Squoosh is a free, browser-based image-compression app that lets you compare file size with visual quality as you adjust an image. It helps you make an informed trade-off rather than guessing at a setting that will work for every picture. The project says compression happens locally and images are not sent to a server, while also disclosing some analytics collection.
How Squoosh helps you compress an image
Image compression reduces the amount of data needed to store or deliver a picture. Squoosh provides a way to inspect how an image looks and how large its compressed output is, so you can decide whether a smaller file is worth any visible loss in quality.
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There is no universally best quality setting: the right balance depends on the image and how it will be used. A photograph displayed at a small size may tolerate changes that are obvious in a large view, while fine edges, texture, or text can make artifacts easier to spot. Google’s JPEG learning material describes a quality control from 0 to 100, with lower quality producing smaller files but worse visual quality; that range is not a recommendation for one ideal setting. Google’s JPEG learning material
Does Squoosh upload your image?
The Squoosh project README says that image compression is processed locally and that Squoosh does not send your image to a server. Those are statements from the project, not the results of an independent security audit. The README also says Squoosh uses Google Analytics to collect basic visitor data and before-and-after image-size values. For the progressive web app (PWA), it additionally describes collecting installation type and installation time and date. Local processing therefore does not mean that the app collects no data. Squoosh project README
How to choose between WebP, AVIF, and other formats
Choose an output based on the result, not simply because a format is newer. Compare the compressed file’s size with how it looks at its intended display size, and check whether the output preserves properties you need, such as transparency. If the image will be served on the web, account for browser support as well.
AVIF can be offered with a JPEG fallback using the HTML picture element, as shown in Google’s AVIF codelab. That lets a page provide a modern format while retaining an alternative for browsers that do not support it. Google’s AVIF codelab
Squoosh’s format and codec availability can change. Google’s Squoosh v2 announcement on December 9, 2020, listed OxiPNG, MozJPEG, WebP, and AVIF, along with codecs supported natively by the browser, and introduced a command-line interface. Those are historical details, not confirmation of the live app’s current codec list or CLI support; check the app itself before relying on a particular option. Google’s Squoosh v2 announcement
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- Open the current Squoosh app and load the image you want to compress.
- Choose an available output format and adjust its compression or quality controls.
- Compare the output size with the original, then inspect the image at the size people will actually see it. Look for artifacts around edges, text, fine detail, and areas of texture.
- If the result is too degraded, change the quality setting or try another available format; if it is still too large, decide whether a further quality reduction is visually acceptable.
- Before using the output on a website, confirm that the format suits your browser-support plan and that required image properties, including transparency, remain intact.
The Squoosh project is useful for making that comparison, but the evidence cited here does not establish a universal compression percentage, a best quality value, or a winner between WebP and AVIF. Let the image, intended display, file size, and compatibility requirements decide.
Quick Recap
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