FAQ and practical product guide
Explore what image-toolkit can do, what it cannot do, privacy expectations, and tool-specific questions with links to full workflow guides.
Quick navigation
Workflow and comparison guides
Long-form guides with real numbers, ecommerce examples, and step-by-step pipelines.
- Browser tools vs desktop apps (Photoshop, GIMP)
- Shopify product photo pipeline
- Make memes for social media (readability and export)
- Images to animated GIF (frames, delay, sizing)
- Remove hidden photo data before sharing
- Rotate images in bulk without mistakes
- Rotate a single photo to any angle
- Blur faces for photo privacy (manual + AI)
- Blur license plates and sensitive details
- All guides and tutorials
General FAQ
Are my images uploaded to your server?
No for core editor operations. Processing runs in your browser (Canvas and standard decode/encode APIs) so files stay on your device during normal use. See /how-it-works for a short technical overview.
What can image-toolkit do in general?
You can compress, resize, convert, crop, remove backgrounds manually, create collages, adjust colors and effects, extract palettes, and generate icon packs for web and mobile apps.
What does image-toolkit not do?
It is not a layer-heavy desktop replacement like Photoshop or Photopea, it does not provide cloud project collaboration, and it does not run AI-heavy generation pipelines.
Which image formats are currently supported?
You can work with common formats like JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, BMP, and HEIC/HEIF depending on the selected tool. In Convert, input supports any image format from your device, and output is PNG, JPG, or WebP.
Do I need to install software?
No installation is required. image-toolkit is web-based and runs in modern browsers with JavaScript enabled.
Can I use image-toolkit for social media and app assets?
Yes. You can resize and crop for social formats and generate favicon, iOS image sets, Android drawable sets, and app icon packs.
Is image-toolkit free? Do ads mean I have to pay?
Core tools are free to use with no subscription or account required. The site may show third-party ads (such as Google AdSense) to help fund hosting—that is not a paid plan and does not unlock or block features. You do not need to click ads to compress, convert, crop, or export.
Are there quality limits when exporting?
Quality depends on source image, selected format, and browser capabilities. For lossy formats (like JPEG/WebP), lower quality means smaller files but visible compression may appear.
When should I use browser tools vs Photoshop?
Use browser tools for bounded jobs—compress, convert, crop, icons, quick cutouts—especially when privacy matters. Use desktop suites for layered retouching, RAW development, and print pipelines. See the full comparison guide at /guides/browser-tools-vs-desktop-apps.
How can I report bugs or security issues?
Use the Support and Security addresses on the Contact page (/contact). For security automation, the same security contact is listed in /.well-known/security.txt.
What image-toolkit does and does not do
What you can do
- Compress images for web performance and faster sharing.
- Resize by exact dimensions, percentages, or common presets.
- Convert formats one by one or in batches, including HEIC to JPG, PNG, or WebP.
- Crop and reframe images for social media and design layouts.
- Create favicon and app icon packs for web, iOS, Android, and PWA.
- Adjust tone and colors with browser-based controls.
- Extract colors and palettes from images for UI/brand workflows.
What we do not do
- Host files in cloud projects or provide team collaboration workspaces.
- Replace advanced desktop retouching workflows with plugin ecosystems.
- Guarantee support for every proprietary format in every browser build.
- Bypass browser memory limits for very large source files.
Privacy and data handling
Privacy is a core expectation for image workflows. image-toolkit is built around browser-first processing for common operations so users keep local control in normal usage.
- Core image editing and transformation operations are designed to run in the browser.
- Normal usage does not require uploading your private images to a remote processing queue.
- You keep control of exports on your own device.
- You should still avoid working with highly sensitive assets on shared/public computers.
Tool-specific FAQ
Practical answers per tool, with pillar guides for deeper workflows.
Compress
How does Target size work?
Enter a file size in KB under Target size. The tool tries different quality levels automatically and picks the best result that fits your goal. It works with JPEG and WebP only.
Does Before show my original file size?
Yes. Before uses the size of the file you uploaded, even when the browser decodes formats like HEIC internally before compressing.
Why did my PNG get bigger after compressing?
PNG is lossless for many exports. Flat UI graphics sometimes shrink; re-encoded photos saved as PNG often grow. Use JPG or WebP for photographic content.
Should I compress before or after resizing?
Use the optional Resize control (or Resize Image) to match delivery dimensions first, then compress. Encoding fewer pixels is usually the biggest win.
Can I compress many images at once?
Yes. Switch to Multiple images, add files (or multiple GIF frames), and download a ZIP when processing finishes. The same goal, format, and optional resize apply to every item.
Can I paste an image from the clipboard?
Yes, in single-image mode. Copy an image, focus the page (not a text field), and paste with ⌘V / Ctrl+V—or tap Paste on the dropzone. Same workflow as uploading a file.
How do I compress a GIF?
Upload the GIF and pick which frame(s) to export as still images (JPEG/WebP/PNG). Animated GIF output is not generated—use GIF Maker if you need animation.
Resize
What width should a blog hero be?
Match your theme’s max content width plus retina headroom—often 1200–1600px wide, not full camera resolution.
Does upscaling improve quality?
No. Interpolation cannot invent detail. Upscaling is only useful for small layout adjustments, not print quality.
Will resize alone fix PageSpeed image warnings?
Often partially. Pair resize with modern formats (especially WebP) and compression for the full effect on LCP.
Can I resize a whole folder to 1200px wide?
Yes. Switch to Multiple images, choose Custom size, set width to 1200 (height is calculated per image), add your images, then download the ZIP.
How do Instagram presets work?
Switch to Social sizes, pick an Instagram size (square, 4:5 feed, or 9:16 story/reels), then choose Fit inside to show the full photo or Fill frame to crop to the slot. Center on faces only works with Fill frame.
Can bulk resize center on faces?
Yes. Enable Center on faces in bulk; the tool switches to Social sizes and Fill frame automatically. Previews use full-resolution files so results match export.
How do I reposition a cover crop without AI?
Use Social sizes + Fill frame, leave center on faces off, then pick a grid anchor or drag the preview in single-image mode.
Upscale
Is AI upscale better than normal resize?
Usually yes for low-resolution images. AI upscale reconstructs detail while increasing size, while normal resize only interpolates pixels.
Can I upscale HEIC files?
Yes. HEIC input is supported. Export is PNG, JPG, or WebP after upscale.
Should I choose 2x or 4x?
Start with 2x for better speed and consistent quality. Use 4x only when a target channel or layout truly needs larger dimensions.
Convert
What formats can I upload and what formats can I export?
You can upload any image format from your device. Export options are fixed to three formats: PNG, JPG, and WebP.
How many HEIC files can I convert at once?
Depends on RAM. On 8 GB laptops, batches of 20–40 high-megapixel files are safer than queuing hundreds at once.
Does conversion preserve EXIF GPS and camera data?
Metadata handling varies by browser and output format. Do not rely on EXIF surviving every conversion pair for forensic or legal workflows.
HEIC to PNG or JPG for ecommerce?
JPG for opaque catalog photos; PNG when you need transparency after further editing.
What about animated GIF conversion?
Animated GIFs open a frame picker for still PNG, JPG, or WebP exports. To create a new animated GIF from images, use the GIF maker tool.
Do BMP files always convert correctly?
Yes. BMP input is supported in the conversion pipeline to PNG, JPG, or WebP.
Can I convert TIFF, PSD, or RAW here?
Yes. TIFF, PSD, and common RAW camera formats are supported as input and can be exported to PNG, JPG, or WebP.
GIF maker
How many images do I need?
At least two frames per GIF, up to 60 in one session.
What GIF size should I use?
Start with Average (default): mean width and height of your frames, with a 1280px cap on the longest edge. Use Custom when you need exact pixels.
Can I set a different delay per frame?
Not in this tool—the delay you enter applies to every frame. Use one value that fits the whole sequence.
Why do I see an upscaling warning?
At least one frame is smaller than the chosen GIF canvas and will be enlarged to match the others, which can look soft on photos.
What file type do I download?
A single animated .gif file. The tool does not export PNG, JPG, WebP, or video.
Can I crop many images at once?
Yes. Switch to Multiple images to apply one preset ratio (or one free size) to all images, then download the full batch as a ZIP.
What if I upload a GIF to Crop?
Crop opens a frame picker first. Choose one frame to keep working in One image mode, or choose multiple frames and they move into Multiple images mode. Output is PNG, JPG, or WebP.
What ratio for Instagram feed portrait posts?
4:5 (1080×1350) is a common portrait feed export. Square is 1:1 (1080×1080).
Can I undo a crop after export?
Only by re-opening the original file. Cropped pixels are discarded in the exported file.
Should I crop or resize first?
Crop for composition on the largest source, then resize to delivery dimensions.
Rotate
What does bulk rotation mean here?
Bulk means handling many images in one queue. Select a subset, rotate with 90° controls, see the result instantly in preview, and export all files together as ZIP when ready.
Can I rotate only vertical or only horizontal files?
Yes. Use the selector to target all, only vertical, or only horizontal images. Only selected files are affected.
How do I keep a specific order for QA?
Switch to manual order and move items up or down before exporting. This is useful when files match ticket order or scan sequence.
What does reset do in the rotate tool?
Reset returns rotation settings to defaults (0°) and reselects the full queue so you can continue from a clean state.
Can I rotate by a few degrees, not just 90°?
Yes, in One image mode. Use the angle slider or number field (−180° to +180°), or tap ±90° for quick turns. Multiple images mode keeps 90° steps only.
Which output format should I choose—JPG, PNG, or WebP?
PNG keeps transparency (useful when non-90° rotation adds empty corners). JPG is smaller for photos without transparency. WebP balances size and quality. HEIC and other non-web uploads default to PNG export unless you switch format.
Photo editor
What can I do in Photo editor?
Apply predefined quick filters, crop (free, 1:1, 4:5, or 16:9), adjust brightness/contrast/saturation, rotate, flip, and export as PNG, JPG, or WebP.
When should I use Adjust instead?
Open Adjust for LUTs, selective color, gradient maps, vignette, frames, and other advanced color tools.
Does Photo editor upload my files?
No. Editing runs in your browser during normal use—your photo stays on your device.
Adjust
Can I crop in Adjust or only in Photo editor?
You can crop in both. Photo editor is faster for everyday tweaks; Adjust adds advanced grading controls like LUTs and selective color in the same workflow.
What are the new advanced sliders in Adjust?
Adjust now includes Exposure, Luminosity, Highlights, Shadows, Black point, Vibrance, Warmth, Tint, and Definition, in addition to Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, and noise reduction.
How much saturation is safe for product photos?
Small increments (+5 to +15) after exposure fix. If packaging reds clip or shift hue, back off.
Do cube LUTs work on all image types?
They apply globally. Preview on neutrals and skin/product tones before batch export.
Can I match last month’s catalog look?
Document slider values or LUT names per campaign. Browser workflow is export-based—keep masters to re-grade.
When should I use tone curves instead of Light sliders?
Light sliders fix most exposure and shadow issues quickly. Use Curves for per-channel contrast, S-curves, or fine shadow lifts without blowing highlights—they run after Light and before Color.
Should I use a point map or a region map for selective color?
Region maps sample a box on the preview—best for logos, labels, or large color areas. Point maps sample one pixel for small accents. Regions apply before points; increase Tolerance if the replacement edge looks hard.
Remove background
Why is the first automatic cutout slow?
The browser downloads and caches AI model weights on first use. Later runs in the same browser are typically faster.
Is my photo uploaded for AI removal?
Automatic cutout is designed to run locally in your browser. Only the initial model download uses the network.
PNG or WebP for transparent product cutouts?
Both support alpha. WebP is often smaller; PNG has broader legacy compatibility in older pipelines.
Object remover
How do I remove an object cleanly?
Paint only the object area with a tight mask, run AI fill, then repeat in smaller passes for difficult edges or patterned backgrounds.
Can I select several areas before removing?
Yes. Turn off Auto-remove, paint every area you want gone, then press Remove selected to process them together. Use Clear to discard the selection without removing anything.
Can I undo a bad automatic pass?
Yes. Use Undo to step back through previous edits in order and recover the earlier image state.
How do I compare the current image with the original?
Drag the compare handle on the left edge of the editor. The original appears on the left and your current edit on the right. When you release, the view snaps back to the full edit so you can keep brushing.
Which model powers this tool?
The tool uses LaMa ONNX by default and is ready to run without extra setup variables.
Can I use this for text or watermark cleanup?
Yes. Brush over text, logos, wires, or small distractions and run inpainting. Results are best when surrounding texture is consistent.
Blur face
Can I blur faces without AI?
Yes. Draw blur boxes manually anywhere in the photo. AI detection is optional and helps with faster first-pass coverage.
Does AI face blur process images on a server?
No. Face detection is designed to run in-browser on your device, and exports are generated locally.
Can I blur non-face details too?
Yes. Manual boxes work for faces, license plates, ID badges, and screen content in the same workflow.
Which export format is best after blurring?
PNG keeps strongest detail in non-blurred regions. JPG/WebP usually produce smaller files for web sharing.
Collage
How many images fit before it looks cluttered?
Two to four images with one clear focal point usually read best on mobile feeds.
PNG or JPG for Instagram collages?
JPG for opaque posts (smaller). PNG if you need transparency in the layout.
What canvas size should I start with?
At least 1080px on the long edge for feed posts; build at final size to avoid soft upscaling on upload.
Meme generator
Can I create a meme without uploading a photo first?
Yes. Start from a built-in canvas template, add text, and export. Use Replace base image when you want to add a photo without losing overlay placement.
Can I add a logo or reaction image on top?
Yes. Use Add image to place a draggable image overlay on the meme, alongside top/bottom text and extra caption blocks.
How do I move text freely on the meme?
Add an extra text overlay and drag it on the preview. Image overlays drag the same way. Use size controls to keep text readable on mobile.
Does download keep the original image size?
Yes. The editor scales the preview to fit your screen, but the exported file uses your base image dimensions with all captions and overlays applied.
Best export format for social memes?
PNG keeps text edges crisp; JPG or WebP usually make smaller files for faster posting.
Image metadata
What hidden information can this tool show?
Typical camera and date fields, location when the photo includes GPS, plus author, copyright, and comments many phones and editors store. Some rare or encrypted blocks may not appear.
How do I remove location from a photo?
On the One image tab, upload the photo and click Remove GPS only when the button is available. If it is grayed out, use Remove all metadata to download a copy without coordinates.
Will cleaning hidden data change how the photo looks?
Usually not. On JPEG, PNG, and WebP only stored information changes. On some other formats the tool re-saves the file locally and size may change slightly.
Can I add copyright or author information?
Yes on supported formats. Fill Artist, Copyright, Description, and related fields—even when the file started empty—then click Save changes & download.
Can I add a location to a photo?
Yes where editing is supported: enter latitude and longitude in decimal form, then save. Leave both empty to export without location.
Can I clean many photos at once?
Yes. Switch to Multiple images, add your images, choose remove everything or GPS only, and download a ZIP when finished. Files are processed in the order you selected them.
Watermark
Text watermark or logo—which should I use?
Use text for a quick copyright or name stamp; upload a logo (PNG with transparency works best) when you want consistent brand identity across images.
What opacity works best?
Around 35–60% usually marks ownership while keeping the photo readable. Lower for subtle branding, higher when deterring reuse matters more.
Can I stop people from cropping the watermark out?
Enable tiling so the mark repeats across the whole image, ideally with a diagonal rotation. It is a strong deterrent, though no visible watermark is fully tamper-proof.
Are my images uploaded anywhere?
No. Watermarking runs in your browser, so proofs and unreleased assets stay on your device.
Can I watermark many photos with the same logo?
Yes. Switch to Multiple images, upload your logo once, set opacity and position, add your images, and download a ZIP.
What's the difference between Repeat and Diagonal placement?
Repeat tiles your mark across the whole image—you control spacing and rotation. Diagonal is a preset: Repeat plus a fixed −45° angle, handy for proof-style edge-to-edge coverage.
Can tilt fix architectural keystone distortion?
Mild correction yes; severe perspective is better fixed at capture with a level camera.
Why are corners empty after tilt?
Warping rotates the image plane. Use the crop step to remove empty areas before export.
Minimum resolution for marketing mockups?
Start from at least 2000px on the long edge for hero mockups; low-res screenshots warp poorly.
Favicon
Why does my favicon look blurry in the tab?
Source art may be too detailed for 16×16. Simplify the mark and increase contrast.
Do I need favicon.ico in 2026?
Still useful for broad compatibility alongside PNG declarations.
How do I force browsers to pick up a new favicon?
Replace files, bump cache-busting query strings in link tags, and clear CDN cache if applicable.
App icon generator
One upload for iOS and Android?
Yes—select platforms in the generator. Preview on simulators because mask shapes differ.
Minimum master size for app icons?
1024×1024 is the common store maximum; use at least that for sharp downscales.
How is this different from the Android drawable tool?
App icon generator targets launcher/store packs. Drawable generator targets res/ density folders for in-app bitmaps.
Color reader
HEX vs RGB for CSS handoff?
HEX is common in design tokens; RGB/HSL when your stack or preprocessors expect them.
Why do sampled colors look different on my phone?
Displays vary. Browser sampling is useful for web direction; print still needs proper color management.
How many swatches should a UI palette include?
Start with 5–8 role-based colors (base, text, primary, accent, neutrals) rather than dozens of random picks.
iOS image set
What is the difference between 1x, 2x, and 3x?
Scale factors for device pixel density. @3x is used on many modern iPhones for crisp UI art.
Can I use PDF vectors instead?
Xcode supports PDF vectors separately. This tool generates raster imagesets from bitmap masters.
Do I still assign imagesets in Xcode?
Yes. The ZIP provides files; you import and reference them in your asset catalog.
Android drawable set
Which density folder matters most?
xxhdpi and xxxhdpi cover many active devices; still ship the full set for consistency.
Are these adaptive icon layers?
No. This outputs density-scaled PNGs for drawable/mipmap folders you merge manually.
Play Store listing icons included?
No. Store graphics use separate size requirements from in-app drawable packs.
