Optimize Images with WordPress Smush Image Compression and Optimization Plugin

Posted on November 9th, 2021

Smush Image Compression and Optimization is one of the popular image compression plugins. The plugin has a very straightforward and user-friendly interface with advanced elements. Also, you can optimize, compress and resize both old photos and new ones. The vital feature of Smush is the amount of information provided about your images and the space saved. Resize, compression and optimization are included with new and old pictures. The bulk optimizing tool is better when you have to optimize multiple pictures or all your site images.

In the free version, you can only optimize 50 images at a time. So you might need to click the button a few times if you have lots of images. Smush lets you optimize unlimited images for free. However, it allows you to optimize, resize, and compress the images in the free version. You can also enable the lazy load option. However, CDN and local WebP options are available in the premium version of the plugin.

The plugin provides lossless compression without affecting the original quality of images. The optimization plugin has an incorrect size image detection feature. You can easily enable it to detect the incorrect sizes of images. That will quickly locate the images that are slowing down your website. Smush is a free plugin along with various advanced options and features. You can optimize unlimited images without any limits. However, you can only upload image files up to 5MB. The plugin has Gutenberg integration as well. You can enable the Gutenberg support as well. So you can view the Smush stats directly in the image blocks. If you want to optimize the non-WordPress images, you can also upload the directory. This feature is available in the free version.

Smush supports JPEG, PNG, and GIF formats. If you want to convert images in WebP image format, you can purchase the premium version. Moreover, it is also compatible with any themes, page builders, and media library plugins. However, if you want lossy compression, fast CDN image delivery, and optimized images up to 32MB, you can go for WP Smush Pro. It also provides auto-resizing, bulk smush optimization, and auto-converting PNG to JPEG. So, let’s discuss the basic features of this plugin in brief,

Features:

  • The plugin compresses the bulk of images simultaneously in its free version.
  • It accepts JPEG, PNG, and GIF formats for optimization and compression. However, if you want to optimize WebP images, then you can purchase WP Smush Pro.
  • There is an image file size limitation. You can only upload file sizes up to 5 MB in the free version. However, the Pro version provides a file size limit of up to 32 MB.
  • The plugin comes with feature-packed and affordable annual plans. It also offers full membership of Smush along with licenses for up to 20 sites.
  • The plugin has Gutenberg integration as well. You can enable the Gutenberg support as well from the Smush dashboard.
  • Moreover, it has an incorrect size image detection feature. You can easily compress the images from the bulk smush option on the smush dashboard.
  • However, you can only optimize 50 images at a time in the free version. So you might need to click the button a few times if you have multiple images for optimization.
  • The premium version of the plugin provides CDN and local WebP options.
  • You will have multiple interactions such as Amazon S3, NextGen gallery, and more in the premium version.
  • If you want to optimize the non-WordPress images, you can also upload the directory. This feature is available in the free version.

Pricing Details:

Smush offers two premium plans – Smush Pro and Personal Plan. Smush Pro for image provides advanced options for optimization, compression, and resize. However, if you also want to improve page speed, you can purchase a personal plan. Smush Pro costs $60 per year. At the same time, a Personal plan comes with all-in-one WordPress solutions that retail $190 per year. Pro plan only provides a license for a single site. And Personal program gives licenses for unlimited sites. You will have a seven-day free trial as well before purchasing the premium version.

Additionally, you can also subscribe for its full membership. Full membership will unlock various advanced features. Moreover, you will have extra backup storage plus hosting credits.

How to Install and Activate Smush Image Compression and Optimization

The installation process is Straightforward. You can follow the simple steps mentioned below to install and activate the plugin.

Step 1: First, you need to log in to the WordPress admin dashboard.

Step 2: Now, you will see the option “Plugins” on the left-hand side panel of the WordPress dashboard. Click on “Plugins,” then select “Add New.”

Step 3: You will see a search bar on the top right-hand side corner of the dashboard. Now, Search “Smush Image Compression and Optimization”.

Step 4: After that, you need to click on “Install Now.”

Step 5: After installation, you will need to activate the Smush Image Compression and Optimization Plugin to use on your site. Now, click on “Activate.”

Now you have successfully installed and activated the plugin. You can optimize all the images of your site using this plugin.

How to Setup Smush Image Compression and Optimization Plugin

After activating the plugin on your site, you can start using this plugin on your site. To set up this plugin, you have to do some settings. We have explained step by step guide below on how to use this plugin,

Step 1: First, go to the “Smush” option on the left-hand side panel of the WordPress dashboard. Then select “Settings” under the Smush.

Step 2: You will see four tabs in the settings panel – general, config, Data & settings, and Accessibility. Click on “General.” In this section, you can set the translation language. By default, Smush will use the language you will set in your WordPress Admin Settings. It will be enabled only if a matching translation is available. After that, you can allow usage tracking. Usage tracking is completely anonymous. We are only tracking what features you are/aren’t using to make our feature decisions more informed.

Once you are done with general settings, click on “Save Changes.”

Step 3: Now, click on the “Config” tab. You can use configs to save preset configurations of Smush’s settings, then upload and apply them to your other sites in just a few clicks. Moreover, you can download, save and upload your configs across your other sites too. WPMU DEV members use The Hub to apply configs to multiple sites at once effortlessly. Click on “Save Changes”

Step 4: After that, click on the “Data & Settings” tab. In this section, you can control the settings of plugin data. The plugin has a built-in bulk restore tool that will restore your image thumbnails to their original state.

Also, when you uninstall this plugin, you can save plugin data for next time or wipe them back to factory settings. Click on “Save Changes”

Step 5: From the “Accessibility” section, you can enable high contrast mode.” This mode will increase the visibility and accessibility of elements and components to meet WCAG AAA requirements. After that, click on “Save Changes.” This way, you can easily set up the plugin and start optimizing the images on your site.

How to Bulk Compress Images in WordPress

Step 1: First, go to the “Smush” option on the left-hand side panel of the dashboard. Then select “Dashboard” under the Smush.

Step 2: The plugin will automatically detect the images used on your site. Now, scroll down to “Bulk Smush.” Click on the “Bulk Smush” option to compress all images.

Step 3: Now, scroll down to “Tools,” you will see the image Resize detection option in the tools section. You can activate the detection option to detect whether images need to be resized or not. To enable this option, click on “View Tools” and then activate “Detect and show the incorrectly sized image.” Click on “save changes.”

Moreover, the plugin allows you to enable the “Lazy load” option in the free version. The CDN and Local WebP can be accessible in the premium version of the plugin. You can easily enable these options from the Smush dashboard.

This way, you can easily compress and resize your site’s images using the Smush Optimization plugin.

Conclusion

Smush Image Compression and Optimization Plugin is one of the powerful optimization plugins for WordPress sites. You can easily optimize, compress and resize all the images of your site at once. The installation and setup process is very straightforward. You can follow the steps mentioned above to install and activate the plugin from the WordPress plugin directory. Also, we have explained the step-by-step guide on how to set up the plugin. We hope this article will help you optimize and compress the images using the Smush image optimization plugin.

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