Compress Images for Squarespace Using Photoshop
Compress Images for Squarespace: Make your slow website faster by learning simple ways to shrink your photos using Photoshop. We'll show you how to make your images smaller and set up Photoshop to do the work for you automatically.
The Impact of Image Size on Your Squarespace Site
Before diving into compression techniques, let's understand why using a photo compressor matters. Large image files can:
Slow down your website's loading speed
Hurt your SEO rankings
Hurt your bounce rates
Consume valuable storage space
The Perfect Balance: Quality vs. File Size
When you compress foto jpg files for Squarespace, aim to keep them under 500KB. However, for the best performance, staying under 175KB is ideal, since Squarespace may increase the file size during upload. This guide will help you achieve this sweet spot without sacrificing visual quality.
How to Compress Images for Squarespace with Photoshop
Method 1: Manual Export
Open your image in Photoshop
Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy)
Select JPEG format
Adjust Quality until file size shows <175KB
Click Save
Method 2: Automation Script
Download the Script
Download the .jsx file from [your preferred hosting location]
Save it somewhere easily accessible on your computer
Locate Photoshop's Scripts folder:
On Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [Version]\Presets\Scripts
On Mac: Applications/Adobe Photoshop [Version]/Presets/Scripts
Replace [Version] with your Photoshop version (e.g., CC 2023).
Add the script to Photoshop:
Copy the .jsx file you created.
Paste it into the Scripts folder you located in step 2.
If Photoshop is running, restart it to recognize the new script.
Access the script in Photoshop:
Open Photoshop and any image you want to optimize.
Go to File > Scripts.
You should see your script (e.g., "OptimizeForWeb") in the list.
Click on it to run.
(Optional) Create a shortcut:
Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts.
Under "Shortcuts For," select "Application Menus."
Scroll to find "File" > "Scripts" > "OptimizeForWeb" (or whatever you named your script).
Click on the shortcut field next to it and press your desired key combination.
Click "OK" to save.
Extreme Compress Version -
Forced 175kb
Normal Compress Version -
Less Compressed
What The Script Does
This automation script:
Processes your images to be web-ready
Automatically compresses files to under 175KB
Maintains the best possible quality while meeting size requirements
Works with both single images and batches
Saves directly the same specified folder called Optimized for Web
How to Use the Script
Download the Script
Download the .jsx file from [your preferred hosting location]
Save it somewhere easily accessible on your computer
Install in Photoshop
Open Photoshop
Go to File > Scripts > Browse
Navigate to where you saved the script
Select it and click 'Load'
Run the Script
Open the image you want to compress
Go to File > Scripts
Select the script from your list
The script will automatically process your image
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any problems:
Script Won't Load
Verify Photoshop has permission to run scripts
Check file extension is .jsx
Try running Photoshop as administrator
Images Still Too Large
Ensure original dimensions aren't excessive
Consider further manual compression for complex images (images over 30 MB may not be under 175kb, do those manually.)
Remember that while automation is fantastic, always review your compressed images to ensure they meet your quality standards. Sometimes it compresses too much.
