Converting and resizing images is a common task many users perform to optimize file sizes or meet specific requirements. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to achieve these tasks using Shortcuts, a tool available on macOS Monterey and iOS/iPadOS platforms.

Why Convert Images to JPG?

Different image formats serve varying purposes, and the choice often depends on specific needs. While PNG images offer transparent backgrounds and high quality, they can be significantly larger in file size compared to JPG files. In some cases, converting an image to JPG format can reduce its size by up to 5 times. This reduction can be particularly noticeable with larger images, making it worth considering for optimization purposes.

Introducing Shortcuts

Shortcuts is an application that simplifies automation tasks on macOS Monterey, similar to what Automator offered in previous versions. With Shortcuts, you can easily create and manage custom workflows to automate various tasks, including image conversions and resizing.

Converting Images to JPG in Shortcuts

To convert images to JPG format using Shortcuts, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Shortcuts application on your macOS Monterey system.
  2. Click the “+” button or navigate to File -> New Shortcut from the menu to create a new shortcut.
  3. On the right side of the screen, search for “Finder” and select the “Get Selected Files in Finder” action.
  4. Drag the selected action to the left part of the screen to add it to your workflow.
  5. Now, search for and select the “Convert Image” action.
  6. In the settings tab on the right, you can choose to use this shortcut as a Quick Action in Finder. Enabling this option allows you to right-click on an image and choose the “Convert to JPG” option.
  7. Ensure that you have set the shortcut to receive only images by unselecting all other file types in the “Get Selected Files in Finder” action.
  8. Finally, add the “Move File” action to save the converted file to the desktop or any desired location.

Please note that currently, Shortcuts does not provide an option to save the JPG file in the same folder as the original image and replace it. However, you can easily modify this workflow in Automator or explore alternative solutions if required.

Resizing Images in Shortcuts

Additionally, Shortcuts allows you to resize images effortlessly. Here’s how you can create a shortcut to resize images to 1200px:

  1. Create a new shortcut or edit an existing one in Shortcuts.
  2. Search for the “Resize Image” action and select it.
  3. In the settings tab, specify the desired dimensions, such as 1200px, for the resized image.
  4. Customize the workflow further if needed by adding additional actions.
  5. Save the shortcut and use it to resize images to 1200px width.

By utilizing Shortcuts, you can streamline image conversion and resizing tasks on your macOS system, saving valuable time and effort.

Remember to stay updated with the latest macOS versions to leverage the full capabilities of Shortcuts!