---
title: "Getting Started with PixelTamp"
url: "https://pixeltamp.com/help/getting-started"
description: "Learn how to install PixelTamp, grant necessary macOS permissions, and start optimising media in seconds."
---

# Getting Started with PixelTamp

PixelTamp is a native macOS desktop app designed for rapid media compression. It runs entirely in-process using Apple hardware acceleration and embedded compression engines. No Homebrew, no terminal commands, and no cloud uploads.

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## Installation & System Requirements

PixelTamp requires **macOS 26** or later. It runs natively on, and is optimised for, Apple Silicon (M-series processors).

Download and install PixelTamp exclusively from the **Mac App Store**.

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## The Core Workflow

Compressing images and videos with PixelTamp takes just three steps:

### 1\. Choose or Drop Your Media

-   **Drag and drop** files, multiple selections, or entire folders directly onto the PixelTamp drop zone.
-   Alternatively, click **Choose Files…** (or press `Cmd + O`) to open the native macOS file picker.

### 2\. Choose Your Options (or use our defaults)

PixelTamp comes tuned with sensible defaults right out of the box:

-   **Preset**: Select _Tamped_ (balanced default), _Lossless_ (maximum fidelity), _Aggressive_ (minimal file size), or _All_ (generates all three options in one shot).
-   **Resize**: Constrain the longest dimension (e.g. _2560px_, _1920px_, _1024px_, or _Original Size_).
-   **Format**: Keep original format or convert to modern formats like WebP or MP4 video.

### 3\. Staged Batch Queue & Safe Processing

When media is added, files are staged in the queue so you can review selections and adjust presets, dimension constraints, or format conversions live before processing.

Click **Tamp Files** (or press `Return`) to begin. PixelTamp operates non-destructively by default:

-   Tamped files are saved alongside the source files with a `_tamped` suffix (for example, `hero.png` becomes `hero_tamped.png`) or into a designated custom folder.
-   If you prefer to replace original files directly, optional in-place overwriting can be enabled in Settings.
-   When batching is complete, click **Reveal All in Finder** to view your freshly compressed assets.

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## Privacy & On-Device Security

PixelTamp operates completely offline and on-device:

-   **Direct File Handling**: When you drag and drop files or choose them through the native open panel, PixelTamp reads the source media directly and writes the optimised versions to your chosen output directory.
-   **Privacy Assurance**: PixelTamp makes zero outbound network requests. With no telemetry, tracking, or cloud dependencies, your media never leaves your Mac.