> 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/quick-guide/nodes/effects.md).
# Effects
Apply styles to the image
Use **Effects** to apply a predefined filter to your batch. Choose a pack from the pack menu, or **All Packs** to browse every enabled filter pack. Use the search field to find an effect by name. To find more, see [Effect packs](#effect-packs).
Effects are shown in a two-column list. Each entry has a small preview of the selected image with that effect applied, and the effect's name; with **All Packs** chosen, hover over an entry to see which pack it comes from. Click an entry to select it, which highlights it in orange, then use **Intensity**, above the list, to adjust its strength. Intensity is unavailable while **None** is selected. Preview a few images in the [preview pane](/squash/quick-guide/editor.md) to check that the look suits the whole collection.
There is no on/off switch. The first entry, **None**, shows your image without an effect; select it to stop applying an effect. The None entry is hidden while you are searching. The last entry, **Get More Packs…**, opens the effect packs page on the Realmac website.
### Effect packs
Effects come in packs. Squash 4 includes **Basic Set**, and you can install more filter and border packs. Filter packs appear here in Effects; border packs appear in [Borders](/squash/quick-guide/nodes/borders.md). Effect packs are also sometimes called filters or filter packs.
To find more packs, choose **Get More Effect Packs…** at the bottom of the pack menu, click **Get More Packs…** at the end of the list, or click **Get More Effect Packs…** at the bottom left of **Settings → Effects**. Each opens the [effect packs page](https://www.realmacsoftware.com/squash/effect-packs) on the Realmac website. If you buy a pack, use the download link in your purchase email to save it to your Mac.
#### Installing a pack
1. Install Squash and launch it at least once so macOS associates `.squashEffectPack` files with the app.
2. Download the pack. If it arrives in a ZIP archive, unzip it first.
3. Double-click the `.squashEffectPack` file to open and install it in Squash.
4. Open **Settings → Effects** and check that the pack is enabled.
#### Managing packs
Use **Settings → Effects** to show or hide packs. Disabling a pack hides its styles from the sidebar. Installed additional packs can be selected and removed with **Remove**; bundled packs are managed with their enable switches.
If the Effects section is missing, check that at least one filter pack is enabled. If Borders is missing, check that a border pack is installed and enabled.
### Keeping a favourite look
Save the chosen effect and its intensity in a [Preset](/squash/quick-guide/presets.md). You can combine effects with [Adjustments](/squash/quick-guide/nodes/adjustments.md), [Borders](/squash/quick-guide/nodes/borders.md) and [Watermark](/squash/quick-guide/nodes/watermark.md).
Squash 3 reference screenshots
These screenshots show the earlier Squash 3 interface.
---
# 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/quick-guide/nodes/effects.md?ask=&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.