Install imageoptim-cli with Homebrew

Project links

• Homepage
• Repository

Commands and aliases

• imageoptim

Project history

Jamie Mason published ImageOptim-CLI to npm in 2013, with the project changelog showing the 1.0.0 line on 2013-05-17. The README frames the package as automation for ImageOptim, ImageAlpha, and JPEGmini, and explains that the CLI depends on those applications rather than bundling them.

The project evolved from a JavaScript-era package into a TypeScript and AppleScript tool distributed as a self-contained executable. Version 2.0.0 in 2018 rewrote the core in Node.js, and the 3.x line tightened macOS app detection, temporary directory handling, Node runtime support, and JPEGmini compatibility.

Adoption history

ImageOptim-CLI spread through npm and Homebrew because it filled a practical gap for front-end build pipelines on Macs: ImageOptim and related apps had strong compression results but were awkward to use unattended. The README also points to a companion Grunt plugin, an Alfred workflow, and a tool-comparison page that positioned the CLI in the web-performance tooling ecosystem.

Homebrew packages the tool as `imageoptim-cli`, while npm remains an upstream distribution channel. Homebrew analytics show a small but persistent install base, which fits its niche as a Mac-only automation bridge rather than a general cross-platform optimizer.

How it is used

The `imageoptim` executable accepts file patterns and flags for enabling ImageAlpha or JPEGmini, disabling ImageOptim, controlling stats output, and selecting compression settings such as ImageAlpha color count and quality range. Its typical use is batch optimization from a terminal or build script.

Because JPEGmini automation simulates a GUI user, the README documents macOS accessibility permissions for that path. The package therefore sits in the unusual intersection of CLI automation, AppleScript, and GUI image applications.

Why package nerds care

For package-manager users, ImageOptim-CLI is notable because it packages a workflow rather than a codec: the value is coordinating several native Mac apps behind one repeatable command. It is also a good example of Homebrew carrying a Node-derived binary for a workflow that only makes sense on macOS.

Timeline

• 2013: ImageOptim-CLI 1.0.0 published to npm.
• 2013: The project was covered as a batch compression tool for optimized web images.
• 2018: Version 2.0.0 rewrote the core in Node.js.
• 2019: Version 3.0.0 changed missing-app cases from warnings to errors.
• 2023: Version 3.1.9 added Node 18 support and dependency updates.

Related projects

• ImageOptim-CLI automates ImageOptim, ImageAlpha, and JPEGmini, and its README names `grunt-imageoptim` and an Alfred workflow as related projects. It also compares itself with optimizer services and tools such as Kraken.io, CodeKit, grunt-contrib-imagemin, Smush.it, and TinyPNG.

Sources

• https://formulae.brew.sh/api/formula/imageoptim-cli.json
• https://github.com/JamieMason/ImageOptim-CLI
• https://raw.githubusercontent.com/JamieMason/ImageOptim-CLI/main/CHANGELOG.md
• https://raw.githubusercontent.com/JamieMason/ImageOptim-CLI/main/README.md
• https://registry.npmjs.org/imageoptim-cli