Media Optimizer

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Media Optimizer generates WebP and AVIF sidecars locally, tests modern image delivery, and can optimize original JPEG and PNG uploads with mandatory backups. It uses the active WordPress image editor and optional server binaries instead of sending media to a paid optimization API.

The default workflow is conservative: sidecars are generated without replacing original files or changing frontend image URLs. Original-file optimization and HTML delivery remain opt-in.

Modern image workflow

• Generate WebP sidecars for original uploads and WordPress image sizes.
• Generate AVIF sidecars when the active image editor or avifenc supports AVIF.
• Optionally deliver AVIF first, WebP second, and retain JPEG/PNG as the fallback.
• Use Delivery Assistant to test direct sidecar access and server or CDN rewrite behavior.
• Review coverage, storage impact, estimated savings, and failed processing from the dashboard and Media Library.
• Process larger libraries through queues and WP-CLI commands.

Optional original optimization

• Resize oversized uploads with configurable maximum dimensions.
• Choose lossless, balanced, aggressive, or custom JPEG quality settings.
• Remove or preserve supported image metadata.
• Require a local backup before replacing an original JPEG or PNG file.
• Restore individual or multiple backed-up originals.
• Clean generated sidecars without deleting original uploads.

Local processing and server tools

The plugin uses WordPress, GD, or Imagick where supported. It can also detect optional server binaries including cwebp, avifenc, jpegoptim, jpegtran, pngquant, oxipng, and optipng. These tools are not bundled or required.

Media Optimizer does not automatically edit .htaccess, CDN settings, or server configuration. Use Delivery Assistant before enabling frontend delivery on a production site.

Privacy

Media Optimizer does not collect personal data, create tracking cookies, or send media files to external optimization services.

Delivery Assistant makes HTTP HEAD requests to URLs on the same WordPress site to check whether generated AVIF or WebP files are reachable.