WP Smush.it is a WordPress plugin that I would recommend using, particularly if you use a lot of images.
(One thing to note is that you should read through the Smush.it which is part of Yahoo! terms of use and be comfortable with them, particularly point #4.)
How it works
Basically, you install it, activate it and it runs by itself in the background.
Every time you upload an image, it'll run through Smush.it and optimize your images (read the details here if you want the technical description). Suffice it to say, it'll make your images less of a drain on your site's resources.
How to install:
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard –> Plugins –> Add New –> search for "smush it" and click Install.
- Once it's installed, activate it.
- Done!
You can also apply the plugin's wizardry to existing images as well. Just go to Dashboard –> Media.
Related:
You might check out all my posts that offer tips for images in your posts.
I'm still trying to switch over to WordPress. There is no 'plug-in' on my dashboard page.
Meg, are you using WordPress.com? That might be the issue. WordPress.com doesn't allow plugins on their free sites. In order to enjoy the full functionality of WordPress, I recommend getting a self-hosted site. I tried to explain the difference on my FAQ page.
I am also considering a switch to WordPress but I'm looking for someone who can transfer me possibly if it's better than blogger and I'm also looking for someone to redesign my blog. Gee I'm not asking for much, right?? Lol I would truly just rather pay someone if there exists a person who can do this. If by chance anyone knows of a service or good blog design/transfer service please let me know. Thanks!
I hear ya! Sometimes paying someone else to do it for you is the best option. Did you see my Moving from Blogger to WordPress series? In it, I tried to break it down for ya.
Wow. Thanks for pointing out #4. So many people don't read the terms of use.
Wow, exactly. I'm glad I read that. I guess it gives them a right to use any images as stock image for their over-sensationalized community articles or something.
I've been guilty many times.
For those concerned about Yahoo!'s terms, there are free (and safe) programs you can download to your computer so you don't have to use a web service to optimize your images: ImageOptim (Mac) and PNGGauntlet (Windows).
Thanks, Bryan!
I used to use Smush.It, but found that it strips my images meta data – I'm not really concerned, because I'm not in the photography business today, but at the time, I was trying to build a photography business so it didn't work for my needs. I'm thinking I should reconsider today.
Glad to see this post as I will be using a lot of pics and wondered how it would work. Keep the good stuff coming. At this point though I'm still working on my "10 posts" to have ready when I launch
I just installed this plug-in since you suggested it, and I can't believe how much quicker my website loads now. I'm sure my readers will be much happier with this addition. Thanks for the tip, Amy!
I wish I knew exactly what #4 meant. I'm not too great with the legal jargon these terms of use always use. That's why most of us probably don't read them!
Is there anything similar for blogger? I would love a gadget that automatically compresses pictures for faster load time.