
## What is Zap?

Zap is an image optimization application that makes it easy to compress images while maintaining quality. It features a simple drag-and-drop interface for batch processing multiple images at once.

## Which image formats does Zap support?

Zap supports the most common image formats:

- **PNG** - Lossless/lossy compression using PNGQuant (fast, configurable quality) or OptiPNG (lossless, adjustable optimization levels)
- **JPEG/JPG** - Lossy compression using MozJPEG with configurable quality settings and progressive encoding
- **GIF** - Lossless compression using Gifsicle with adjustable optimization levels and color reduction
- **SVG** - XML optimization using SVGO, removes unnecessary metadata while preserving structure
- **WebP** - Modern image format compression with optimized quality settings (static only for now!)

## How do I use Zap?

### Getting Started
1. **Drag and Drop**: Simply drag image files from Windows Explorer and drop them onto the Zap window
2. **Select Files**: Click the "Select Files" button to browse and choose images
3. **Automatic Optimization**: Files are automatically optimized when added to Zap

### Basic Operations
- **Clear**: Remove all files from the current queue
- **Run Again**: Re-optimize selected files with current settings
- **Select/Deselect**: Click checkboxes to choose which files to process
- **Context Menu**: Right-click files for additional options like opening in Explorer or reverting changes

## What are the optimization settings?

### General Settings
- **Strip PNG Metadata**: Remove EXIF and other metadata from PNG files
- **Strip JPEG Metadata**: Remove EXIF and other metadata from JPEG files  
- **Preserve File Permissions**: Keep original file permissions after optimization
- **Preserve File Dates**: Maintain original creation/modification dates

### Quality Settings
- **Enable Lossy Minification**: Must be enabled to adjust quality settings. When disabled, lossless compression is used.
- **JPEG Quality**: 40-99% (automatically clamped to avoid quality issues)
  - Default: 80%
- **PNG Quality**: 40-100%
  - Lower values = smaller files but reduced quality
  - Default: 80%
- **GIF Quality**: 40-100%
  - Affects color palette size (64-256 colors)
  - Default: 80%

### Optimization Speed
Choose between four optimization levels:
- **Fast**: Quick processing with basic compression
- **Normal**: Balanced speed and compression
- **Extra**: Thorough optimization (recommended)
- **Insane**: Maximum compression, slowest processing

### Output Mode
- **In-place**: Overwrites original files with optimized versions
- **Copy**: Creates optimized copies with "-optimized" suffix

### Cache Handling
- **Keep**: Retains temporary files for faster re-processing, this also allows you to fetch the original if you need it before clearing the queue or closing Zap.
- **Delete**: Removes temporary files after optimization

## How much can Zap reduce file sizes?

File size reduction varies based on:
- Original image format and compression
- Image content (photos vs. graphics)
- Selected quality settings
- Optimization level

Typical savings range from 20-80% depending on these factors. Zap tracks your lifetime savings showing total space saved across all optimizations.

## Can I revert optimized images?

Yes! If you optimized files in "in-place" mode, you can right-click and select "Revert to Original" to restore the original file. This works until you close the app or clear the file list.

## Does Zap support batch processing?

Yes, Zap is designed for batch processing. You can:
- Select and drop multiple files at once
- Process hundreds of images in a single operation
- Use multi-threading for faster processing of large batches

## Where are optimized files saved?

**For files selected via "Select Files" button:**
- **In-place mode**: Original files are overwritten
- **Copy mode**: Optimized versions saved in same folder with "-optimized" suffix

## Is my data safe?

Yes! Zap:
- Processes all images locally on your computer
- Never uploads images to external servers
- Creates backups when using in-place mode (for revert functionality)
- Preserves file permissions and dates when configured

## Can I customize compression algorithms?

Yes, in Advanced Settings you can:
- Enable/disable specific compression algorithms (MozJPEG, PNGQuant, OptiPNG, etc.)
- Adjust quality settings for each format
- Choose optimization speed vs. compression ratio
- Configure metadata handling

## What's the difference between PNGQuant and OptiPNG?

- **PNGQuant**: Lossy compression that can significantly reduce file size by reducing colors. Faster but may slightly alter image appearance.
- **OptiPNG**: Lossless compression that maintains exact image quality. Slower but preserves perfect fidelity.

If both are enabled, Zap will automatically compare both algorithms against the image to determine which one provides the best quality to size ratio. 

## Does Zap work with other image tools?

Yes! Zap can be used alongside other tools in your workflow. It uses industry-standard compression libraries that maintain compatibility with all image viewers and editors.

<h2>What is Zap?</h2>
<p>Zap is an image optimization application that makes it easy to compress images while maintaining quality. It features a simple drag-and-drop interface for batch processing multiple images at once.</p>
<h2>Which image formats does Zap support?</h2>
<p>Zap supports the most common image formats:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>PNG</strong> - Lossless/lossy compression using PNGQuant (fast, configurable quality) or OptiPNG (lossless, adjustable optimization levels)</li>
<li><strong>JPEG/JPG</strong> - Lossy compression using MozJPEG with configurable quality settings and progressive encoding</li>
<li><strong>GIF</strong> - Lossless compression using Gifsicle with adjustable optimization levels and color reduction</li>
<li><strong>SVG</strong> - XML optimization using SVGO, removes unnecessary metadata while preserving structure</li>
<li><strong>WebP</strong> - Modern image format compression with optimized quality settings (static only for now!)</li>
</ul>
<h2>How do I use Zap?</h2>
<h3>Getting Started</h3>
<ol>
<li><strong>Drag and Drop</strong>: Simply drag image files from Windows Explorer and drop them onto the Zap window</li>
<li><strong>Select Files</strong>: Click the "Select Files" button to browse and choose images</li>
<li><strong>Automatic Optimization</strong>: Files are automatically optimized when added to Zap</li>
</ol>
<h3>Basic Operations</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Clear</strong>: Remove all files from the current queue</li>
<li><strong>Run Again</strong>: Re-optimize selected files with current settings</li>
<li><strong>Select/Deselect</strong>: Click checkboxes to choose which files to process</li>
<li><strong>Context Menu</strong>: Right-click files for additional options like opening in Explorer or reverting changes</li>
</ul>
<h2>What are the optimization settings?</h2>
<h3>General Settings</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Strip PNG Metadata</strong>: Remove EXIF and other metadata from PNG files</li>
<li><strong>Strip JPEG Metadata</strong>: Remove EXIF and other metadata from JPEG files</li>
<li><strong>Preserve File Permissions</strong>: Keep original file permissions after optimization</li>
<li><strong>Preserve File Dates</strong>: Maintain original creation/modification dates</li>
</ul>
<h3>Quality Settings</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Enable Lossy Minification</strong>: Must be enabled to adjust quality settings. When disabled, lossless compression is used.</li>
<li><strong>JPEG Quality</strong>: 40-99% (automatically clamped to avoid quality issues)
<ul>
<li>Default: 80%</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PNG Quality</strong>: 40-100%
<ul>
<li>Lower values = smaller files but reduced quality</li>
<li>Default: 80%</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GIF Quality</strong>: 40-100%
<ul>
<li>Affects color palette size (64-256 colors)</li>
<li>Default: 80%</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Optimization Speed</h3>
<p>Choose between four optimization levels:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fast</strong>: Quick processing with basic compression</li>
<li><strong>Normal</strong>: Balanced speed and compression</li>
<li><strong>Extra</strong>: Thorough optimization (recommended)</li>
<li><strong>Insane</strong>: Maximum compression, slowest processing</li>
</ul>
<h3>Output Mode</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>In-place</strong>: Overwrites original files with optimized versions</li>
<li><strong>Copy</strong>: Creates optimized copies with "-optimized" suffix</li>
</ul>
<h3>Cache Handling</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Keep</strong>: Retains temporary files for faster re-processing, this also allows you to fetch the original if you need it before clearing the queue or closing Zap.</li>
<li><strong>Delete</strong>: Removes temporary files after optimization</li>
</ul>
<h2>How much can Zap reduce file sizes?</h2>
<p>File size reduction varies based on:</p>
<ul>
<li>Original image format and compression</li>
<li>Image content (photos vs. graphics)</li>
<li>Selected quality settings</li>
<li>Optimization level</li>
</ul>
<p>Typical savings range from 20-80% depending on these factors. Zap tracks your lifetime savings showing total space saved across all optimizations.</p>
<h2>Can I revert optimized images?</h2>
<p>Yes! If you optimized files in "in-place" mode, you can right-click and select "Revert to Original" to restore the original file. This works until you close the app or clear the file list.</p>
<h2>Does Zap support batch processing?</h2>
<p>Yes, Zap is designed for batch processing. You can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Select and drop multiple files at once</li>
<li>Process hundreds of images in a single operation</li>
<li>Use multi-threading for faster processing of large batches</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where are optimized files saved?</h2>
<p><strong>For files selected via "Select Files" button:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In-place mode</strong>: Original files are overwritten</li>
<li><strong>Copy mode</strong>: Optimized versions saved in same folder with "-optimized" suffix</li>
</ul>
<h2>Is my data safe?</h2>
<p>Yes! Zap:</p>
<ul>
<li>Processes all images locally on your computer</li>
<li>Never uploads images to external servers</li>
<li>Creates backups when using in-place mode (for revert functionality)</li>
<li>Preserves file permissions and dates when configured</li>
</ul>
<h2>Can I customize compression algorithms?</h2>
<p>Yes, in Advanced Settings you can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Enable/disable specific compression algorithms (MozJPEG, PNGQuant, OptiPNG, etc.)</li>
<li>Adjust quality settings for each format</li>
<li>Choose optimization speed vs. compression ratio</li>
<li>Configure metadata handling</li>
</ul>
<h2>What's the difference between PNGQuant and OptiPNG?</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>PNGQuant</strong>: Lossy compression that can significantly reduce file size by reducing colors. Faster but may slightly alter image appearance.</li>
<li><strong>OptiPNG</strong>: Lossless compression that maintains exact image quality. Slower but preserves perfect fidelity.</li>
</ul>
<p>If both are enabled, Zap will automatically compare both algorithms against the image to determine which one provides the best quality to size ratio.</p>
<h2>Does Zap work with other image tools?</h2>
<p>Yes! Zap can be used alongside other tools in your workflow. It uses industry-standard compression libraries that maintain compatibility with all image viewers and editors.</p>



### Why You Might See a Windows SmartScreen Warning
When you launch Zap for the first time, you may see a modal that says "Windows protected your PC" "Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk." on your PC during the installation process. We want to assure you up front: **this warning is not about the safety or quality of our software**.

Windows displays this message whenever an app hasn’t yet built up a long track record with Microsoft’s verification system. To remove these warnings permanently, software developers must obtain a specific code-signing certificate through Microsoft-approved vendors. This process is unfortunately slow, expensive, and often difficult for small businesses, but we’re actively working through it.

These requirements are designed to protect users from malicious software, but in practice they also create a financial barrier that smaller teams like ours must overcome before Windows fully “trusts” a new application.

While we complete this process, you can still install Zap safely:
- Download the installer
- When Windows shows the SmartScreen prompt, click “**More info**”
- Click “**Run anyway**” to launch the installer

![Micirosoft Defender SmartScreen](https://cdn.ventanatools.com/content/WindowsRun.gif)

Once you whitelist Zap, you won't see this warning for future updates through the Zap application.

We appreciate your patience while we navigate Microsoft’s certification steps—and we’re committed to making installation smoother in the future

<h3>Why You Might See a Windows SmartScreen Warning</h3>
<p>When you launch Zap for the first time, you may see a modal that says "Windows protected your PC" "Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk." on your PC during the installation process. We want to assure you up front: <strong>this warning is not about the safety or quality of our software</strong>.</p>
<p>Windows displays this message whenever an app hasn’t yet built up a long track record with Microsoft’s verification system. To remove these warnings permanently, software developers must obtain a specific code-signing certificate through Microsoft-approved vendors. This process is unfortunately slow, expensive, and often difficult for small businesses, but we’re actively working through it.</p>
<p>These requirements are designed to protect users from malicious software, but in practice they also create a financial barrier that smaller teams like ours must overcome before Windows fully “trusts” a new application.</p>
<p>While we complete this process, you can still install Zap safely:</p>
<ul>
<li>Download the installer</li>
<li>When Windows shows the SmartScreen prompt, click “<strong>More info</strong>”</li>
<li>Click “<strong>Run anyway</strong>” to launch the installer</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://cdn.ventanatools.com/content/WindowsRun.gif" alt="Micirosoft Defender SmartScreen"></p>
<p>Once you whitelist Zap, you won't see this warning for future updates through the Zap application.</p>
<p>We appreciate your patience while we navigate Microsoft’s certification steps—and we’re committed to making installation smoother in the future</p>



### Why Edge or Chrome May Mark Zap as an “Unsafe Download”
When downloading Zap, you might see a warning in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome saying the file “isn’t commonly downloaded” or “may be unsafe.” **This does not mean the file contains anything harmful**.

Modern browsers use automated reputation systems to decide whether a file is “trusted.” Because Zap is new and not yet widely downloaded—and because we’re still completing the code-signing verification process—browsers haven’t had time to recognize our installer as safe and well-established.

These browser warnings are meant to protect users from unknown or malicious software, but they can also create hurdles for smaller companies releasing new applications. As our user base grows and our code-signing certificate is finalized, these warnings will disappear automatically.

In the meantime, you can safely keep the download:

### Chrome
Click the download warning → “**Download unverified file**”

![Chrome Warning](https://cdn.ventanatools.com/content/ChromeUnsafeFile.gif)

### Edge

Click the three dots beside the download and press "**keep**, when the *Make sure* window appears, press down pointing icon "▼" besude *Delete* and press → “**Keep anyway**”

![Edge Warning](https://cdn.ventanatools.com/content/EdgeUnsafeFile.gif)

We appreciate your patience while we build up the required reputation in these browser security systems. Zap is safe to install, and we’re working to eliminate these warnings as quickly as possible.

<h3>Why Edge or Chrome May Mark Zap as an “Unsafe Download”</h3>
<p>When downloading Zap, you might see a warning in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome saying the file “isn’t commonly downloaded” or “may be unsafe.” <strong>This does not mean the file contains anything harmful</strong>.</p>
<p>Modern browsers use automated reputation systems to decide whether a file is “trusted.” Because Zap is new and not yet widely downloaded—and because we’re still completing the code-signing verification process—browsers haven’t had time to recognize our installer as safe and well-established.</p>
<p>These browser warnings are meant to protect users from unknown or malicious software, but they can also create hurdles for smaller companies releasing new applications. As our user base grows and our code-signing certificate is finalized, these warnings will disappear automatically.</p>
<p>In the meantime, you can safely keep the download:</p>
<h3>Chrome</h3>
<p>Click the download warning → “<strong>Download unverified file</strong>”</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.ventanatools.com/content/ChromeUnsafeFile.gif" alt="Chrome Warning"></p>
<h3>Edge</h3>
<p>Click the three dots beside the download and press "<strong>keep</strong>, when the <em>Make sure</em> window appears, press down pointing icon "▼" besude <em>Delete</em> and press → “<strong>Keep anyway</strong>”</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.ventanatools.com/content/EdgeUnsafeFile.gif" alt="Edge Warning"></p>
<p>We appreciate your patience while we build up the required reputation in these browser security systems. Zap is safe to install, and we’re working to eliminate these warnings as quickly as possible.</p>



### Files won't optimize
- Check if the file format is supported
- A file may be larger if a certain algorithm is used, so Zap won't optimize a file if the end result would be bigger
- A file may have already been optimized
- Ensure files aren't read-only or in use
- Verify you have write permissions to the output location
- You aren't able to drag a folder containing images in to Zap to be optimized, only the files you would like to optimize

### Optimization seems slow
- Large images take more time to process
- "Insane" optimization level is slower but achieves better compression
- Close other applications to free up system resources

### Can't see optimized files
- Check the output mode setting (in-place vs. copy)

<h3>Files won't optimize</h3>
<ul>
<li>Check if the file format is supported</li>
<li>A file may be larger if a certain algorithm is used, so Zap won't optimize a file if the end result would be bigger</li>
<li>A file may have already been optimized</li>
<li>Ensure files aren't read-only or in use</li>
<li>Verify you have write permissions to the output location</li>
<li>You aren't able to drag a folder containing images in to Zap to be optimized, only the files you would like to optimize</li>
</ul>
<h3>Optimization seems slow</h3>
<ul>
<li>Large images take more time to process</li>
<li>"Insane" optimization level is slower but achieves better compression</li>
<li>Close other applications to free up system resources</li>
</ul>
<h3>Can't see optimized files</h3>
<ul>
<li>Check the output mode setting (in-place vs. copy)</li>
</ul>



- **Operating System**: Windows 10 or later
- **CPU**: Multi-core processor recommended
  - 2-4 cores: Basic performance
  - 4-8 cores: Good performance  
  - 8+ cores: Excellent performance
  - 16+ cores: Maximum performance (uses up to 20 workers)
- **RAM**: 2GB minimum (image processing is CPU-bound, not memory-intensive)
- **Disk Space**: 1GB for installation plus temporary space for processing

<ul>
<li><strong>Operating System</strong>: Windows 10 or later</li>
<li><strong>CPU</strong>: Multi-core processor recommended
<ul>
<li>2-4 cores: Basic performance</li>
<li>4-8 cores: Good performance</li>
<li>8+ cores: Excellent performance</li>
<li>16+ cores: Maximum performance (uses up to 20 workers)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>RAM</strong>: 2GB minimum (image processing is CPU-bound, not memory-intensive)</li>
<li><strong>Disk Space</strong>: 1GB for installation plus temporary space for processing</li>
</ul>


Lightning-fast image compression for Windows

Zap Documentation

System Requirements