> ## 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.

# Setting up

> Follow these steps to get Compresto ready on your Mac

When you first launch Compresto, you'll be guided through a quick setup process.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Welcome">
    Press **Get Started** to begin the setup process.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/DbcYcNIofalobMmb/images/welcome.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=DbcYcNIofalobMmb&q=85&s=6a46e404afe285958bd591b6ed0af0ec" alt="Welcome" width="1570" height="1112" data-path="images/welcome.jpg" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Installation">
    Compresto will automatically download and install all required dependencies. This usually takes a few minutes.

    A progress bar shows the installation status. Once complete, press **Next** to continue.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/DbcYcNIofalobMmb/images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.38.47@2x.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DbcYcNIofalobMmb&q=85&s=c51eae32d53fca3daab43fff1eceb130" alt="Installation" width="1572" height="1192" data-path="images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.38.47@2x.png" />

    <Note>
      If installation fails, press **Try Again** to retry. Make sure you have an active internet connection.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="License Activation">
    Enter your license key and press **Activate** to activate Compresto.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/DbcYcNIofalobMmb/images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.39.56@2x.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DbcYcNIofalobMmb&q=85&s=53ff3f4876a6f04a89b6a5c59727e5bc" alt="License" width="1554" height="1162" data-path="images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.39.56@2x.png" />

    <Info>
      **Don't have a license key?** Purchase one at [compresto.app/pricing](https://compresto.app/pricing)
    </Info>

    <Tip>
      **Setapp users**: Your license is automatically managed by Setapp. Simply press **Next** to continue.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Done">
    You're all set! Press **Continue** to start compressing files.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/DbcYcNIofalobMmb/images/done.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=DbcYcNIofalobMmb&q=85&s=7cb9dfed58c166b53368dabb0bc2d40e" alt="Done" width="1562" height="1154" data-path="images/done.jpg" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What Gets Installed

During the installation step, Compresto downloads these components:

* **FFmpeg** - For video and GIF processing
* **Gifski** - For high-quality GIF creation
* **pngquant** - For PNG optimization
* **Ghostscript** - For PDF compression

These tools are installed in the app's support directory and don't affect your system.

## Troubleshooting

### Installation stuck or failed

1. Check your internet connection
2. Press **Try Again** to restart installation
3. If the issue persists, restart the app

### License activation failed

* Verify your license key is correct (format: XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX)
* Check that you haven't exceeded the activation limit
* Ensure you have an active internet connection

### Need to redo setup

If you need to go through the setup again:

1. Quit Compresto
2. Delete the app preferences (hold Option while clicking "Compresto" menu > "Reset Preferences")
3. Relaunch Compresto