> 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/watched-folders.md). # Watched Folders Squash new images automatically when they land in a folder A watched folder squashes new images for you. Add a folder, choose a preset, and any image you save or copy into that folder is processed with the preset's settings and saved where you choose, without opening the main window. It's ideal for a screenshots folder, a camera import folder or a folder you export to from another app. ![The Watched tab in Squash Settings, with a Compress folder on the Desktop set to the Web Safe JPG preset and saving to a Squashed subfolder](https://1309898043-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F9hJwt9oZ5CYj9I9YIUa9%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-79c24583a291825f20be8d5bc821ccbd169cea0f%2Fsquash-4-settings-watched.png?alt=media) {% hint style="info" %} Watched Folders is available once Squash is unlocked. See [Is Squash free?](/squash/licensing-faq.md#is-squash-free). {% endhint %} ### Adding a folder 1. Open **Squash → Settings…** and click **Watched**. 2. Click **Add Folder…** and choose a folder, or drag a folder from the Finder into the list. 3. Choose a **Preset** for the folder. Watched folders use your saved [presets](/squash/quick-guide/presets.md), so set one up in the main window first. 4. Choose where processed images go in **Save To**. Images already in the folder when you add it are left alone. Only images added afterwards are processed. ### Where images are saved | Save To | What happens | | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Subfolder | Processed images go into a folder inside the watched folder, named in the field beside it. The default is **Squashed**. | | Replace originals | Each original is overwritten with its processed version. Squash asks you to confirm, because this can't be undone. If the preset changes the format, the new file is saved beside the original and the original is kept. | | Preset's folder | Processed images go to the export folder saved in the preset. | Filenames follow the preset's [Rename](/squash/quick-guide/nodes/rename.md) settings, with your [variables](/squash/quick-guide/variables.md) filled in; the **Preset** token is empty here. The preset's **Subfolder** field isn't used. If the preset uses **Describe**, Squash describes each image first, just as it does for a normal export. ### How it works * Images are only processed **while Squash is open**. Images added while Squash was closed are picked up the next time it opens. * Squash waits until an image has finished copying or downloading before it reads it. * Each image is processed once. If you edit an image in the watched folder, Squash processes it again and replaces its earlier output. * Squash never processes its own output, hidden files, or files inside packages such as app bundles or Photos libraries. * Processing runs in the background and uses about half your Mac's processor cores, so the main window stays responsive. * If you change a preset in the main window, the next image in a watched folder uses the updated settings. ### Folder options Use the checkbox beside a folder to pause or resume watching it. The menu at the end of each row has: * **Include Subfolders:** also process images saved in folders inside the watched folder. Off by default. * **Show in Finder** * **Choose Folder Again…:** use this if Squash loses access to the folder, for example after it was moved or renamed. Problems are shown in red under the folder's name. * **Remove:** stop watching the folder. Files already processed are kept. Click a folder's path to show it in the Finder. ### General options The menu beside **Add Folder…** has two options: * **Open Squash at Login:** start Squash when you log in, so your folders are always watched. If macOS needs your permission, choose **Allow Squash in Login Items…**. * **Notify When Images Are Processed:** show a notification after a batch of images has been processed. Squash also notifies you if it stops watching a folder. --- # 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. 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