Why is my uploads folder so big after optimizing?

Once you have optimised your images, you will notice that your uploads folder will increase in size. This is due to the “backup original images” option that we provide. This option preserves the original unoptimised copy of your image, in case you feel you want to go back and start again from scratch or just want to keep an original copy of your image online. While this could double the size of your uploads folder, it provides a simple backup solution for your original media files. However, you can also turn this off at any time should you wish to save space.

What is Lossy Compression ?

Lossy compression refers to compression in which some of the data from the original file (JPEG) is lost. The process is irreversible, once you convert to lossy, you can’t go back. And the more you compress it, the more degradation occurs. JPEGs and GIFs are both lossy image formats.

One of the biggest benefits to using lossy compression is that it results in a significantly reduced file size (smaller than lossless compression method), but it also means there is a slight quality loss. This loss in most cases is tiny and can’t even be noticed.

What is EXIF ? Can my EXIF data be preserved ?

Digital cameras embed technical metadata, called EXIF (Exchangeable image file format) data, into image files. WP-O by default removes this data, it can be preserved by changing the settings in the options menu.

What tools do you use to compress the images ?

PNGQuant – to strip unneeded chunks from PNGs. PNGQuant is a lossy compression library for PNG images. This library preserves a full alpha transparency.

JPEGOptim – provides lossless optimisation it is one of the most efficient library for JPG conversion among JpegTrans, mozjpeg and jpegrescan.

OptiPNG It’s a PNG reducer that’s used by lot of online optimisers.