The loading speed of a website is a decisive factor for the user experience and search engine ranking. Effective image compression plays a central role in this, and the EWWW Image Optimizer plugin offers one of the most efficient solutions for optimising image file sizes in WordPress. In this article, i will show you how you can use EWWW Image Optimiser to improve the loading times of your WordPress website while maintaining image quality.

What is the EWWW Image Optimiser?

EWWW Image Optimizer is a plugin for WordPress that automatically compresses and optimises images when they are uploaded. It works with multiple image compression methods to ensure that file sizes are significantly reduced without causing any visible loss of quality. Furthermore, the plugin offers numerous customisation options that allow you to configure the compression to your exact requirements.

Advantages of the EWWW Image Optimiser for loading time optimisation

  1. Automatic image compression
    The plugin automatically compresses all uploaded images. This ensures that each new image file has the minimum possible file size without you having to intervene manually.
  2. Lossless and lossy compression
    EWWW Image Optimiser supports both lossless and lossy image compression. With the lossless method, all image information is retained while the file size is reduced. The lossy method offers an even greater reduction by removing less important image details that are barely visible to the human eye.
  3. Bulk optimisation of existing images
    In addition to optimising new uploads, the plugin enables the bulk optimisation of all existing images in the media library. This is particularly useful if you have an extensive collection of unoptimised images that slow down the loading time of the website.
  4. Using the WebP format
    WebP is a modern image format that offers high image quality with smaller file sizes. EWWW Image Optimiser can convert existing images into the WebP format and thus further reduce loading times, as WebP files are often smaller than conventional formats such as JPEG and PNG.
  5. CDN integration (optional)
    The plugin offers the option of using a Content Delivery Network (CDN). With a CDN, images are distributed via various servers worldwide so that users can load the files from a server near them. This reduces the loading time of the page as the distance between server and user is reduced.

Step-by-step instructions for image optimisation with EWWW Image Optimizer

  1. Install and activate the plugin
    Install the plugin directly via the WordPress dashboard under ‘Plugins > Install’. Search for ‘EWWW Image Optimiser’ and click on ‘Install now’. After installation, activate the plugin.
  2. Compress images automatically
    By default, the plugin automatically compresses all uploaded images. Go to ‘Settings > EWWW Image Optimizer’ and, if necessary, activate automatic image optimisation to ensure that all future uploads are compressed directly.
  3. Select compression mode
    In the ‘Settings > EWWW Image Optimiser’ menu, you can choose between lossless and lossy compression. Depending on your requirements, select the option that offers the best balance between image quality and loading time.
  4. Start bulk optimisation
    Under ‘Media > Bulk optimisation’, you have the option of optimising all images already uploaded to the media library. This step is particularly helpful if your site already contains many images that have not yet been compressed.
  5. Activate WebP conversion
    To activate the conversion to WebP format, go to ‘Settings’ and select the option to convert to WebP. Make sure that your server supports WebP and activate the option ‘Provide images in WebP format’ to maximise loading time benefits.
  6. Set up CDN integration (optional)
    To improve performance with a CDN, go to the EWWW Image Optimiser settings and activate the CDN. Make sure the CDN is properly set up to load the images from a global network server, which will significantly reduce loading times.

Optimal settings for EWWW Image Optimiser

SettingRecommended valueDescription
Automatic optimisationActivatedAutomates image compression when uploading.
Compression modeLossyReduces the file size most effectively.
WebP conversionActivatedUses the modern WebP format for even smaller file sizes.
Bulk optimisationOnce a monthRegular optimisation of the media library to maintain fast loading times.
CDNActivatedEnables the use of a global content delivery network to further reduce loading times.
Optimal settings for EWWW Image Optimiser

Diagram: Image optimisation process with EWWW Image Optimizer

flowchart TD A[Upload new images] --> B[Automatic image compression] B --> C{Select compression mode} C -->|Lossless| D[Preserve image information] C -->|Lossy| E[More effective compression] B --> F[Optional: WebP conversion] F --> G[Save images as WebP] G --> H[Publish images] H --> I[Optimised loading times and better user experience]

Conclusion: A faster website with the EWWW Image Optimiser

The use of EWWW Image Optimizer offers numerous advantages for optimising images and improving loading times in WordPress. With functions such as automatic compression, WebP conversion and CDN integration, this plugin enables a significant reduction in image sizes and thus contributes to a fast, user-friendly website.

Image credits:
Photo courtesy of Gratisography
Photo Diagramm of whimsical