> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://compresto.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install Ghostscript

> Set up Ghostscript for PDF compression in Compresto

## Overview

[Ghostscript](https://www.ghostscript.com/) is required to compress PDF files in Compresto. Developed by Artifex Software, Inc., Ghostscript is a leading PDF rendering and conversion tool.

<Note>
  If you have Homebrew installed, Compresto will automatically attempt to install Ghostscript when you first try to compress a PDF.
</Note>

## Quick Install (Homebrew Users)

If you have Homebrew installed, simply click the **Install Ghostscript via Homebrew** button in the app.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/HN35rbkbGyIzZcDZ/images/install_ghostscript.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=HN35rbkbGyIzZcDZ&q=85&s=fd855e01deacbb698e2fdf195fc91fb4" alt="install_ghostscript" width="1720" height="1250" data-path="images/install_ghostscript.png" />

Compresto will run `brew install ghostscript` and automatically configure the path for you.

## Manual Installation

If you don't have Homebrew or prefer manual installation:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Homebrew">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install Homebrew">
        If you don't have Homebrew, install it from [brew.sh](https://brew.sh/)

        ```bash theme={null}
        /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step title="Install Ghostscript">
        ```bash theme={null}
        brew install ghostscript
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step title="Find the path">
        ```bash theme={null}
        which gs
        ```

        **Expected output:**

        * Apple Silicon Mac: `/opt/homebrew/bin/gs`
        * Intel Mac: `/usr/local/bin/gs`
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="MacPorts">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install MacPorts">
        Download and install from [macports.org/install.php](https://www.macports.org/install.php)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Install Ghostscript">
        ```bash theme={null}
        sudo port install ghostscript
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step title="Find the path">
        ```bash theme={null}
        which gs
        ```

        **Expected output:** `/opt/local/bin/gs`
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Configure Path in Compresto

After installation, set the Ghostscript path in Compresto:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Go to **Settings** > **PDF Compression**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the path">
    Copy the output from `which gs` and paste it into the **Ghostscript path** field

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/HN35rbkbGyIzZcDZ/images/update_ghostscript_path.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=HN35rbkbGyIzZcDZ&q=85&s=fb519d89d5111071da1fbe878002b570" alt="ghostscript path" width="1732" height="1252" data-path="images/update_ghostscript_path.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Update">
    Press the **Update** button to save the path
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common Paths

| Installation Method | Mac Type      | Path                   |
| ------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- |
| Homebrew            | Apple Silicon | `/opt/homebrew/bin/gs` |
| Homebrew            | Intel         | `/usr/local/bin/gs`    |
| MacPorts            | Any           | `/opt/local/bin/gs`    |

## Troubleshooting

### "Ghostscript is not installed" error

This means the Ghostscript path is not configured. Follow the steps above to install and configure Ghostscript.

### Path not working

1. Open Terminal and run `which gs` to verify the correct path
2. Make sure the path ends with `/gs` (not `/ghostscript`)
3. Ensure Ghostscript was installed successfully by running `gs --version`

### Homebrew button not appearing

The **Install Ghostscript via Homebrew** button only appears if Homebrew is detected on your system. If you don't see it, install Homebrew first or use MacPorts.

## Disclaimer

Compresto does not own or distribute Ghostscript. Ghostscript is installed separately on your device and is used by Compresto solely for PDF compression.

## Licensing

Ghostscript is dual-licensed. The free version that Homebrew installs is distributed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3 (AGPL). A separate commercial license is available from [Artifex Software](https://artifex.com/) for use cases that are not compatible with the AGPL. If you are unsure which applies to your use, see [artifex.com/licensing](https://artifex.com/licensing/).