PixelSqueeze: image optimization in the browser

Context

Heavy images are one of the most common causes of slow websites. Designers and developers needed a quick way to shrink images without installing software or uploading sensitive files to unknown servers.

The challenge

Image compression involves real tradeoffs between quality, size and format. The tool had to make those tradeoffs understandable to non-experts, process batches quickly, and stay responsive while doing heavy work.

Approach

1. 01

   Do the work off the main thread

   Encoding runs in background workers so the interface stays smooth even with large batches.

2. 02

   Show, don't explain

   A draggable before/after comparison and a live size readout make quality tradeoffs obvious.

3. 03

   Sensible defaults

   Smart presets for web, social and retina so most users never need to touch a slider.

Design

A drag-and-drop canvas with one primary action. Advanced controls stay tucked away until needed, and every file card shows format, dimensions and savings at a glance.

Outcome

A focused tool that turns a technical chore into a few seconds of drag and drop, and a reusable foundation for ANARC's performance work.