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Why EWWW Image Optimizer Might Not Resize Your Media Library Images (And How to Fix It)

29 threads Sep 16, 2025 Plugin → Ewww image optimizer

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If you've configured EWWW Image Optimizer to resize your images but find it's not working on your existing Media Library files, you're not alone. This is a common point of confusion. This guide will explain why it happens and walk you through the most reliable solutions.

Why Your Existing Images Aren't Being Resized

Based on community reports, the most frequent reason for this issue is a misunderstanding of the plugin's workflow. The "Resize Media Images" and "Resize Existing Images" settings in the Advanced tab are primarily designed to work during the Bulk Optimize process. Clicking "Optimize Now" on a single image in the Media Library may not trigger a resize if the image is already marked as "optimized" in the database.

Other potential causes include:

  • Javascript Conflicts: Another plugin or theme can interfere with the Bulk Optimizer, preventing it from running.
  • Stale Settings: Outdated configuration values from a previous version can override your new resize dimensions.
  • Plugin Conflicts: Certain media management or gallery plugins can alter how images are handled.
  • External Storage: Using an offload plugin (like WP Offload Media) with the "Remove Files From Server" option can sometimes cause issues if the plugin cannot retrieve the original file for resizing.

How to Fix It: Resize Your Existing Images

Follow these steps to successfully resize your existing image library.

Solution 1: Run the Bulk Optimizer

The most effective method is to use the dedicated bulk tool. Navigate to Media -> Bulk Optimize and start the "Optimize Media Library" process. This will apply your configured resize dimensions to all unoptimized images and their thumbnails.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the bulk optimizer page refreshes without starting, check your browser's console for Javascript errors (right-click -> Inspect -> Console). This indicates a plugin conflict. Try disabling other plugins temporarily to identify the culprit.

Solution 2: Check for Conflicting Max Dimensions

If the bulk optimizer runs but doesn't resize, old settings might be the cause. You can check this by looking at your site's debug information. Look for lines like max media dimensions: 960 x 0. If the values are not zero and don't match your intended dimensions, these old settings are being applied. These values would need to be cleared from the database.

Solution 3: Verify External Storage Settings

If you use WP Offload Media or a similar plugin, ensure the "Remove Files From Server" option is disabled if you plan to run a bulk resize. The plugin often needs local access to the original file to create a new, resized version. After optimization is complete, the file can be offloaded again.

Important Limitations to Know

  • NextGEN Galleries: The resizing feature does not apply to images in NextGEN Galleries, as they operate outside the standard Media Library. Resizing is only for Media Library images.
  • Non-Media Library Files: Images in folders outside the Media Library (even those added in the "Folders to Optimize" setting) cannot be resized, only compressed.

By understanding this workflow and using the Bulk Optimize tool, you should be able to successfully resize your entire image library and achieve significant savings on your website's load times.

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