Cradle
Cradle: A focused Mac utility for compressing and converting common image formats locally. Ranked #74 of 85 in Image Compression Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac users who want simple local image compression.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMac users who want simple local image compression
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Compresses images and converts PNG, JPEG, WebP, and HEIC
- Processes files locally, without sharing data
- Free to use with no subscription
Where it doesn't
- Available only for macOS
- Focused on compression and conversion rather than broader workflows
- The up-to-90% size reduction is a vendor claim, not a guaranteed result
Our verdict on Cradle
Cradle is a free desktop app for macOS that compresses and converts PNG, JPEG, WebP, and HEIC images. It is aimed at Mac users, including designers, who want a straightforward way to reduce image file sizes or change formats. Files are processed locally, and the vendor says data is not shared. That makes Cradle a focused option for solo users and small teams whose needs center on basic image conversion and compression rather than a wider asset workflow.
The standout point is its local processing model: image files stay on the Mac during the stated workflow, rather than being sent to a service for processing. The supported formats cover several common image types, including WebP and HEIC alongside PNG and JPEG. According to the vendor, compression can reduce file size by up to 90%; that is a maximum claim, not an indication of the result for every image. Buyers should consider how much control they need over compression settings, since the described feature set centers on compression and format conversion.
Cradle is offered free forever with no subscription, so there is no paid tier to weigh against its core capabilities. Its narrow scope is also its main constraint: teams looking for broader image management or workflow tooling may need a different kind of product. Choose Cradle if you use macOS and want a no-cost, local utility for converting and compressing the listed formats. It is less suited to people who need a cross-platform tool or capabilities beyond those core tasks.
Your product? Our editors can test Cradle in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Cradle pricing
Cradle fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Compression modes | Not verified |
| Batch processing | Not verified |
| API access | Not verified |
| Max upload size | Not verified |
| Image resizing | Not verified |
| Supported formats | PNG, JPEG, WebP, HEIC |
| Metadata controls | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | cradle.so |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Cradle
- TinyPNGA flexible compressor for web workflows, batch processing, and automated image pipelines.9.3
- OptimoleA strong WordPress-focused optimizer for responsive images, modern formats, and CDN delivery.9.2
- ThumborA self-hosted image service with URL transformations, smart cropping, and format selection.9.1
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Featured on iTechGuides
Cradle is listed in our Image Compression Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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