Tutorials

How to Use Image Optimizer with WordPress: A Complete Integration Tutorial

Seamlessly connect Image Optimizer with your WordPress sites to batch process, watermark, and replace images while preserving metadata and improving performance.

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Diagram showing a WordPress image optimization workflow: download, optimize, upload to WordPress.

Introduction

Managing images on WordPress can be a challenge, especially for creators, agencies, and e-commerce businesses handling thousands of files. Manually downloading, editing, and re-uploading images is inefficient and often inconsistent.

That’s why we built the WordPress Integration Workflow for Image Optimizer — giving you the ability to connect your desktop app directly to your WordPress sites, batch-process images, and re-upload them with metadata and post references intact.

This guide walks you through setup, features, and best practices.

Why Integrate with WordPress?

With Image Optimizer’s WordPress integration, you can:

  • Streamline workflows — no more manual download/upload cycles
  • Preserve quality while reducing file sizes
  • Maintain metadata (filenames, IDs, post references)
  • Batch process images for bulk optimisation
  • Improve website performance for SEO and user experience

This is particularly valuable for:

  • WordPress developers improving site performance
  • Content creators & bloggers managing uploads
  • Agencies handling multiple client sites
  • E-commerce managers optimising product images

Key Features

  • Site Management: Connect multiple sites securely with REST API keys
  • Image Download: Select media from your WordPress library
  • Processing Tools: Compress, convert, resize, strip metadata, and watermark in bulk
  • Smart Upload: Replace originals while preserving references and filenames

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Connect Your WordPress Site

  • Install the image-optimizer-bridge plugin
  • Generate an API key in WordPress
  • Add your site URL + API key in Image Optimizer
  • Test connection to confirm setup

2. Select Images

  • Browse your WordPress media library from within the app
  • Select single or multiple images for processing
  • Download them locally (WordPress IDs and filenames preserved)

3. Optimise Locally

  • Choose preset modes (LLM-optimised, Balanced, High-quality, Apple-optimised)
  • Apply compression, format conversion (JPEG, PNG, WebP, HEIC, AVIF), or watermarking
  • Strip metadata for privacy and performance

4. Upload & Replace

  • Push optimised images back via the WordPress API
  • Automatically replace originals, update references, and keep filenames intact
  • Avoid duplicates and broken links

Benefits

  • Performance: Faster page loads, bandwidth savings, better SEO
  • Workflow efficiency: Huge time savings with batch processing
  • Quality: Consistent, professional-grade optimisation
  • Security: Encrypted API keys, permission checks, and secure error handling

Real-World Use Cases

  • Bloggers: Optimise featured images and replace without breaking links
  • E-commerce: Compress product galleries in bulk for faster stores
  • Agencies: Deliver client sites with optimised, protected assets
  • Content migrations: Maintain references and SEO when moving sites

Troubleshooting

  • ❌ Connection errors → Check API key, site URL, or plugin activation
  • ❌ Upload failures → Verify WordPress upload limits and file permissions
  • ❌ Replacement issues → Ensure images were downloaded via the integration and IDs preserved

Future Enhancements

We’re working on:

  • Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop integration
  • Square and CDN workflows
  • Real-time WebSocket progress updates
  • Cloud optimisation options

Conclusion

The WordPress integration unlocks a professional-grade image management workflow that saves time, protects quality, and boosts site performance. Whether you’re a developer, blogger, or e-commerce manager, this feature is designed to simplify your image optimisation process.

Ready to get started? Download Image Optimizer and connect your WordPress site today.