WebP Image Converter & Replacer – Convert to WebP, No Duplicates
by Core Essentials on WordPress.org
Convert images to WebP and replace originals—no duplicates. Save storage and speed up your site. Auto-convert on upload & bulk tools (premium).
Optimization Overview – library status and space saved
WebP Image Converter & Replacer converts your images (JPEG, PNG, static GIF) to WebP, replaces originals only when smaller, and updates database references so your site transparently serves .webp. No duplicate files. No front-end bloat. Just faster pages and less disk usage.
Why this plugin
– No Duplicate Images: Converts and replaces originals when WebP is smaller, keeping /uploads lean.
– Real Performance Gains: WebP typically reduces size ~25–35% at similar quality, aiding Core Web Vitals.
– Safety First: Never deletes the original unless conversion succeeds and the WebP is smaller.
– Full DB Integration: All generated sizes are converted; URLs in content/meta are updated to .webp.
– On-Server Only: Uses PHP GD or Imagick. No external API, keys, or privacy concerns.
– Lightweight: Runs only during conversion—nothing extra on the front end.
Free features
– Convert individual images from Media Library (list view).
– Optimization Overview with counts: convertible, converted, remaining, skipped, failed, total space saved.
– Smart memory handling to avoid PHP exhaustion on large images.
Premium features
– Auto-convert on upload: New images become WebP automatically.
– Bulk convert selected: Multi-select in Media Library (list view).
– Bulk convert all: Library-wide conversion with progress + pause/resume.
Whether you’re tight on storage or chasing better performance, this is a safe, effective way to modernize images.
IMPORTANT: Because originals may be deleted, back up your /wp-content/uploads/ and database before converting. Test on staging if possible.
How it works
- Plugin checks server support (GD/Imagick with WebP).
- You convert images (single/bulk/premium auto).
- If the
.webpis smaller, the original file is removed and all DB refs switch to.webp. - Your site now serves WebP transparently—no theme changes required.
Usage
Optimization Overview
– Settings Media “WebP Image Converter & Replacer”
– See totals converted/remaining/skipped/failed and space saved.
Convert individual images
– Media Library (list view) Convert to WebP link under each item.
Premium
– Auto-convert on upload: toggle under Settings Media.
– Bulk convert selected: select items in Media Library (list view) bulk action Convert to WebP.
– Bulk convert all: Start Bulk Optimization with progress + pause/resume.
After conversion
– Verify pages serve .webp in browser dev tools.
– Clear any caches/CDN.
Phoenix Media Rename Integration
We integrate with Phoenix Media Rename to safely update all database references.
Why Phoenix?
– Mature, reliable database URL updates across posts, custom fields, widgets, Customizer, etc.
– Reduces risk vs. “DIY” find/replace logic used by other optimizers.
– Lets this plugin focus on conversion while Phoenix handles DB updates.
Flow
1. Convert to WebP.
2. Phoenix updates URLs from .jpg/.png/.gif to .webp.
3. Your site serves WebP with no broken links.
