Delete Original Image

Description

Delete Original Image is a WordPress plugin to delete the the original image file uploaded.

The problem that solves, is that the original image file is usually huge (can be >6MB if it is a photograph) and it is never published on the pages, so there is no need to keep it on your server, and it it a must to delete it, if you have limited storage space and you are uploading tons of pictures.

The plugin gives you the option to enable/disable this, to be done automatically when you upload an image.

And/or you can do it in bulk for all your previously uploaded images.

Specifically, this plugin copy the ‘large’ image ( i.e: your-pic-1038×576.jpg ) to the original file path ( i.e.: your-pic.jpg ).

Nothing should brake, all other plugins should keep working, but you need to know that the original image is no longer available on your site, so please do a backup if you think you may need the original images in the future.

Installation

This section describes how to install the plugin and get it working.

1. Upload the plugin files to the /wp-content/plugins/delete-original-image directory, or install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly.
2. Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ screen in WordPress
3. Use the Tools -> Delete Original Image screen to configure the plugin

FAQ

Can I revert the changes?

No. I encourage you to do a backup of your site, or at least your images, in case you want the original, full size image in the future.

Will I have to change anything on my posts?

No, no other action should be necessary, the original file you uploaded, is replaced with the WordPress large image.

Reviews

Plugin works great with WP 6.0.2

markmillernp September 29, 2022

This plugin works great, the complaints below are from people not understanding how it works. You end up with the same number and names of images in your media library after running it, but the original image is overwritten with a lower resolution version that is used by WP. Saved a ton of storage space for me, especially with newer cameras generating very high resolution (and large) image files.

Does not work

stefanfletcher January 18, 2022

Tested the Plugin, does not work. The original Image is still there.

It worked ***beautifully!***!! Saved 357MB

Nicole6870 September 28, 2018

I used this on my photo gallery site, and it saved me a whopping 357 MB. I am definitely spreading the word about this.

Does nothing at all

neonWired April 10, 2018

Does absolutely nothing at all. I assume it’s broken

Does what WordPress Should

JoshuaLewis April 24, 2017

Plugin works like a charm and is super light. The only minor issue is that technically there is two large images (the new original and the large). Would be handy to have a way to remove the other large so that there is only one total. Tried setting WP media image settings for large to size 0, the issue is that this plugin depends on a large existing. Would also be nice to see other image size removal options. Most of the image sizes fortunately are fairly easy to remove in functions.php.

This plugin does work.

sonic1243 October 25, 2016

Contrary to the other rating, this plugin does appear to work fine – don’t forget to enable it in the plugins settings. I uploaded an image and it was immediately replaced by the default 1024×768 version without altering the original filename. Cheers ??

Contributors & Developers

Changelog

0.1

• Plugin released

0.2

• April 2016. Fixed bug! The plugin failed for images that were not uploaded in the current month

0.3

• June 2017. Fixed Readme.txt

0.4

• Updated plugin’s and donation’s link