ImageOptim Bulk Optimise Images: A Simple and Free Solution
If you’re looking for a way to bulk optimise images without relying on plugins or expensive software, ImageOptim is the answer. This lightweight, free tool is perfect for bloggers, developers, and designers who want to reduce image sizes without compromising quality. In this guide, I’ll share how I used ImageOptim to bulk optimise images for my WordPress blog, saving time and storage space—all for free.
Why Bulk Optimise Images?
Optimising images is a critical step for improving website performance and SEO. Smaller image sizes lead to faster page load times, better user experience, and higher search engine rankings. While plugins can automate this process, they often come with limitations, such as server load or premium pricing. That’s where ImageOptim shines—it’s a simple, offline solution that lets you bulk optimise images quickly and efficiently.
My Experience with ImageOptim
On my blog, I’ve always relied on Affinity Designer for image editing and compression. Since I use AMP in native mode, most of my pages are served through Google’s AMP CDN, which handles a lot of the heavy lifting. However, as I started experimenting with the Web Stories plugin, I realised the importance of following best practices for image optimisation.
I needed a solution that could:
- Optimise images in bulk without running endless background processes.
- Be fast and efficient, with no recurring costs.
- Work seamlessly with my existing workflow.
That’s when I discovered ImageOptim, a free tool that’s less than 10MB in size and works like a charm.
How to Bulk Optimise Images with ImageOptim
Here’s how I used ImageOptim to bulk optimise images for my WordPress blog:
Step 1: Download Images from Your WordPress Server
Using SFTP and FileZilla, I downloaded the entire uploads directory from my WordPress hosting server to my local Mac. This step ensures you have all your images ready for optimisation.
Step 2: Run the Bulk Optimisation Command
Once the images were on my local machine, I used ImageOptim to optimise them in bulk. Here’s the command I ran in the Terminal:
/Applications/ImageOptim.app/Contents/MacOS/ImageOptim *.png /users/yourname/PNG-FOLDER/Pro Tip: Replace the folder location in the command with your directory structure.
This command optimises all .png files in the specified folder, reducing their size by up to 50%. The process runs in the background, so you can continue working while it does its job.
Step 3: Drag-and-Drop Simplicity
If you’re not comfortable using the Terminal, ImageOptim also supports drag-and-drop functionality. Simply drag your image folder into the app, and it will handle the rest.
Why ImageOptim Stands Out
ImageOptim combines some of the best image optimisation tools, including:
- MozJPEG for JPEG compression.
- Pngquant and Pngcrush for PNG optimisation.
- SVGO for SVG files.
- Google Zopfli for further compression.
The result? Smaller image sizes without compromising quality, all for free.
My Optimisation Workflow
To keep things manageable, I optimise images once a month. For example, I optimised all images from September 2020 in one go. This way, I don’t have to worry about optimising images while creating new content. A few minutes of work at the end of the month is all it takes.
Advantages of Using ImageOptim
- Free and Lightweight: No subscriptions or hidden costs.
- Bulk Optimisation: Process hundreds of images in minutes.
- Offline Tool: No server load or background processes.
- Drag-and-Drop Support: Perfect for non-technical users.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bulk optimise images without plugins or expensive software, ImageOptim is a game-changer. It’s fast, efficient, and completely free. Whether you’re a blogger, developer, or designer, this tool can help you improve your site’s performance and save storage space.
Have you tried ImageOptim or any other image optimisation tools? Share your experience in the comments below! For more tips on WordPress optimisation and free resources, visit Netnaps.
Key Takeaways
- ImageOptim is a free, lightweight tool for bulk optimising images.
- It’s perfect for bloggers and developers who want to optimise images without plugins.
- The tool supports both Terminal commands and drag-and-drop functionality.
- Optimising images monthly can save time and improve site performance.