When working with Import Photos (.zip) workflows, or image uploads in IDpack, you’re often asked to meet specific image size requirements such as 450×450 pixels and file sizes under 120 KB. Manually resizing dozens or hundreds of photos on a mobile device can be frustrating and time-consuming. Thankfully, there’s a simple and free solution for iPhone and iPad users: the Apple Shortcuts app.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to quickly resize and prepare images using Shortcuts, especially when preparing assets for Business, Enterprise, or Professional versions of IDpack.

For Windows, see How to Resize Photos for IDpack Import Using MS PowerToys

What is Apple Shortcuts?

Shortcuts is a built-in iOS app that allows users to automate tasks across their iPhone or iPad. One of its most useful features is the ability to process multiple images using custom actions like resizing, converting, and saving. With a few simple steps, you can build a shortcut that transforms any batch of photos into IDpack-compliant formats.

Why Use Shortcuts for Resizing on iOS?

• Fast: Resize and rename photos in seconds.
• Integrated: Works directly from the Photos app and Files app.
• Customizable: Set exact dimensions like 450×450 pixels.
• Reliable: Developed and maintained by Apple.

Step-by-Step: Resizing Photos with Apple Shortcuts

1. Create a Folder for Resized Photos
   • Open the Files app.
   • Make sure you are in the folder On My iPhone/iPad
   • Tap the three dots in the top right and select New Folder.
   • Name the folder IDpack and tap done.
     
     
2. Launch the Shortcuts App
   • Open the Shortcuts app and tap the + icon to create a new shortcut.
3. Add Resize Image Action
   • Search for Resize Image and tap it.
   • Tap Image and select Shortcut Input.
   • A new row shows up on top, then tap Images and 18 more.
   • Tap Clear, enable only Images, and tap Done.
   • Tap Nowhere and turn on Show in Share Sheet , and tap Done.
   • Change the Width 640 to 450 and leave Auto Height enabled.
   • Tap the Done at the bottom, not the one at the top.
4. Add Convert Image Action
   • Search for Convert Image and add it.
   • JPEG is the default format—leave it selected.
   • Tap the blue arrow to reveal settings.
   • Disable Preserve Metadata.
5. Add Save File Action
   • Search for Save File and add it.
   • Tap the blue arrow to reveal settings.
   • Disable Ask Where to Save.
   • Tap Shortcuts, then tap the Browse icon at the bottom.
   • Select On My iPhone and tap the IDpack folder.
   • Tap Open at the top right.
6. Name and Save the Shortcut
   • Tap the gray arrow down at the top, then choose Rename.
   • Name your shortcut IDpack Resized.
   • Tap done at the bottom, then Done at the top.
     
     
7. Use the Shortcut from Photos
   • Open the Photos app and tap Select at the top right.
   • Select all the photos you want to resize.
     
     
      
   • Tap the Share icon at the bottom left and choose IDpack Resized. You can scroll to the bottom, tap Edit Actions… and select IDpack Resized like we did.
     
     
      
   • On first use, confirm with Allow Once or Always Allow.
   • The resized images will be saved in your Files > IDpack folder.
8. Rename and Compress to ZIP
   • In the Files app, go to the IDpack folder.
   • Long-press each image to rename them using record IDs from IDpack (e.g., 10023.jpg).
   • Tap the three dots top right and choose Select.
   • Check all the files, then tap the three dots bottom right and select Compress.
     
     
      
   • This creates a Archive.zip file in the same folder.
9. Upload to IDpack
   • Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and go to IDpack – Project Manager.
   • Select your project and tap Import Photos (.zip).
   • Choose Select ZIP File, locate Archive.zip, and upload it.
   • Your images will sync with the records in IDpack.

Pro Tips

• Rename before zipping – Match filenames with record IDs in IDpack.
• Square format – 450×450 keeps your images sharp and well-centered.
• Use Always Allow for faster future access to the shortcut.

Final Thoughts

The Shortcuts app makes preparing images for IDpack on iOS seamless. Whether you’re out in the field or prepping on the go, this method ensures your badge photos meet exact size and format specs—no desktop required.

Ideal for staff working events, mobile badge producers, or organizations using IDpack on iPhone and iPad.

Disclaimer: IDpack is not affiliated with Apple and does not provide support for Shortcuts or any third-party applications mentioned in this guide. Use of the Shortcuts app is at your own risk. Always back up original files before using automation tools.