Your files.
A little Zest.

Yes. The desktop app converts and processes files locally on your PC. It doesn’t need an account or internet connection for conversion or photo editing. There are no online update checks or connected dashboard. You can apply a newer Windows ZIP locally in Settings → Update.

Zest supports the formats listed above, with specific input and output directions. It isn’t a universal converter. Protected or damaged files, legacy DOC/PPT and PPTX input, Apple iWork files, RAW/PSD editing, OCR, and RAR/TAR/GZIP are not included. Complex document formatting can change during conversion.

By default, Zest asks where to save each finished file. Check Export to folder in Settings to save automatically to a chosen folder; Save As is disabled until you uncheck it. Existing files are preserved with numbered filenames. Zest keeps no extra converted copy. File history has no count cap; Clear all clears only that list. Up to 12 inputs can be active at once, with 1,024 MB per input and 12,288 MB total active input data. Each output is limited to 1,024 MB. These processing limits do not cap your history.

Drag the horizontal six-dot grip at the top center to move it. Its position is saved. The upper-right × keeps Zest running in the tray. The theme icon sits beside it; the footer version opens Settings → Update. Use the three-dot button or right-click the Zest icon for options, themes, history, and settings. The top drop box adds files; its × button removes the selected input without deleting the original. Drop directly onto a compatible format tile to convert automatically. Zest stays visible through conversion and asks where to save the result. Drag a loaded file from the top box onto a format to convert it again.

Yes. Zest stays available in the Windows tray when hidden. Press Win + Z to toggle it beside your cursor, press Win + Ctrl + Z at its saved position, or use the tray menu. While Zest runs, Win + Z replaces the Windows Snap Layouts shortcut; either Zest shortcut can be disabled in Settings. Close and Exit keep it running. Choose Force quit Zest to fully stop it. It doesn’t register itself to start with Windows.

In Zest v2.3.0 or later, click the version at the widget’s bottom right to open Settings → Update. Choose or drop a newer Zest Windows ZIP. The app checks and prepares it locally, then restarts automatically in 10 seconds, or when you choose Restart now. Settings, theme, position, history and saved files are preserved. Save open Studio edits before restarting. If you are coming from v2.2 or earlier, Force quit that version and run this release’s Zest.exe once. The earlier updater expects the old Zest-Start.exe name; future compatible ZIP updates work from v2.3.

The current build is Zest v2.3.0, an offline Windows x64 preview. Native update replacement and recovery still need validation on a real Windows PC. The web demo simulates the interface and does not convert files or apply updates.

Adjust, rotate, crop, annotate, cover or blur an area, add a background, or build a collage from 30 previewable layouts. Choose mixed grids, center spotlights, photo piles, instant prints, contact sheets, photo booth strips, hearts, circles, diamonds or honeycomb frames. Edit photo credits in PNG/JPEG exports. This is a focused local editor; advanced Pixlr features such as layers, AI tools and RAW/PSD editing are not included. The studio holds 12 photos, scales any photo above 16 megapixels, uses a 40-megapixel project budget, and exports up to 24 megapixels.