Smushit.com - Image Optimization Tool

Developed by Stoyan Stefanov and Nicole Sullivan, SmushIt is a service that aims to better existing image optimization applications such as Photoshop and Fireworks. This is accomplished by using routines that juice every byte of an exiting image file without changing the way it looks or the visual quality.

If you decide to use the system, you can do so in several ways. For instance, it is possible to procure a Firefox extension that will enable you to optimize the images you can find on the World Wide Web. This is accomplished by following the link that is supplied on the main page. On the other hand, you can provide the SmushIt team with a list of image URLs that interest you, and the company will take care of the image optimization process for you. It is also possible to upload the pictures directly for the consideration of the SmushIt team. Once the images have been optimized you will receive a ZIP file with the new images for you to use at your heart’s content.

“Performance just got a little bit easier. Optimizing images by hand is time consuming and painful. Smush it does it for you.”

There is a ready market for applications of this kind.

How long does it take to optimize a picture? What file types are supported?