Understanding Media Library Uploads
OPTe’s multisite platform has system-wide optimizations for the media library to ensure optimal performance and efficient storage utilization for all sites.
While the general maximum upload size per item is 8 MB, we have specific limits for certain file types to prevent overloading media storage over time. For example, PDF files have a maximum upload size of 5 MB. This approach helps us maintain a sustainable hosting environment and is one of the ways we optimize WordPress for our customers.
Optimizing Images for Web & Server-Side Compression
When it comes to image files like JPEGs and PNGs, we recommend optimizing them for the web before uploading. Ideally, these files should be under 300 KB to ensure fast loading times and efficient storage use. While larger image files (3-5 MB) might sometimes be uploaded, it’s generally best practice to process them for web use first. Using image editing software or online optimizers before uploading gives you the most control over the final quality and dimensions, ensuring they are perfectly suited for web display.
Built-in Compression via WP Smush Pro: Our platform utilizes WP Smush Pro, which includes robust server-side image compression functionality. When you upload images, Smush Pro automatically processes them, applying advanced compression techniques to significantly reduce file size without compromising visual quality. This happens seamlessly in the background, minimizing the impact on your site’s performance during upload. WP Smush Pro handles lossless, lossy, and even “Ultra Smush” compression, and can convert images to modern formats like WebP for even better performance. For those who want more control, the plugin also offers options to customize compression levels and settings.
Handling Large Files (PDFs & Images)
To upload PDFs that exceed 5 MB, or an image that is very large even after initial web optimization:
- Compress the file (PDFs): For PDFs, you can use online tools like ilovepdf.com to compress them before uploading.
- Host on cloud storage (PDFs): If your .pdf file is very large, you might consider hosting it on a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar) and then linking to it from your WordPress site instead of uploading it to your media library.
Our goal is to help you maintain a fast and efficient website.
