How to compress images

Image compression in Watermark Soft can be performed for both a single file and in batch mode. This allows you to quickly optimize a large number of photos for various purposes.

In which cases graphic file compression may be required

 
Optimizing images for websites and online stores. When creating web resources, there is a golden rule: the smaller the size of the images used, the faster the page loading speed will be, which means improved optimization and promotion. On the other hand, it’s important that compression is carried out with minimal quality loss and the content remains attractive to visitors.
 
Watermark Soft allows you to compress images to the desired size without significant distortions. With this program, you can quickly prepare files for different versions of websites, both desktop and mobile, but most importantly, you can choose the optimal format for uploading to web resources – webp.
 
Preparing photo previews or portfolios. The commercial value of images is closely related to their resolution and quality. The higher they are, the more expensive the file and the wider the possibilities for its practical application. Therefore, by sending originals to a client without proper protection, you risk facing unauthorized use of your work and theft of intellectual property.
 
Image compression completely solves this problem – in just a few clicks, you get a quality preview for clients and partners that cannot be used for commercial purposes.
 
To maximally protect your intellectual property, we also recommend adding unique watermarks. This can also be done with batch processing in Watermark Soft.
 
Sending a large batch of images.Sending a large number of photos often takes a lot of time and requires the use of specialized hosting services, especially if the resolution of each shot is up to 4K. We all know the long wait for uploads, errors when copying files, and other inconveniences. They often become the real reason why we promise our loved ones for weeks to send vacation photos but regularly postpone this task.
 
Using compression in Watermark Soft, you can quickly prepare a batch of photos for sending in a way convenient for you (through messengers, Google Drive, by email, etc.). You no longer need to spend a huge amount of hours archiving and uploading shots to the cloud.
 

Saving storage space. Photo compression allows you to significantly reduce the size of occupied space on your PC or in cloud storage. This is especially important if you love to take many photos or do it professionally.
 
Thanks to Watermark Soft’s batch processing, you can significantly reduce the occupied space without spending much time on it. You won’t need to sort through files manually, deciding which to delete and which to keep. No need to pay for additional space in cloud storage or buy another expensive removable drive. Simply reduce the file size without quality loss.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Compress Images in Watermark Soft

 
You can compress images in Watermark Soft in a few simple steps:

1. Visit the main page watermarksoft.com and download the program to your PC. It is suitable for use on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Unpack the exe file and install the program. If necessary, enter the PC administrator password. During installation, a shortcut will be automatically created on the desktop.
2. Open the program by clicking on the shortcut, and in the window that opens, select the «Compress» section.
3. Next, choose which file types you will work with. You will be prompted to upload an image or video. To compress images, select «Upload images».
4. You can add files for processing one at a time or in batches. To start loading, click the «Upload images» button in the menu that opens.
5. In the file manager window that appears, select the folder with images containing the files to compress. You can select only one of them, highlight (holding the «Ctrl» key) several, or press «Ctrl+A» and select all at once. Then click «Open» and wait a few seconds for them to be added.
6. If after uploading one or several images you need to add more files (for example, from another folder), you can do this without starting the process over. Simply click the «Add images» button located in the upper right menu and select the desired folder. You can also simply drag the specified files with the cursor (*holding the left mouse button) into the program’s workspace. Wait for them to be added.
7. At this stage, you can also remove unnecessary files if, for example, duplicates appeared or you accidentally added shots you don’t plan to compress. To do this, click on the unnecessary image and then click the «Trash» button that appears. To remove all files from the workspace at once, click the «Clear all» button in the upper right menu.
8. If you want to return to the initial menu, find the «Home» icon in the upper left corner and click on it. Note that all previously loaded files will be removed from the program and will need to be added again for compression.
9. When all the necessary images are added to the workspace, click the «Next step» button to proceed to compression settings selection. In the window that appears, select the required «Quality» parameters. Initially, the original file size will be indicated here (*if batch processing is performed, the size is indicated in total for the entire folder).
10. Move the slider to choose what the file size will be after compression. Watermark Soft will automatically calculate it, so you won’t need to recalculate the compression percentage. You will immediately see what volume will be obtained as a result.
11. Select the file format you need to get after compression.
     
    If image compression is performed for uploading to a website, we recommend choosing the webp format. It allows compressing files more than traditional jpg or png extensions, but quality loss will be minimal.
     
    If compression is performed for preparing previews or sending, it’s worth choosing the more familiar jpg format. It opens with any editor and won’t cause problems for the recipient when viewing.
12. In the «Output Directory» field, select the path where compressed files will be saved and click the «Compress» button. Wait for the compression process to complete (*usually takes a few seconds). Note that during compression, source files are not replaced, but their copies are created, even when saving to the same folder. This is convenient as you don’t have to worry about losing important data.
13. After compression, the program will return you to the main menu. This will mean the work is done. Open the folder you designated for saving and make sure you got the desired result.

What is the quality loss when compressing in Watermark Soft?

 
So, you’ve performed compression and now you can compare the quality and weight of the original and compressed file. In our example, the original photo was 2.6 MB and had jpg format.
 
After compression using Watermark Soft and transformation to webp format, the file volume became 280 KB.
 
Comparing the shots, you can see that the image quality has practically not changed, despite the fact that the original file was reduced by almost 10 times.
 
The image dimensions themselves remained unchanged. If you need not only to compress the file but also crop it to specified parameters or convert it to other formats, you can also do this in Watermark Soft by returning to the main menu and selecting the appropriate section.

Advantages of image compression in Watermark Soft

 
Image compression functions are available today in many desktop graphics editors and virtual services. However, using them is not always convenient for many reasons. This may be: lengthy registration, need to purchase a subscription and limitations for free demo versions, confusing menus, inability to work offline, etc.
 
Using Watermark Soft eliminates unnecessary complications, offering you logical and simple solutions for working with images and photos.

Simple installation and intuitive interface

 
Program installation takes no more than 2-3 minutes. Moreover, you don’t need to perform additional settings to compress photos. You won’t need to search for a manual or video review from a specialist, as the program is perfectly balanced in functionality and ease of use for users of any level.

Batch processing with flexible file management

 
Compressing images in Watermark Soft is very simple. You can immediately add files stored in different directories on your PC. There’s no need to pre-create a separate folder and transfer photos to it, as professional graphics editors require. This saves your time and simplifies the processing, reducing time costs to just a few minutes.

Compression with minimal quality loss

 
As shown above, when using Watermark Soft, even choosing strong compression, quality loss is visually barely noticeable. This is achieved through software algorithms and allows you to get quality content for your website. You can both ensure good loading speed and preserve the attractiveness of visuals for your audience.
 
Compression in Watermark Soft will be a good solution in cases where photo preparation for online stores is required. This will allow you to quickly process a large number of images, maintaining product attractiveness and increasing buyer interest. At the same time, the cost of site maintenance will be lower due to hosting savings.

No service registration required

 
Installation and work don’t require multi-level registration, entering card data, specifying occupation, filling out forms, confirming phone number or email. No one collects or processes your data forcibly. We request minimal information only when activating the premium version at your request. This makes working with the editor fast and convenient for every user.

Free use and no advertising

 
You can compress images in Watermark Soft completely free. No need to necessarily buy a subscription and monitor its renewal. You can work without limitations on the number of pictures and compressions per day or month. The program doesn’t show annoying ads and doesn’t impose third-party services and goods, as online services do. You won’t be forcibly receiving newsletters and push notifications.

Autonomous work without mandatory network connection

 
Watermark Soft is installed on PC and can work at any convenient time. You don’t need to be online or connect to a high-speed network to compress images or apply watermarks. This significantly simplifies and speeds up the processing.

Intellectual property security

 
Image compression in Watermark Soft doesn’t involve storing files in the cloud on our servers. Everything remains only on your PC and is fully protected from copyright violations. Moreover, the ability to work offline, rather than through a browser, allows maximum protection from malicious programs and data leaks.

Not just compression

 
Watermark Soft is not just a compressor for images or videos. Here you can apply watermarks, perform arbitrary cropping or by specified templates, scale and convert files to another extension. Moreover, batch processing is available for any of the listed functions.