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SPECIFICTION
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Curtail

apps.gnome.org

Free plan Linux
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Spec score 8.3 #23 of 85 in Image Compression Software

What it is

Curtail is a free Linux application for compressing PNG, JPEG, WebP, and SVG images. It offers both compression modes and lets users decide whether image metadata is retained. Recursive directory compression supports batch processing across folder contents. When compression would produce a larger file, Curtail restores the original. Actions are provided to open a compressed image and reveal it in its folder. The project is released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later and uses open-source components including Oxipng, pngquant, Jpegoptim, libwebp, and Scour. The project recommends installing its Flatpak package from Flathub; unofficial Snap, Ubuntu PPA, and Fedora COPR packages are also listed. Flathub marks the app as potentially unsafe and lists read/write access to the home folder. The GNOME page lists version 1.17.0, released on 2026-10-05, and links to an issue tracker. Curtail is available at no cost, with no trial required.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Curtail is an image compressor for optimizing images.Read 12 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Free plan
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · apps.gnome.org
License
Curtail is released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later.Read 12 Oct 2026 · flathub.org
Batch processing
The changelog lists recursive directory compression as a feature.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compression modes
It supports both lossless and lossy compression.Read 12 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
File handling
The changelog lists actions to open a compressed image and show it in its folder.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Latest release
The GNOME app page lists version 1.17.0, released on 2026-10-05.Read 12 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Linux distribution
The project README describes Flatpak as its recommended universal Linux package and also lists unofficial Snap, Ubuntu PPA and Fedora COPR packages.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux installation
The project recommends installing the Flatpak package from Flathub.Read 12 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maintainer
The GNOME app page names Hugo Posnic as maintainer and lists Toulouse, France.Read 12 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Metadata
Users can choose whether to keep image metadata.Read 12 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Metadata controls
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Open source
The project is released under GNU General Public License version 3 or later.Read 11 Oct 2026 · flathub.org
Other Linux packages
The project also lists unofficial Snap, Ubuntu PPA, and Fedora COPR packages.Read 12 Oct 2026 · github.com
Processing components
The project lists Oxipng, pngquant, Jpegoptim, libwebp, and Scour among the open source projects Curtail uses.Read 12 Oct 2026 · github.com
Safety behavior
The changelog says Curtail restores original files when compression produces larger files.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Sandbox access
Flathub flags the app as potentially unsafe and lists read/write access to the home folder.Read 11 Oct 2026 · flathub.org
Security and permissions
Flathub marks the app as potentially unsafe and lists home folder read/write access.Read 12 Oct 2026 · flathub.org
Support and feedback
The GNOME app page directs users to the app issue tracker to give feedback or report issues.Read 12 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Supported formats
It supports PNG, JPEG, WebP, and SVG files.Read 12 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Curtail Free Image compression; PNG · JPEG · WebP · SVG Read 12 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Curtail plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Compresses PNG, JPEG, WebP, and SVG
  • Supports recursive directory compression
  • Restores originals when output grows larger
  • Offers metadata retention control
  • Free and GPLv3-or-later licensed

Limits

  • Flathub marks it potentially unsafe
  • Requests home-folder read/write access
  • Available platform is Linux only

Who it suits

Curtail suits Linux users who need local compression for common image formats, including recursive folder jobs. Users should review its listed home-folder permissions before installing the Flatpak.

Verdict

Curtail provides format coverage, batch compression, and a safeguard against larger output files. Its Linux-only distribution and Flathub permission warning are important installation considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

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