---
name: zipic
description: |
macOS image compression and Zipic-app expert. Drives the local Zipic.app via its `zipic` CLI (Zipic >= 1.9.5) — structured JSON results, per-file `saved_pct`, exit codes. Falls back to the URL Scheme on older builds.
Supports JPEG, PNG, WebP, HEIC, AVIF, TIFF, ICNS, PDF, GIF, JPEG-XL, SVG. Batch, format conversion, resize, presets, compression history.
MUST use this skill when the user mentions: compress / optimize / shrink image, image too large, batch compress, convert to WebP/AVIF/HEIC/JXL, reduce image size, optimize SVG, minify SVG, preset, compression history. Also: "compress these" / "these images are too big" with image files (incl. SVG) attached.
ALSO use for Zipic-usage Q&A: pricing, Pro features, activation, free-tier limits, troubleshooting, vs ImageOptim/TinyPNG/Squoosh, CLI install, format support, Raycast/Shortcuts integration.
macOS only. Requires Zipic.app.
license: MIT
compatibility: macOS only. Requires Zipic.app >= 1.9.5 for CLI; >= 1.9.0 for SVG via URL Scheme.
metadata:
version: 2.0.0
author: 十里 & FRIDAY
homepage: https://zipic.app
changelog: ./CHANGELOG.md
---
# Zipic
Native macOS image compression, 100% local. Drive it via the `zipic` CLI; URL Scheme is a fallback only when the CLI binary isn't installed.
## Compress
```bash
zipic compress --json [flags] <files-or-dirs>...
```
`--json` is required — it surfaces per-file `output_bytes` / `saved_pct` and lets you map exit code to the failure mode. Pass directories directly; Zipic walks them recursively.
| Need | Flag |
| -------------------------- | ---- |
| Compression level (1–6) | `--level 3` (1 = best quality, 6 = smallest) |
| Convert format | `--format webp` (also `jpeg\|png\|avif\|heic\|jxl`) |
| Cap width | `--width 1920` (aspect kept by default) |
| Custom output directory | `--output /tmp/out/` (auto-sets `--location custom`) |
| Mirror source tree | `--keep-hierarchy` |
| Use a saved preset | `--preset "Web 1x"` (explicit flags override) |
| Preview without running | `--dry-run` |
```bash
# Convert + resize + custom output
zipic compress --json --level 3 --format webp --width 1920 --output /tmp/out/ /path/photo.png
# Batch a folder
zipic compress --json --format webp --output /tmp/out/ /path/folder
```
**Exit codes**: `0` ok / `1` runtime — read `error.code` from JSON / `64` bad args / `65` Zipic.app not running. **`pro_required`** (free tier hits AVIF/JXL output, SVG/APNG/AVIF/TIFF/ICNS/JXL input, daily quota, or `>1` preset) returns a structured error with `data.purchase_url` and `data.trial_available` — surface those, don't bypass.
For preset / history / dry-run / `pro_required` schema: `reference/cli.md`.
## When the CLI fails
If `zipic` isn't on `$PATH`, or exit 65 persists after one retry:
```bash
bash scripts/detect.sh
```
Read the `route` field:
| `route` | Action |
| ---------------- | ------ |
| `cli` | Re-run the CLI; it auto-launches Zipic and waits ~8 s for the socket. |
| `install_cli` | CLI binary missing — tell user: Zipic menu bar → "Install zipic CLI". Use Fallback below for now. |
| `url_scheme` | Zipic < 1.9.5, no CLI exists — tell user to upgrade. Use Fallback below. |
| `halt_no_app` | Zipic not installed — suggest `brew install --cask zipic` or https://zipic.app. |
| `halt_not_macos` | macOS only — suggest ImageMagick / cwebp. |
## Fallback: URL Scheme
Only when `route` is `install_cli` or `url_scheme`. URL Scheme is fire-and-forget — no JSON, no exit code. Parameter names differ from the CLI (e.g. `--output` → `directory=`, `--keep-aspect` → `ratio=`). **Load `reference/url-scheme.md` before constructing the URL** — don't translate flags from memory; `saveLocation=` is a common invented param that doesn't exist (it's `directory=`). Verify outputs with `ls -lh` after `open`.
## SVG and presets quick notes
- **SVG optimization** (Pro, Zipic ≥ 1.9.0): pass `.svg` files like any other input. Output stays SVG — never set `--format` on SVG. Level 1–2 conservative, 3–4 balanced, 5–6 may simplify paths visibly.
- **Presets** (CLI only): `zipic preset list --json`, `zipic preset show "<name>" --json`, `zipic preset create --name "Web 2x" --level 3 --format webp --width 2400`. Free users may keep at most 1 custom preset.
- **History** (CLI only): `zipic list --json --limit 20` / `zipic list clear`.
## Zipic-usage questions
For pricing, Pro features, troubleshooting, activation, comparisons, etc. — load `reference/resources.md`. It indexes https://zipic.app, https://docs.zipic.app, the AI-friendly index at https://zipic.app/llms.txt, and per-topic deep links (incl. Chinese mirrors). Fetch the canonical page; don't guess.