Picmal can add “Convert” and “Compress” options to your Finder right-click menu. Instead of opening the app and dragging files in, you right-click an image and you’re done.

Apple buries this setting in a place you’d never think to look. Here’s where to find it.

What Are macOS Services?

Services are how macOS lets apps hook into the right-click menu. Most people never touch this settings panel, which is why most people don’t know it exists.

Once enabled, Picmal adds two options when you right-click image files:

• Convert with Picmal — opens your selection for format conversion
• Compress with Picmal — opens your selection for compression

Works on one file or fifty. Select them all, right-click, done.

How to Enable Picmal’s Right-Click Options

Step 1: Open System Settings

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner
2. Select System Settings (called System Preferences on older macOS)

Step 2: Find the Keyboard Shortcuts panel

Yes, keyboard shortcuts. Apple decided this is where right-click menu options live.

1. Click Keyboard in the sidebar
2. Click Keyboard Shortcuts…
3. Select Services from the left panel

Step 3: Enable Picmal’s Services

1. Scroll down to Files and Folders
2. Find these two entries:
   • Convert with Picmal
   • Compress with Picmal
3. Check the boxes next to each one
4. Close System Settings

Using It

Converting images

1. Select your image files in Finder
2. Right-click (or Control-click)
3. Pick Convert with Picmal
4. Picmal opens with your files loaded. Choose a format and convert.

Compressing images

1. Select your image files in Finder
2. Right-click
3. Pick Compress with Picmal
4. Picmal opens in compression mode. Adjust settings and go.