Image optimization

Cloud image optimization compresses WordPress media, converts to modern formats, and delivers results from Cache Rocket’s image CDN at img.cacherocket.com. Enable it under Media in the Cache Rocket WordPress plugin when your plan includes image optimization.

What you can turn on#

• Cloud image optimization — compress and convert uploads (WebP; AVIF on Pro and Business).
• Responsive image CDN — adaptive sizes / srcset via img.cacherocket.com (on-demand edge).
• Quality & max width — compression quality and optional max width on upload.
• Bulk optimize — walk the Media Library with pause/resume progress.
• Per-image exclude — skip individual attachments from optimization and CDN rewrite.
• Original backup & restore — keep originals in cloud storage and restore when entitled.
• Optimize custom folders — scan paths outside the usual uploads tree (higher tiers).
• PDF compression — optimize PDF uploads when entitled.
• Job history — recent optimization jobs on the Media page.
• WP-CLI — wp cacherocket optimize|status|restore for scripted runs.

Formats, storage, and plans#

Exact numbers are shown on Account → Subscription, the plugin Media meters, and the public pricing page. See Plans and limits.

How a job runs#

1. 1

   Queue an image

   New uploads queue when optimization is on. You can also optimize one attachment, run bulk optimize, scan a directory, or use WP-CLI.

2. 2

   Cache Rocket processes the file

   The image may be resized and encoded to WebP and/or AVIF. If backup is entitled and enabled, the original is stored for restore.

3. 3

   Stored and rewritten

   Optimized bytes count toward image storage. Front-end markup points at img.cacherocket.com (and responsive variants when that option is on).

Exclude and restore#

On Media → Library (list view) or attachment details, mark an item Exclude so it is skipped by optimization queues and CDN rewriting. Include clears the flag. On plans with backup, Restore returns the original file and removes optimized variants for that attachment.

Custom folders and PDFs#

When entitled, enter directory paths under Media and run Scan & optimize directories. PDF compression applies to PDF uploads when that entitlement and Media toggle are on.

Related features#

Common questions#

Will it rewrite my whole media library overnight?

No. New uploads optimize when enabled. Existing attachments need bulk optimize, a per-image action, a directory scan, or WP-CLI.

What does image storage measure?

Retained size of optimized variants and optional original backups in Cache Rocket object storage (OVH). Separate from monthly job counts and CDN bandwidth.

What if AVIF is not in my plan?

WebP still applies when image optimization is entitled. Upgrade to Pro or Business for AVIF preference.

Does disabling the feature delete CDN files?

Yes. Disabling cloud image optimization removes that site’s related optimized objects from Cache Rocket image storage and best-effort purges the edge.

Is this the same as Next.js image CDN?

Same edge family (img.cacherocket.com) and shared opt/bandwidth meters. WordPress uses the plugin Media workflow; Next.js uses @cacherocket/next. See Next.js.