As we all know there are many ways to save an image. Even within specific formats like PNG, etc. there are different quality settings, palette, and compression options. Most apps use the same default for all images they save. But we can optimise the image for smaller file size by using different settings simply by trying them all, a pure “brute force” approach. Smaller filesize means quicker uploads, downloads, faster web browsing, easier email attachments. A noble goal!
Origin
Back in 2009 I created an image optimisation app called PNGenie, a GUI for a few different image optimisation tools, which helped you to get the smallest possible PNGs. It was no-frills: a file selector and a small window with a progress bar.
In 2012 a new kid on the block arrived—ImageOptim. I even abandoned my own app and switched to using ImageOptim given how much nicer it was. It supported more image optimisation tools, more image formats, and had a more versatile user interface. And I’ve been using it ever since. However, over the years development of ImageOptim has slowed down and almost abandoned, it’s missing the latest advancements in image optimisation, support for the latest macOS features, and some of its quirks and outstanding bugs began to annoy me.
Here comes a new challenger
On 31st October I woke up and decided to see how difficult it would be to build a modern take on my old concept. Taking what I had learned from my own PNGenie app and other apps like ImageOptim, Trimage, Squash, Optimage, and many others, whilst adding in the latest and greatest macOS technologies. By the end of the day I had a working app with a single image optimisation tool, and by the end of the following day I had added support for a handful of image optimisation tools. Progress was quick and painless. I support Big Sur and up, easy because I am not using or relying on any external dependencies, libraries, or frameworks. I’m calling it Brutify, a sort of portmanteau of Brute + Beautify, because it uses brute force to get the nicest result.
Development updates were broadcast across on social media:
Twitter, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon
Brutify features
- macOS 11 Big Sur and up (minor UI issues for now)
- supports PNG, JPG, WEBP
- easy filtering/removal of “done” images
- considerate and customisable notifications
- fast/slow/lossy modes
- one click undo!
Plus
- CLI mode (eg.
./brutify --cli image.png ./or-folder/)
TestFlight
There are limited spaces on the TestFlight. Feedback is encouraged, actually let’s say it is essential! The first thing you might want to do is give the app access to your most used folders, your home folder, or your disk, whatever you are comfortable with will work. It will prompt when it needs permissions granted.
https://testflight.apple.com/join/PapsDHQ3
End Goal
I’m building this app as a poster child of how great, native macOS apps can and should be built in 2024. After testing is complete, the app will be sold on the Mac App Store. Price TBC.
Thoughts appreciated!
