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Squoosh lets you compare an image’s file size and appearance as you adjust compression settings, so you can choose a practical balance rather than assume one format or quality level is best. Its project README says image processing happens locally and images are not sent to a server, while also disclosing limited analytics collection.
What Squoosh does
Squoosh is a browser-based web app for compressing images into different formats. Its useful feature is the opportunity to inspect the result as you adjust settings: a smaller file is not automatically a better result if compression introduces visible artifacts.
To use it, open the Squoosh app, choose an image, and compare the compressed output with the original. Adjust the available format and quality controls, then inspect both the displayed image and resulting file size before saving. The app and its interface can change, so the exact codecs and control names may differ over time.
Does Squoosh upload your image?
The Squoosh project README says, “All image compression processes locally” and “Squoosh does not send your image to a server.” These are statements from the project, not the result of an independent security audit.
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Local image processing does not mean that the app collects no information. The same README says Squoosh uses Google Analytics to collect basic visitor data and before-and-after image-size values. For the progressive web app (PWA), it also describes collecting installation type and installation time and date. If those disclosures matter to your use, review the current project README and applicable privacy information before using the app.
How to compress an image without making it look bad
- Open the original at a useful viewing size. Choose an image and evaluate it at the size it will actually appear, as well as close up. Fine details, edges and gradients can show compression damage that is easy to miss in a small preview.
- Choose an output format available in the app. The best option depends on the image, whether it needs transparency, and where it will be displayed. Do not assume that a newer format is automatically the right choice.
- Adjust compression gradually. Lower quality settings can reduce file size but worsen visible quality. Google’s JPEG learning material describes a 0–100 quality control and explains that lower quality produces smaller files with worse visual quality; it does not establish a universally best setting. See web.dev’s JPEG guide.
- Compare the output, not just the number. Check the new file size against the original and look for blur, blockiness, banding, or lost fine detail. If the change is conspicuous at the intended display size, ease off compression or try another available format.
- Save only after checking important image properties. Confirm that transparency and other details you need have been retained, and make sure the saved format suits the site or application where you will use the image.
Should you use WebP or AVIF?
There is no single winner for every image or website. Compare the actual output size and appearance for your image, confirm that required properties such as transparency are preserved, and account for browser support. If a target browser may not support your chosen format, provide a fallback rather than assuming it can display the file.
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Google’s AVIF codelab demonstrates serving AVIF with a JPEG fallback using the HTML <picture> element. This is one way to offer a newer format to compatible browsers while retaining a widely supported alternative; the choice of fallback and formats should match the browsers your audience needs to support.
Which codecs and command-line options are available?
Google’s Squoosh v2 announcement from December 9, 2020, documented OxiPNG, MozJPEG, WebP and AVIF, along with codecs supported natively by the browser. It also introduced Squoosh CLI. Those are historical v2 details, not a guarantee of the live app’s current codec list or CLI availability. Check the current app and project repository for present-day options before relying on a particular codec or command-line setup.
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