Best Mac Apps to Resize Image or Reduce Photo Size | 6 Free & Paid Solutions

Searching for the best Mac apps to resize images or reduce photo size? It’s a crucial step, not just for professionals, but for anyone aiming to optimize their digital space. 

The good news is you don’t need complex, costly software for this. A few free tools are available for your tasks. But, for a premium result and resolution, a variety of accessible, affordable tools are also there. Whatever your case is, in this guide we’ll introduce you to 6 free, freemium, and paid apps for resizing images on your Mac. 

Let’s uncover these handy apps that promise to streamline your photo editing process.

Best Mac Apps to Resize Image or Reduce Photo Size

Transforming your images on Mac is super easy with free and paid apps. We all love “getting something free”, right? So first, let’s explore the best free apps that excel in resizing photos before we jump into the paid ones. 

1. Preview

Preview stands out as the go-to app for quick image adjustments on a Mac. It’s not just a viewer, but also a versatile tool for basic editing tasks.

Pricing (Mac Default)

Preview is 100% free, as it is a built-in application on all Mac computers. It’s part of Apple’s suite of utilities. Because they want to ensure every Mac user has instant access to basic image editing tools without the need for external software.

Key Features

• Easy access as a built-in Mac application.
• A simple user interface makes it ideal for quick edits.
• Supports a variety of file formats like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and more.
• Basic editing functions including resizing, cropping, and color adjustments.
• It can export images in different formats including markup and PDF files. 

Pros

• User-friendly for beginners. 
• No additional installation is required.
• Integrate seamlessly with the Mac ecosystem.

Cons

• Limited advanced editing features.
• Lack of batch processing capabilities.

Who is it for? 

Preview is perfect for all Mac users who are seeking a straightforward, no-cost solution for basic image resizing. 

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone looking to quickly adjust an image’s size, Preview offers a hassle-free experience right out of the box.

2. BatchPhoto Espresso

BatchPhoto Espresso shines as a hassle-free, web-based solution for resizing images. It’s perfect for on-the-go edits without the hassle of installing software on your Mac.

Pricing

This third party browser-based tool is freely accessible online. Its no-cost approach is ideal for straightforward, quick image editing tasks.

Key Features

• You can operate it entirely online.
• No software download or installation is required. 
• User-friendly interface for easy navigation and editing.
• Offer basic editing functions such as crop, rotate, and rename.
• It’s easy to adjust image brightness, contrast, hue and saturation. 
• Supports batch processing to resize multiple images simultaneously.
• Compatible with popular image formats like JPG, TIF, PNG, BMP, GIF, JP2, PICT, and PCX.
• You can directly download edited images or save them to cloud storage.

Pros

• Convenient for quick online image editing without installation.
• Intuitive interface suitable for all user levels.
• Batch processing saves time and effort.

Cons

• Internet dependency for functionality.
• Limited advanced editing features compared to dedicated software.

Who is it for?

BatchPhoto Espresso is the ideal choice for users who need a quick way to resize images directly in their web browser.

Whether you’re a blogger, student, or a professional needing to resize images on the fly, BatchPhoto Espresso offers a practical solution.

3. Image Resizer

Need a fuss-free approach to resizing photos? Image Resizer stands out with its streamlined functionality. 

It’s the go-to tool for quick and efficient size adjustments on a Mac.

Pricing 

Image Resizer offers essential resizing functions without any mandatory price tag. It’s part of its appeal – delivering straightforward solutions at zero cost. 

But, investing $4.99 for its premium will help you get a better result than the free version. 

Key Features

• It offers intuitive drag-and-drop functionality for hassle-free editing.
• Features basic editing options such as orientation adjustment.
• Compatible with popular formats including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
• Capable of altering both single images and batches that enhances your productivity.
• Customizable settings for size adjustments, with pixel and percentage options.
• Quick save and export options for effortless handling of resized images.

Pros

• Exceptionally user-friendly that makes it ideal for beginners.
• Batch processing is a time-saver for handling multiple files.
• Essential format support caters to most resizing needs.

Cons

• Limited to basic resizing and minimal editing features.
• Lacks the depth in editing and conversion capabilities found in more advanced tools.

Who is it for?

Image Resizer is a match for Mac users who value speed and simplicity over complex editing features. 

If you’re regularly resizing images for blogs, social media, or simple presentations and want a tool that gets straight to the point, this is your app. 

4. Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro is a powerhouse in the Mac image editing world. It comes with blending sophisticated features in its intuitive interface.

Pricing

As a premium app, Pixelmator Pro is a one-time purchase that costs you $49.99.  But the price is well justified with a complete suite of advanced editing tools. 

It’s an investment if you’re serious about your image work on Mac.

Key Features

• Comprehensive photo editing and graphic design toolkit.
• Versatile tools for detailed retouching, creative enhancements, and original creations.
• Suite of graphic design elements, including customizable buttons, icons, and illustrations.
• Straightforward resizing options, with pixel, percentage, and print unit adjustments.
• Advanced scaling algorithms for Bilinear, Lanczos, Nearest Neighbor, and the standout ML Super Resolution.
• The ML Super Resolution algorithm uses machine learning for enlarging images without quality loss.

Pros

• All-in-one solution for diverse editing needs.
• Intuitive enough for beginners, yet powerful for professionals.
• Innovative features like ML Super Resolution for detailed image work.

Cons

• The cost may deter casual users or hobbyists.
• Its extensive features could be overwhelming for simple resizing tasks.

Who is it for? 

Pixelmator Pro is ideal for Mac users who take their image editing seriously. It caters to professional photographers to graphic designers. 

Its user-friendly interface also welcomes those new to digital editing, offering room to grow from basic tasks to complex projects. 

5. Resize Sense

Resize Sense is tailored for Mac users. It offers unparalleled flexibility in resizing options and is a master at bulk image resizing. 

Pricing 

Resize Sense is a premium tool, available for a one-time purchase at $19.99. 

This investment suits users who need advanced, versatile resizing capabilities (especially for large batches of images). 

Key Features

• Advanced bulk resizing capabilities help handling multiple images efficiently.
• Customizable dimensions options to fit images within specific size parameters.
• Ability to set and adjust both the shortest and longest edges of images.
• Option to define the file size in bytes. It offers precise control over image quality and size.
• Unique feature to crop, deform, or add borders if the aspect ratio changes during resizing.
• Tools for enlarging images that are too small for the specified size. It extends the canvas, or opts to maintain the original size.

• Additional editing features such as rotating, flipping, cropping, and straightening images in the same session.
• Functionality to save current settings for future use (streamline the workflow).

Pros

• Highly versatile with a wide range of resizing options.
• Efficient in bulk processing that saves your precious time.
• Ability to save configurations enhances productivity.

Cons

• The paid model may not appeal to casual users with basic needs.
• The plethora of options can be overwhelming for beginners.

Who is it for?

Resize Sense is ideal for professionals and serious hobbyists who regularly work with large volumes of images. 

Its comprehensive set of features appeals to those who require detailed control over the resizing process, such as graphic designers, photographers, and digital marketers. 

6. PhotoJob 3

PhotoJob 3 is an all-in-one editing solution for Mac users, blending simplicity with a range of powerful tools. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible for anyone looking to enhance their images.

Pricing Model

PhotoJob 3 is a premium application, offering a suite of editing tools at a one-time purchase at $4.99. It’s cheap and a valuable investment for users who require a versatile, yet straightforward editing tool.

Key Features

• Intuitive interface with easy navigation with splitting images, editing options, and a central preview area.
• Multiple resizing options including preset dimensions, custom sizes, and social media-specific requirements.
• Ability to adjust width, height, and DPI resolution to precise measurements in various units.
• Features to enable or prevent image upscaling and apply a sharpen filter for enhanced clarity.
• Additional functionalities like watermarking, rotating, converting images, and automatic enhancement tools.
• Streamlined toolbar with shortcuts and descriptions for efficient workflow management.

Pros

• Wide array of resizing and editing options in a single app.
• User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and professionals.
• Additional features like watermarking and image enhancement add value.

Cons

• The cost may be a deterrent for users seeking only basic resizing functions.
• The abundance of features might be overwhelming for those who need a more focused resizing tool.

Who is it for?

PhotoJob 3 is perfect for Mac users who need a comprehensive, yet user-friendly image editing tool. 

If you’re a professional, looking for detailed control over your images, a social media enthusiast, or someone who enjoys enhancing personal photos, it will fit you the best. 

Free Vs Paid Apps: Which One To Choose?

After getting free and paid solutions, the only question that remains is, which one to choose?

As each of the apps comes with distinct advantages and limitations, let’s compare them side by side for your easy decision-making.

A Comparison Table Between Free vs Paid Image Resizing Apps

When choosing between free and paid image resizing apps, consider your specific needs and the frequency of use. 

Free apps are excellent for occasional, straightforward tasks. While paid apps provide a broader range of functionalities, catering to more complex and frequent editing needs.

If you’re a professional or a frequent user requiring detailed control and advanced features, investing in a paid app can enhance your workflow significantly. 

Tips For Image Resizing Like An Artist 

While resizing images might seem straightforward, a few pro tips can elevate your results to an artistic level. Here’s a quick rundown:

File Formats

• JPEG is great for balancing quality and file size. It is ideal for web use.
• PNGs are perfect for maintaining transparency and sharp quality. It is especially for logos and graphics.
• TIFF files are best for high-quality prints and detailed editing.

Resolution Settings

• For web images, aim for 72 DPI (dots per inch) to balance clarity and speed.
• For print, go higher, around 300 DPI, to ensure crisp, clear images.
• Always remember, that increasing resolution can’t fix a low-quality source.

Batch Processing

• Use batch processing for resizing multiple images at once. 
• Check if your app allows for different resizing rules for different images in the same batch.  
• Remember to preview a few images post-batch processing to ensure quality hasn’t been compromised.

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Conclusion

Finding the best Mac apps to resize images or reduce photo size should now be an easy task for you. Remember that the perfect tool is the one that aligns with your use case. Whether you opt for the simplicity of free apps or the advanced features of paid ones, each offers a unique blend of functionality and ease. 

We suggest you embrace these tools not just as software, but as partners in your creative process. Tools help you make every resizing task a step towards perfection. It’s you who actually does the thinking. 

Let the tools unlock new possibilities in your digital workspace.