Mac Image Resizer Comparison: Preview vs Photoshop vs Online Tools vs DockBuddy Resizer
Comprehensive comparison of Mac Preview, Photoshop, and free online resizing tools. Evaluate batch processing speed, App Icon support, pricing, and usability. Find the best image resizer for your workflow.
Mac Image Resizer Comparison: Which Tool is Right for You?
Image resizing is an essential task for SNS posting, blog updates, client deliverables, and App Icon creation. But with so many tools available, how do you choose the right one?
Especially when you need to batch resize dozens or hundreds of images, your choice of tool significantly impacts productivity.
This article provides a comprehensive comparison of major image resizing tools, helping you find the perfect fit for your workflow.
Tools Compared
We're comparing four types of solutions:
- macOS Preview - Free
- Adobe Photoshop - $22.99/month and up
- Free Online Tools (iLoveIMG, Squoosh, etc.) - Free
- DockBuddy Resizer - $9.99 one-time purchase
Detailed Comparison
Core Features
| Feature | Preview | Photoshop | Online Tools | DockBuddy Resizer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $22.99+/mo | Free (limited) | $9.99 one-time |
| Batch Processing | △ Manual | ✅ Actions needed | △ File limits | ✅ Drag & drop |
| App Icon Generation | ❌ | △ Manual setup | ❌ | ✅ All sizes auto |
| SNS Presets | ❌ | △ Manual setup | △ Some | ✅ All major SNS |
| Offline Use | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| HEIC Support | ✅ | △ | ❌ Most don't | ✅ |
| Privacy | ✅ Local | ✅ Local | ⚠️ Server upload | ✅ Local |
Processing Speed (100 JPEG Images)
Processing time varies dramatically between tools:
| Tool | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preview | ~30 min | Manual operation per image |
| Photoshop (Actions) | ~5 min | Requires setup |
| Online Tools | ~15 min | Including upload/download |
| DockBuddy Resizer | ~10 sec | Drag and drop only |
Process hundreds of images in seconds. This is the power of a dedicated batch processing app.
3-Year Cost Comparison
| Tool | Initial Cost | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Preview | Free | Free |
| Photoshop | - | ~$827 |
| Online Tools | Free | Free (Pro plans extra) |
| DockBuddy Resizer | $9.99 | $9.99 |
Detailed Reviews
1. macOS Preview
Pros
- ✅ Free - Included with macOS
- ✅ No installation needed
- ✅ Simple operation
Cons
- ❌ Batch processing is tedious - Open multiple images, process one by one
- ❌ No preset saving - Enter size manually each time
- ❌ No App Icon generation
- ❌ No SNS-optimized sizes
Best For
- Occasionally resizing 1-2 images
- Those who don't want to install additional software
2. Adobe Photoshop
Pros
- ✅ Professional features - Beyond just resizing
- ✅ Automation via Actions
- ✅ High-quality output
Cons
- ❌ Expensive subscription - ~$275/year
- ❌ Steep learning curve - Action setup is complex
- ❌ Slow startup - Overkill for simple resizing
- ❌ App Icon generation requires manual setup
Best For
- Existing Photoshop users
- Those who frequently edit beyond resizing
3. Free Online Resizing Tools
iLoveIMG, Squoosh, TinyPNG, and other browser-based free tools.
Pros
- ✅ No installation required
- ✅ Works on any OS
- ✅ Free and convenient
Cons
- ❌ Security risk - Images uploaded to external servers
- ❌ File limits - Free tier typically 10-20 images
- ❌ Requires internet
- ❌ Concerns about uploading commercial images
- ❌ Most don't support HEIC
- ❌ No App Icon generation
⚠️ Privacy Warning
When using online tools, understand that your images are sent to external servers. Not suitable for client work or confidential images.
Best For
- Occasional resizing of a few images
- Non-confidential images only
4. DockBuddy Resizer
Pros
- ✅ Drag & drop batch processing - Hundreds of images in seconds
- ✅ SNS presets included - Instagram, X, Facebook ready
- ✅ App Icon generation - All iOS/macOS sizes
- ✅ One-time purchase - $9.99 forever
- ✅ Fully local processing - Privacy guaranteed
- ✅ HEIC support - iPhone photos work directly
- ✅ Apple Silicon optimized - Fast on M1/M2/M3
Cons
- ❌ macOS only - No Windows version
- ❌ No image editing - Resize-focused only
Best For
- Daily/weekly resizing tasks
- SNS managers
- App developers (App Icon generation)
- E-commerce operators (batch product images)
- Privacy-conscious users
Recommendations by Use Case
E-commerce Operators
→ DockBuddy Resizer
E-commerce requires multiple sizes for different platforms. Batch convert 100 product images to each marketplace's specifications in seconds.
App Developers
→ DockBuddy Resizer
App Icons require 20+ sizes for iOS/macOS combined. What would take 30+ minutes manually completes in seconds with drag and drop.
SNS Marketers
→ DockBuddy Resizer
Instagram, X, and Facebook each have different optimal sizes. With presets, generate all SNS versions from one image instantly.
Occasional Users
→ Preview
For a few images per month, macOS's built-in Preview is sufficient.
Existing Photoshop Users
→ Photoshop
If you're already subscribed to Creative Cloud and comfortable with Actions, Photoshop works efficiently.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
| Need | Recommended Tool |
|---|---|
| Occasional 1-2 images | Preview (Free) |
| Daily batch processing | DockBuddy Resizer |
| App Icon generation | DockBuddy Resizer |
| Multiple SNS sizes | DockBuddy Resizer |
| Already using Photoshop | Photoshop |
| Privacy priority | Preview or DockBuddy Resizer |
For batch processing large volumes, App Icon generation, or SNS optimization, the $9.99 one-time purchase of DockBuddy Resizer offers the best value.
Try DockBuddy Resizer
DockBuddy Resizer is available on the Mac App Store.
$9.99 one-time purchase to eliminate image resizing hassles.