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Understanding How Converter for Media Handles Original and WebP Images

25 threads Sep 9, 2025 Plugin → Converter for media – optimize images | convert webp & avif

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Many users of the 'Converter for Media – Optimize images | Convert WebP & AVIF' plugin have a common question: what happens to my original images after conversion, and can I delete them to save server space? This is a critical question for site owners managing large media libraries. Based on community discussions, here’s a clear explanation of how the plugin works and the official stance on image management.

The Core Function: How Image Conversion Works

The plugin's primary function is to create new, optimized WebP and AVIF versions of your original images (JPEG, PNG, GIF). A key design principle is that it never modifies or deletes your original files. The new WebP/AVIF files are stored in a separate directory, typically /wp-content/uploads-webpc/, while your originals remain untouched in their standard /wp-content/uploads/ location.

Why Are Original Images Kept?

The 'Converter for Media' team consistently advises against deleting original images for several important reasons:

  • Browser Fallback: Not all browsers or devices support WebP. The plugin uses server-level rules to serve WebP to compatible browsers and automatically falls back to the original JPEG or PNG for those that don't.
  • Plugin Deactivation: If you deactivate or uninstall the plugin, it is designed to remove all converted WebP/AVIF files and revert your site to serving the original images. If you have deleted the originals, your site will be left with broken image links.
  • Future-Proofing: Keeping originals allows you to convert to other formats in the future if needed.

Can You Manually Delete Original Images?

The official support stance is a firm no. Manually deleting original files from your server via FTP is considered highly risky and is not a feature supported by the plugin. As stated in support threads, this is "not a safe solution" and is done entirely "at your own responsibility."

What About Deleting Images from the Media Library?

Yes, the plugin does integrate with WordPress's core deletion process. When you delete an image from the WordPress Media Library, the plugin is designed to automatically delete the corresponding WebP/AVIF files it created. This helps prevent orphaned files from cluttering your server.

Managing Server Storage

It's true that converting images effectively doubles your file count, which can be a concern for storage limits or inode usage. The plugin includes an option to help mitigate this slightly: "Automatic removal of files in output formats larger than original." When enabled, if a converted WebP file ends up being larger than the original (which can happen with some images), the plugin will automatically delete that WebP file and serve the original instead, preventing unnecessary bloat.

For users who are certain they want to proceed with deleting originals despite the risks, the recommended (but unsupported) method found in support threads is to first disable the "Automatic removal" setting and then manually delete the files via FTP. However, this requires extreme caution, as there is no way to revert this action.

Conclusion

The 'Converter for Media' plugin is intentionally designed to prioritize stability and compatibility by preserving your original image files. While this approach increases storage usage, it ensures that your site continues to function correctly for all users and allows for safe deactivation of the plugin. The safest way to manage storage is to use the plugin's built-in feature to remove converted files that are larger than the originals. Manually deleting original files is strongly discouraged by the plugin's support and can lead to significant issues with site functionality.

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