Robin Image Optimizer can optimize images automatically on upload or process existing Media Library images in batches. It writes optimized versions back to the library without changing image URLs. Robin Pro includes AVIF conversion, PageSpeed compression, scheduled background processing and optimization for custom folders.

Image formats and compression

Robin optimizes JPG, PNG and GIF images, including animated GIFs. It converts JPG and PNG images to WebP; GIFs are optimized but are not converted to WebP or AVIF. Robin Pro adds AVIF conversion. AVIF can produce smaller files than WebP in many cases while maintaining high image quality. Browsers that support a modern format can receive it, while other browsers receive the original image format as a fallback.

• Lossless: Makes smaller file-size savings and suits logos, illustrations and images where fidelity matters.
• Lossy: Applies stronger compression while keeping quality changes minimal.
• High compression: Targets maximum file-size reduction for image-heavy or performance-focused pages.
• Custom compression: Lets you set a quality level.
• PageSpeed compression: A Pro option with settings tuned for PageSpeed and performance audits.

Pro processing settings

Scheduled background optimization processes images gradually without blocking the WordPress administration interface. It can help with large media libraries and frequent uploads. Custom-folder optimization reaches images outside the Media Library, including assets in theme directories and plugins.

Robin Pro also works with WP-CLI commands: wp robin optimize, wp robin stop and wp robin status. Available scopes are media-library, custom-folders and nextgen.

Backups and image metadata

When backups are enabled, Robin stores original images before optimization so you can restore them or re-optimize them with different compression settings. EXIF data can be removed to reduce file size and improve privacy, or preserved for photography and processes that rely on image metadata.

Set up the workflow

After installing Robin Pro in WordPress, review the optimization settings. Choose a compression mode, decide how to handle EXIF data, and choose automatic processing for new uploads or bulk processing for existing images. Enable the Pro options you need for AVIF conversion, PageSpeed compression, background processing or custom folders.