Image Optimizer

compress-image

How to Optimize Imagesfor web performance, without sacrificing Quality

Did you know that optimizing your images before uploading to WordPress can have a huge effect on your website's speed?

When making a blog for the first time, lots of novices simply upload photos without optimizing them for web. The large images make your website slow.

You can solve this problem by using optimization of images. optimizationbest methods as part of your normal blog routine.

In this article, we'll teach you how to optimize your images to increase web performance without losing quality. Additionally, we will share automated picture optimization plugins for WordPress that will simplify your life.

Since this is a complete guide to image optimization for web We have designed an easy to follow table of contents:

• What is image optimization? (optimized image vs. unoptimized)
• Why is image optimization crucial? What are the benefits?
• How to save and optimize images for web performance?
• Best image optimization software and tools
• The best photo optimization plug-ins to WordPress

What is Image Optimization? (Optimized vs Unoptimized Images)

Image optimization is the process of saving and delivering images with the least files without reducing the overall image quality.

While the process sounds complex however, it's really quite simple to do these days. You can utilize one of the many image optimization tools and plugins that automatically compress images by as much as 80% without any noticeable decrease in image quality.

Here's an example that shows optimized contrasted with unoptimized images:

You can observe, if optimized properly the same image may be 75% smaller than what it was originally, but without losing any quality.

How does Image Optimization work?

In simple words simple terms, image optimization utilize compression techniques like "Lossy" and "Lossless" which reduces the overall size of the image without causing a noticeable loss in quality.

What is it to Optimize Images?

If you've ever been given an advice to optimize your images through your WordPress hosting support , or an instrument for speed testing, this means that you need to reduce the file size of your images by optimizing them to be used on the web.

Why is Image Optimization Important? What are the Benefits of Image Optimization?

There are many advantages of optimizing images, here are the top ones to know:

• Website speed faster
• Increased SEO rankings
• Conversion rates that are higher for leads and sales
• Storage and bandwidth are reduced (which can lower hosting costs as well as CDN cost)
• More efficient backups for websites (also lowers costs for backup storage)

Images, besides video, are the next most weighty element in a web page. The HTTP archive says that according to HTTP archivedata, pictures account for in the average 21% the total weight of a webpage.

Since we know fast websites perform better in search engine results (SEO) and experience better conversions which is why image optimization is a requirement for every website needs to do in order to grow online.

Perhaps you are wondering what difference does image optimization really bring about?

According to a Strangeloop study, a one-second delay in loading time for websites could cost you 7% from sales. This is amounted to 11% less views, and a 16% less satisfaction from customers.

If this isn't enough of a reason to speed up the loading time of your site then you should know that search engines like Google offer a preferential SEO treatment to faster-loading websites.

By optimizing the images you upload for web you will be able to improve speed on your site and improve WordPress SEO positions.

Video Tutorial

If you'd prefer written instructions, just keep reading.

How to Save and Optimize Images for Web Performance?

The most important factor in successful image optimization for web performance is to find the optimal balance between lowest file size and acceptable image quality.

The three aspects that play a crucial influence on optimization of images are: optimization are:

• Image file format (JPEG vs PNG vs GIF vs tiff )
• Compression (Higher compression = smaller file size)
• Image Dimensions (height and width)

If you choose the best combination of these three, you can reduce the image's size by as much as 80 percent.

Let's take a look at each one in more detail.

1. Image File Format

The majority of website owners believe that the only three image file formats that count is JPEG, PNG, and GIF. Picking the right type of file is crucial to image optimization.

To keep things simple You should choose JPEGs when you want to use images or photos which have lots of colors. PNGs for images that are simple or when you need transparent images. You can also use GIF to create animated images.

For those who don't understand the difference between each file type, PNG image format is non-compressed, meaning it's a superior quality image. The disadvantage is that it's file sizes are considerably larger.

On the other hand, JPEG is a compressed file format that reduces the quality of images to deliver a substantially smaller size file.

And GIF only uses 256 colors as well as lossless compression that is why it is the ideal choice when it comes to animated photos.

On WPBeginner We make use of all three image formats based on the type of image.

2. Compression

The second thing to consider is image compression that plays an essential role within image optimization.

There are different types and levels of compression that are available. What settings are used for each will depend on the image compressing tool you select.

The majority of image-editing tools like Adobe Photoshop, On1 Photo, GIMP, Affinity Photo and others are equipped with built-in image compression capabilities.

You can also save images normally and then use a web application like TinyPNG and JPEG Mini for easier image compression.

While it's somewhat manual the two methods will allow you to compress images prior to uploading the images to WordPress that's what we do on WPBeginner.

There are many other popular WordPress plugins such as Optimole, EWWW Image Optimizer and others that automatically compress images once you first upload them. A lot of beginners and even large corporations are using these image optimization plugins as it's quick and quick.

We will share more about these WordPress plugins in the coming article.

3. Image Dimensions

Normally, when you transfer a photo from your smartphone or digital camera an extremely high resolution as well as huge file dimensions (height and length).

Most often, these images have a resolution of 300 DPI and sizes ranging from 2000 pixels and even more. High-quality images are ideal for desktop or print printing. They are not suitable for use on websites.

Reducing file dimensions to something more manageable can significantly reduce the size of an image. It is easy to resize images with an image editing software on your computer.

As an example, we have optimized the image with 1.8 megabytes original size and 300 DPI resolution, and image dimensions of 4900x3200 pixels.

We went with the JPEG format for greater compression. We also changed the dimensions to 1200x795 pixels. Additionally, it reduced the image file size to 103 KB. This is 94% smaller than the original file size.

Now that you've learned the three important factors in image optimization, let's take a take a look at various image optimization tools for website owners.

Best ImageOptimization Tools and Programs

As we said earlier, most image editing software come including image optimization and compress settings.

In addition to the software for editing images, there are also several useful and powerful image optimization tools you can use to optimize images for web (with just few clicks).

We suggest making use of these software tools to optimize images before uploading them to WordPress particularly if are one of those people who are always perfect.

This strategy helps you save memory on the WordPress hosting account, and will guarantee the fastest image and the best quality since you have to manually look over every image.

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a premium software with the ability to save images that have been optimized for use on the internet. Simply open your photo and click"File> Save For Web "File >> Save for Web" option.

This will open an additional dialog box. On the right, you can choose different image formats. For JPEG format, you will see a variety of options for quality. After you have selected your choices the program will indicate the file's dimensions in the lower left.

GIMP

GIMP is a no-cost and open source alternative to popular Adobe Photoshop. It can be used to enhance your photos for use on the web. The downside is that it's not as straightforward to implement as other options on this list.

In the beginning, open your image in GIMP and then choose File >> Export to option. This will open the dialog box for saving your file. Make sure to give the file a different name and click"export button.

This will present image export options. If you are using JPEG files, you can choose the compression setting to reduce file size. Finally, click on"Export", to store the optimal image.

TinyPNG

TinyPNG is a free online app that uses a smart lossy compression technique to reduce the size of your PNG images. All you need to do is go to their website and upload your photos (simple drag and drop).

They compress the image and provide you with a download link. You can also use their sister site, TinyJPG, for JPEG Image compression.

There is also an extension for Adobe Photoshop which we employ as part of our image editing process since it blends the best aspects of TinyJPG and TinyPNG inside Photoshop.

For developers, they have an API for converting images for them automatically. And for beginners , they have a WordPress plugin that can automatically perform the conversion for you (more on this later).

JPEG Mini

JPEGmini utilizes lossless compression technology which significantly reduces the size of pictures without altering their perception. You can also test the quality of your original image with the compression image.

You can access their web version for free, or purchase the program to run on your personal computer. Additionally, they offer a paid API that allows you to automate the process for your server.

ImageOptim

ImageOptim is an Mac program that allows users to reduce images, without losing any quality. It does this by finding the best compression parameters , and eliminating color profiles that are not needed.

Windows Alternative to this Trimage.

Best Image Optimization Plugins for WordPress

We believe that the most efficient way to improve the quality of your images is by doing it before uploading images to WordPress. However, if your site is a multi-author site or need an automated solution, it is possible to use a WordPress plugin for image compression.

Below is our list of the top WordPress compressors of images.

1. Optimole is a well-known plugin created by the company behind ThemeIsle.
2. EWWW Image Optimizer
3. Compress JPEG & PNG images - plugin by TinyPNG team, which is mentioned in the article.
4. Imagify plugin is developed by the popular WP Rocket plugin team.
5. ShortPixel Image Optimizer
6. WP Smush
7. reSmush.it

Utilizing any among these WordPress image optimization plugins can help you increase the speed of your site.

Final Thoughts and Best Practices for Image Optimization

If you're not saving images optimised for web, you must begin doing the task today. It will make a huge difference to the speed of your website and users will appreciate it.

Additionally, faster websites are better for SEO and you'll probably see an increase in your search engine ranking.

make use of this tool convert to png