> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/squash/welcome-to-squash.md).

# Welcome to Squash

Batch image compression for macOS

Squash 4 for Mac makes it easy to compress, resize and convert a whole batch of images. Drop in your files, choose your settings, preview the results and export. A few clicks, a lot less repetitive work.

Use Squash to prepare photos for your website, turn HEIC images into JPEGs, add a watermark, remove private metadata or give a collection of images a consistent look. Save your favourite settings as a preset and use them again next time.

### Get started

1. Drag images or a folder into Squash, or choose **File → Import Images…**.
2. Choose an output format and quality in **Format**. Choose a **Resize** mode if you need smaller dimensions.
3. Check the compressed sizes in the list, which Squash calculates automatically. Select an image to compare it with the original in the preview.
4. Choose a destination in **Location → Save To**, then click **Export Images** at the bottom of the settings sidebar. Squash exports every image in your batch.

For a tour of the interface, start with [Main Window](/squash/quick-guide/main-window.md).

### What can Squash do?

* Compress and convert images to JPEG, PNG, TIFF, HEIC, WebP, AVIF and JPEG XL.
* Resize a batch while keeping the proportions of each image.
* Adjust brightness, contrast, colour and sharpness.
* Apply filters, borders and an image watermark such as a logo.
* Remove location, camera, date, author and other metadata, or add your own title, description, copyright and keywords.
* Rename files with reusable templates, numbering, export dates, image dimensions and aspect ratios.
* Generate descriptive filenames with Apple Intelligence, entirely on your Mac.
* Save beside the originals, in a subfolder of each original folder or in a chosen destination.
* Keep your settings in presets for regular jobs.

Image compression and editing take place on your Mac. Optional AI descriptions and filenames use Apple Intelligence on your Mac, so your images never leave it. See [AI Setup](/squash/quick-guide/ai.md) for requirements and how generation works.

### Before you begin

Check the [System Requirements](/squash/system-requirements.md), especially if you plan to use Apple Intelligence. Squash is free to use with every feature, for 5 exported images a day (25 on your first day); see [Is Squash free?](/squash/licensing-faq.md#is-squash-free) to unlock unlimited exports. These guides cover Squash 4; screenshots and videos from Squash 3 are labelled as earlier-version references.

<details>

<summary>Squash 3 launch and first-look videos</summary>

These videos introduce the earlier Squash 3 interface. Squash 4 uses an image list and a toolbar preset menu.

#### Squash 3 launch trailer

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u-5DMnW1xg>" %}

#### Squash 3 first look

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-VzLv-ce3Q>" %}

</details>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/squash/welcome-to-squash.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.