Configuring Image Compression in WordPress

WordPress automatically compresses uploaded images to balance quality and performance. On ruachost.com, you can configure image compression to optimize storage space and improve site loading speed, especially for mobile users.

Why Configure Image Compression?

• Saves disk space on your hosting account.

• Improves page load times for visitors.

• Reduces bandwidth usage, especially for mobile users.

• Enhances SEO by improving site performance.

Default WordPress Compression

• By default, WordPress compresses JPEG images to 90% quality.

• This ensures images look sharp while reducing file size.

Adjusting Compression Quality via PHP

1. Log in to WordPress with an administrator account.

2. In the dashboard, go to Appearance → Theme Editor.

3. Select your active theme and open the functions.php file.

4. Add the following code snippet:

   // Change WordPress image compression quality
   add_filter('jpeg_quality', function($arg){ return 70; });
   

    

   • Replace 70 with your desired compression level (range: 0–100).

   • Lower values = smaller file size but reduced quality.

5. Click Update File to save changes.

✅ New images uploaded will now use the updated compression quality.

Regenerating Thumbnails (Optional)

If you want to apply the new compression settings to previously uploaded images:

1. Install and activate the Regenerate Thumbnails plugin.

2. Go to Tools → Regenerate Thumbnails.

3. Select Regenerate All Thumbnails.

4. Wait for the process to complete.

✅ All existing images will be re‑compressed with the new quality setting.

Important Notes

• Always back up your site before editing theme files.

• Use a child theme to preserve changes during updates.

• Test different compression levels to balance quality and performance.

• Consider using caching and CDN services for additional optimization.