A downloadable tool for macOS

Zero Loss Compress: Save Disk Space Without Losing Your Original Files

Storing large image libraries can be challenging, especially if you want to keep access to your original files without sacrificing quality for storage.

Zero Loss Compress provides a practical solution by utilizing JPEG XL, a modern image format designed for efficiency and flexibility.

How Does It Work?

JPEG was first introduced in 1992, tailored to the limitations of that era’s technology, such as slower processors and limited memory. Today’s advancements in compression techniques allow us to optimize JPEGs even further while keeping access to the original data. This process is fully reversible, with no loss of quality.

JPEG XL offers up to 20% additional compression compared to standard JPEG files while maintaining the ability to revert to the original format at any time. This makes it an ideal choice for long-term photo storage without compromising image quality or integrity.

Why Choose JPEG XL?

  • 🚀 Modern Features: JPEG XL is optimized for today’s applications, offering smaller file sizes and features like progressive decoding for faster loading.
  • 🔄 Reversible Conversion: Your original JPEGs are always preserved. If needed, you can easily revert with no loss of quality.
  • 🖱️ One-Click Safe Conversion: Convert your image library to JPEG XL effortlessly. After each photo is converted, it is automatically reverted to JPEG for a bit-by-bit comparison with the original file. This ensures the process is fully reversible and guarantees no data is lost.

For photographers or anyone managing extensive photo collections, JPEG XL provides an efficient way to save storage space without losing access to original files.

How Is It Different From JPEGmini?

While JPEGmini is excellent for reducing file sizes for sharing or web use, it’s a lossy process that doesn’t allow you to return to the original image. It’s not a suitable choice for long-term storage.

Zero Loss Compress, on the other hand, focuses on efficient storage by converting to JPEG XL, a fully reversible format designed for preserving your photos with no quality loss.

FAQ

Q: Can you explain how the process works for our photos?

A: Certainly! Here's how it works:

  1. You select a folder containing your photos.
  2. The program scans the folder for JPEG files.
  3. Each JPEG is converted to JPEG-XL and then converted back to JPEG.
    • Only the JPEG-XL is kept if the re-converted JPEG matches the original file.
  4. As a result, your photo library becomes up to 20% smaller, while retaining the ability to revert to the original JPEGs if needed.

Q: Can this tool convert other image formats (TIFF, PNG, DNG, HEIC, etc.) to JPEG-XL?

A: While it's technically possible to convert these formats, this tool focuses on JPEG-to-JPEG-XL conversion because it’s fully reversible. For other formats, the conversion might be lossless regarding image quality, but metadata may not always carry over completely.

Q: Will metadata be preserved?

A: Absolutely. There’s no loss of metadata in this process. Every byte, including proprietary metadata fields, is retained, ensuring full reversibility.

Q: Does the program leave HEIC, RAW, and other formats untouched?

A: Yes, the tool operates exclusively on JPEG files. Other formats are left as they are, as not everything needs to be converted to JPEG-XL.

Q: Is JPEG-XL more efficient than HEIC and AVIF?

A: Yes, for photos, JPEG-XL is often the better choice. Here’s why:

  • JPEG-XL is optimized for still images, while HEIC and AVIF are primarily designed for video compression.
  • HEIC and AVIF achieve higher compression by sacrificing fine detail, which is less critical in videos but essential for photography.
  • JPEG-XL outperforms these formats for lossless compression, offering superior quality preservation based on our testing.

Q: Does it work with Apple Photo Libraries?

A: Currently, the tool works with photo libraries stored in folders but does not support Apple Photo Libraries directly.

Q: Why do you prefer JPEG-XL over AVIF or other formats for managing large photo collections?

A: Here are some key reasons:

  1. Compatibility: JPEG-XL is natively supported in the Apple ecosystem, and most Mac software works seamlessly with it. In contrast, AVIF cannot restore original JPEGs, limiting its reversibility.
  2. Practicality: Many photographers, like me, shoot in JPEG using DSLR cameras because RAW files are excessively large for general needs. HEIC is mostly limited to iPhones, and AVIF adoption is still limited.
  3. Efficiency: Large JPEG collections are common on hard drives, and converting to JPEG-XL can save significant space (about 200GB per terabyte) without sacrificing quality or reversibility. For archiving purposes, this makes JPEG-XL an excellent choice.

Ready to Get Started?

Download Zero Loss Compress now on the App Store: https://apple.co/492UyV2

For the latest features, try the app through Apple TestFlight, where you can access the newest versions before they’re approved on the App Store: https://testflight.apple.com/join/v5APJNcU.

Alternatively, use the links below to download the app directly (note: this option doesn’t support automatic updates).

Questions or Suggestions?

I value feedback and community ideas. If you have feature requests or bug reports, feel free to reach out at: fractale.developer@editingtools.io

Download

Download
Zero Loss Compress-1.3.0.dmg 18 MB
Download
Zero Loss Compress-1.3.0.zip 18 MB

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