .png.

Pick your folder and action

Select Downloads, Desktop, Screenshots, or any folder. Choose Optimize and Overwrite to shrink in place, or Duplicate and Optimize to keep the original.

Forget about it

Every new image that lands in the watched folder gets optimized automatically. No manual steps, no batch processing, no extra apps to open.

// features

Powerful optimization, zero effort

Optimize and Overwrite

Replace the original image with the optimized version in the same location. The file name and folder stay the same, but the file size shrinks. Pro feature.

Duplicate and Optimize

Create an optimized copy next to the original. The original stays untouched, and the compressed version sits beside it. Pro feature.

JPEG and PNG support

AutoShelf optimizes both JPEG and PNG files, the two most common image formats on macOS. Match them by file type or by specific extension.

Strips metadata, preserves quality

Optimization removes unnecessary metadata like GPS coordinates and camera info, and recompresses images efficiently. Visual quality stays virtually identical while file sizes drop significantly.

// faq

Frequently asked questions

How do I automatically compress images on Mac?

AutoShelf Pro can watch any folder and automatically optimize JPEG and PNG images when they arrive. Create a rule with the Optimize and Overwrite or Duplicate and Optimize action, pick your folder, and image files get compressed without you lifting a finger.
Does AutoShelf reduce image quality when optimizing?

AutoShelf uses lossless and near-lossless optimization that strips unnecessary metadata and recompresses images efficiently. The visual quality remains virtually identical while file sizes can drop significantly.
What's the difference between Optimize and Overwrite vs Duplicate and Optimize?

Optimize and Overwrite replaces the original image with the optimized version in the same location. Duplicate and Optimize creates an optimized copy next to the original, so you keep both versions.
Is image optimization a free feature in AutoShelf?

Image optimization is a Pro feature. The free tier includes one rule with basic actions like Move To and Trash. Pro unlocks unlimited rules, image optimization, multi-condition rules, and more for a one-time purchase of $19.99.