How to compress images for WordPress

Uploading a 4,000-pixel camera original for a 1,200-pixel blog image adds data that visitors will never see. Check the maximum displayed width in your theme, page builder, or image block, then resize close to that size before compression.

Use Resize Image for WordPress when you need to set the dimensions first.

For an ordinary article image, 200KB to 500KB can be a starting range, not a WordPress upload rule. A large, detailed hero image may need more room, while a small card image or thumbnail can use less. File size should follow the job of the image, not one fixed rule for every upload.

Open the WordPress image compressor with a 200KB starting target, or try 300KB when you want more room for detail. Compare the output at its displayed size.

JPG is widely compatible and usually efficient for photographs. WebP can suit web images, but check that your host, theme, and image workflow support it. PNG can suit logos or sharp screenshots, although photographic PNG files are often larger. The current TargetKB compressor does not preserve transparency; keep your original transparent asset and use another tool when that matters.

Use Convert Image to WebP when that format fits your site.

Each extra JPG compression pass can remove more visible detail. Keep an original source image outside the media library, then make a fresh optimized version whenever you need a different size. This gives you better results for a hero image, blog image, and social share image.

1. Resize the image to the largest display width it needs.
2. Use JPG for photos, or WebP when your WordPress setup supports it.
3. Start with 200KB to 500KB for a standard content image.
4. Open the final file and check text, faces, and product detail before uploading.

For a broader explanation of image quality, see how to compress an image without losing too much quality.

Check how TargetKB handles KB and MB limits, image quality, transparency and batches before preparing an upload.