Description
WebP Image Converter & Replacer converts your images (JPEG, PNG, static GIF) to WebP, replaces originals only when smaller, and updates database references so your site transparently serves .webp. No duplicate files. No front-end bloat. Just faster pages and less disk usage.
Why this plugin
– No Duplicate Images: Converts and replaces originals when WebP is smaller, keeping /uploads lean.
– Real Performance Gains: WebP typically reduces size ~25–35% at similar quality, aiding Core Web Vitals.
– Safety First: Never deletes the original unless conversion succeeds and the WebP is smaller.
– Full DB Integration: All generated sizes are converted; URLs in content/meta are updated to .webp.
– On-Server Only: Uses PHP GD or Imagick. No external API, keys, or privacy concerns.
– Lightweight: Runs only during conversion—nothing extra on the front end.
Free features
– Convert individual images from Media Library (list view).
– Optimization Overview with counts: convertible, converted, remaining, skipped, failed, total space saved.
– Smart memory handling to avoid PHP exhaustion on large images.
Premium features
– Auto-convert on upload: New images become WebP automatically.
– Bulk convert selected: Multi-select in Media Library (list view).
– Bulk convert all: Library-wide conversion with progress + pause/resume.
Whether you’re tight on storage or chasing better performance, this is a safe, effective way to modernize images.
IMPORTANT: Because originals may be deleted, back up your /wp-content/uploads/ and database before converting. Test on staging if possible.
How it works
- Plugin checks server support (GD/Imagick with WebP).
- You convert images (single/bulk/premium auto).
- If the
.webpis smaller, the original file is removed and all DB refs switch to.webp. - Your site now serves WebP transparently—no theme changes required.
Usage
Optimization Overview
– Settings Media “WebP Image Converter & Replacer”
– See totals converted/remaining/skipped/failed and space saved.
Convert individual images
– Media Library (list view) Convert to WebP link under each item.
Premium
– Auto-convert on upload: toggle under Settings Media.
– Bulk convert selected: select items in Media Library (list view) bulk action Convert to WebP.
– Bulk convert all: Start Bulk Optimization with progress + pause/resume.
After conversion
– Verify pages serve .webp in browser dev tools.
– Clear any caches/CDN.
Phoenix Media Rename Integration
We integrate with Phoenix Media Rename to safely update all database references.
Why Phoenix?
– Mature, reliable database URL updates across posts, custom fields, widgets, Customizer, etc.
– Reduces risk vs. “DIY” find/replace logic used by other optimizers.
– Lets this plugin focus on conversion while Phoenix handles DB updates.
Flow
1. Convert to WebP.
2. Phoenix updates URLs from .jpg/.png/.gif to .webp.
3. Your site serves WebP with no broken links.
Screenshots
Optimization Overview – library status and space saved 
Phoenix Integration Status – compatibility & guidance 
Media Library – “Convert to WebP” links 
Example Savings – footprint cut after conversion 
Premium – bulk convert & auto-convert on upload 
Dev Tools – confirming .webpon the front end
Installation
- Back up
/wp-content/uploads/and your database. - Install via Plugins Add New (search “WebP Image Converter & Replacer”) or upload the ZIP.
- Activate.
- Ensure Imagick or GD with WebP is available (the plugin will warn if not).
- Go to Settings Media WebP Image Converter & Replacer for overview & tools.
- (Recommended) Install Phoenix Media Rename for robust database URL updates (see below).
FAQ
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Will this plugin delete my images?
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Only if the WebP conversion succeeds and the WebP is smaller. Otherwise, the original stays. Always keep backups.
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Why are the “space saved” numbers sometimes larger than the single file size?
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WordPress creates multiple thumbnail sizes. Savings are calculated across the original + all thumbs vs. their WebP equivalents. Thumbnails can outweigh the original file, so total savings can exceed the original’s size.
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What if I uninstall the plugin?
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Your site will continue serving the existing WebP files. Settings are removed; deleted originals are not restored.
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Does this compress or just change format?
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It converts format using standard WebP quality defaults (approx. 80–85). No downscaling or custom per-image quality controls in this version.
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Can I change WebP quality?
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Not via UI. Advanced users can modify via filter hooks.
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AVIF or other formats?
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Currently WebP only. AVIF may be added when browser and server support are broadly stable.
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Animated GIFs?
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We auto-detect animated gifs and mark them as skipped, we do not convert them.
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Multisite support?
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Yes. Network-activate, then run conversions per site. Always back up each site first.
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I hit a timeout/error.
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Use bulk pause/resume, try smaller batches, or raise PHP memory/time limits. The plugin includes memory guards, but extreme libraries may need server tweaks.
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Does it support all browsers?
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Modern browsers do. Legacy/very old browsers may not; if those matter, use a different approach.
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Why use Phoenix Media Rename instead of doing DB updates internally?
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We rely on a dedicated, proven solution for comprehensive, safe URL updates—lower risk, better coverage.
Reviews
Contributors & Developers
“WebP Image Converter & Replacer – Convert to WebP, No Duplicates” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
Translate “WebP Image Converter & Replacer – Convert to WebP, No Duplicates” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
1.1.3
- Bug fix: “Fix WebP MIME Types” Utility
- Enhancement: MIME type updated after metadata generation
1.1.2
- Enhancement: Animated GIFs – Better protected & auto-skipped
- Enhancement: Oversized images – Detected & auto-skipped
- Enhancement: Server limits – Respects ImageMagick & WebP constraints
- Bug fix: Large images: 5-min timeout + execution limit
- Bug fix: Timeout handling – Client-side polling for accuracy
1.1.1
- Bug fix: improved handling of premium activation edge cases.
1.1.0
- Major: Auto-Convert on Upload (Premium)
- Major: Optimization Overview (real-time stats)
- Enhancement: Phoenix Media Rename integration + auto-install/activation help
- Enhancement: Memory management to prevent PHP exhaustion on large images
- Enhancement: Stats cleanup on media deletion
- Enhancement: Bulk conversion with pause/resume and better progress
- Enhancement: Bulk select conversion via Media Library
- Enhancement: Caching for faster operations
- Enhancement: Better error handling and debug logging
- Enhancement: WPCS compliance and clearer UI messaging
- Bug fix: improved handling of animated GIFs in stats and conversion logic
1.0.1
- Minor fixes and performance improvements
- Enhanced compatibility testing
1.0.0
- Initial release: manual bulk conversion, automatic replacement when WebP is smaller, individual conversion links, JPEG/PNG/static GIF support, GD/Imagick required.