Description
W3ctrl Smart Image Optimizer reduces Media Library image size on your WordPress server. Files are not sent to a remote optimization API.
It uses WordPress image editors (Imagick or GD). Originals can be backed up before a file is replaced, and a file is replaced only when the result is smaller.
Features
- JPEG and PNG optimization, including optional EXIF/metadata stripping
- WebP copies next to originals, with optional front-end delivery via a
pictureelement - AVIF copies next to originals when the server can encode AVIF, with optional front-end delivery
- Resize oversized originals during optimize, plus a manual resize control on the plugin Media screen
- Convert opaque PNG files to JPEG
- Skip files above a maximum size or below a minimum size
- Exclude JPEG, PNG, WebP, or selected uploads folders
- Automatic optimization when images are uploaded
- Bulk optimization with progress, pause, cancel, and retry failed
- Dry-run savings estimate before a bulk run
- Per-image optimize, restore, and resize
- Original backups; restore one image, restore all, or delete backups
- Dashboard statistics and server capability checks
- WP-Cron scheduled optimization
- Optional LiteSpeed Cache and Cloudflare URL purge after optimize or restore
- Media Library column, row actions, and bulk actions
- WP-CLI and a REST API for optimize, stats, and restore
- Optional removal of plugin stats and backups on uninstall (Media Library files are never deleted)
Privacy
Images are processed on your own server. The plugin does not phone home and does not add telemetry.
LiteSpeed cache purge (when enabled) runs only on this server when LiteSpeed Cache is present. It does not send data to a remote LiteSpeed service.
External services
This plugin can optionally connect to Cloudflare to purge cached image URLs after an attachment is optimized, restored, or resized.
It sends only the affected media file URLs to api.cloudflare.com, and only when an administrator enables Cloudflare purge and saves a Cloudflare Zone ID and API token in Settings. Image files themselves are not uploaded to Cloudflare. The feature is off by default.
This service is provided by Cloudflare, Inc.:
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
WP-CLI
wp sio optimize
wp sio optimize --limit=100
wp sio stats
wp sio restore <attachment_id>
Developers
Filters and actions include w3ctrl_sio_booted, w3ctrl_sio_after_optimize, w3ctrl_sio_after_restore, w3ctrl_sio_after_resize, and w3ctrl_sio_supported_mime_types.
The admin menu parent slug is w3ctrl. Other W3ctrl plugins can add a submenu under that slug and register themselves on the w3ctrl_admin_plugins filter.
Installation
- Upload the
w3ctrl-smart-image-optimizerfolder to/wp-content/plugins/. - Activate the plugin through the Plugins screen.
- Open W3ctrl Image Optimizer to review statistics and server capabilities.
- Use the in-plugin Media and Settings links to manage images and options.
- Use Optimize remaining images or Media Library actions for existing files.
FAQ
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Does this plugin upload my images to a third party?
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No. Optimization happens on the WordPress server. Optional Cloudflare purge (off by default) only sends image URLs when you enable it and save your own Cloudflare credentials.
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Will original images be overwritten?
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When backups are enabled, a copy is stored before a file is changed. A file is replaced only when the optimized version is smaller.
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What happens if an image cannot be optimized?
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That image is marked as failed or skipped. Bulk optimization continues with the rest of the queue.
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Can I restore an image?
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Yes, if original backups are enabled. Use Restore on the plugin Media screen, in the Media Library, or
wp sio restore <id>. -
Does it work with Elementor and WooCommerce?
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Yes. The plugin does not require either one. It optimizes Media Library attachments that those plugins use, and WebP/AVIF delivery wraps standard WordPress image tags.
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What is removed when I uninstall the plugin?
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Settings and cron events are always removed. Statistics and backup files are removed only if you enable Delete data on uninstall. Media Library images are never deleted.
Reviews
There are no reviews for this plugin.
Contributors & Developers
“W3ctrl Smart Image Optimizer” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
Translate “W3ctrl Smart Image Optimizer” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
1.0.3
- Align text domain with the approved directory slug
w3ctrl-smart-image-optimizer.
1.0.2
- Prefix dashboard template variables for Plugin Check compliance.
- Add missing translators comment for resize size string.
1.0.1
- Document Cloudflare as an optional external service with Terms and Privacy links.
- Use site_url for the WP-Cron example URL.
- Rely on WordPress.org language packs instead of load_plugin_textdomain().
1.0.0
- Initial release.