Choose what this vault needs
Enable or disable photo and video optimization in the vault’s settings. Different vaults can use different choices, so a space-saving collection can sit alongside a vault where you prefer original imports.
How it worksApp features
Optional photo and video optimization
Make new photo and video imports smaller before encryption. Choose optimization settings separately for each vault.
Download RevaultSecurity modelA personal photo collection can grow quickly. Optional on-device optimization helps reduce the space used by newly imported photos and videos, with settings chosen for the vault that receives them. Your source files remain untouched.
Convert before encryption
Supported media is processed on the device before its vault copy is encrypted. If optimization is unsupported or would not save space, the original quality is retained. Metadata stripping still runs when enabled for that import. Available codecs and device resources determine what can be converted.
Apply it to new imports
The preference applies to files added after you change it, including supported share-sheet imports. It does not rewrite files already in the vault or modify the source in Photos, Files or another provider.
How it works
- Open Media optimization in the destination vault’s settings.
- Choose your photo and video preferences and save them.
- Import new media and review the saved result before deleting any source files.
Choose quality for the task, not just the smallest file
A casual photo collection may tolerate reduced dimensions, while a scan with small text or an image you intend to edit later may need the original. Optimization is optional and applies to future imports for the selected vault on this device. Start with a few representative files and inspect the saved results at useful zoom before applying the setting to a large collection.
Why an optimized import sometimes stays at original quality
Converting every file would risk losing characteristics the converter cannot preserve. Animated, HDR, wide-color or otherwise unsupported material may stay at original quality; a conversion that would increase size is also not useful. A retained original-quality import is therefore an expected outcome, not proof that the setting was ignored. Separately enabled metadata stripping still runs and can reject an unsupported file.
Storage savings and privacy are different decisions
A smaller file uses less local storage and can reduce encrypted transfer volume. It does not automatically hide the picture’s content or make an earlier gallery copy private. Metadata stripping has its own setting and can produce larger PNGs. Saving an edited photo can also change the format. Judge the final saved result rather than assuming all three operations reduce size.
Import quality settings at a glance
| Setting | Supported photos | Supported videos |
|---|---|---|
| Original | Keep original import quality | Keep original import quality |
| Balanced | JPEG up to 2,048 pixels on the longest edge | MP4 up to 1080p |
| Smaller | JPEG up to 1,280 pixels on the longest edge | MP4 up to 720p |
Practical checklist
- Keep original quality for records whose fine print or image characteristics matter.
- Compare a sample import before committing a large batch.
- Keep source originals or an independent backup when you may need full quality again.
Frequently asked questions
Will optimization shrink files already in my vault?
No. The setting controls new imports after it is saved. It does not batch-rewrite your existing collection or change items stored by another provider. Use the photo editor deliberately for an existing supported image.
Can I restore original detail after compressing a photo?
A lossy import cannot recreate discarded detail. Retain the original elsewhere or in a separate original-quality vault if you need that option. Changing back to Original affects future imports, not an earlier optimized copy.
Does optimization require uploading media to a server?
Conversion runs on the device before encryption. Optional sync subsequently transfers the encrypted saved copy. Device codec support, free working space and the selected format determine which conversions can complete.
Keep exploring
Put this into practice in your vault
Choose the settings that fit your files, and keep a recovery plan before you rely on a single device.
Download RevaultExplore related features
Private camera and file imports
Take photos and videos inside an unlocked vault, import selected items from Photos, or send files from another app’s share sheet.
Remove metadata from photos, videos and PDFs
Remove hidden location, camera details and document properties on your phone. Choose an item or set a default for new vault imports.
A private photo editor inside your vault
Crop, rotate and flip photos, then adjust brightness and contrast without leaving your unlocked vault or uploading to an editing service.