Image Optimizer Plugins
Desktop Media Uploader does not use the standard WordPress image-upload workflow for processing images.
This is by design. Desktop Media Uploader processes images before they are uploaded, including resizing, thumbnail generation, and optional modern image format creation such as WebP and AVIF. Because Desktop Media Uploader has already processed the images, they are not passed through the normal WordPress image upload process again.
As a result, image optimizer plugins may not automatically detect or process files uploaded by Desktop Media Uploader during the upload.
Why This Happens
Many image optimizer plugins watch the normal WordPress Media Library upload process. When an image is uploaded through the standard WordPress uploader, those plugins may automatically compress, resize, convert, or optimize the file.
Desktop Media Uploader bypasses the normal upload path to avoid duplicate processing and reduce server load. This prevents already processed images from being optimized again by another plugin immediately after upload.
What You May See
- Uploaded images appear normally in the WordPress Media Library.
- Image optimizer plugins may not show the images as automatically optimized.
- Optimizer statistics may not include files uploaded by Desktop Media Uploader.
- Automatic WebP or AVIF conversion from an optimizer plugin may not run on those uploads.
Workaround
Most image optimizer plugins include a manual scan, bulk optimize, re-optimize, or media library optimization feature. If you want an optimizer plugin to process images uploaded by Desktop Media Uploader, use the optimizer plugin’s manual optimization tool after the upload is complete.
Recommended Workflow
- Upload the images with Desktop Media Uploader.
- Confirm the images appear in the WordPress Media Library.
- Open your image optimizer plugin.
- Run the plugin’s manual scan, bulk optimize, or media library optimization tool if additional optimization is needed.
For most workflows, additional optimization should not be necessary because Desktop Media Uploader has already processed the uploaded images before sending them to WordPress.