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Modern Image Formats

By WordPress Performance Team

Performance & Optimization / Image Optimization & Compression

Modern Image Formats Review - In-Depth Analysis

This plugin converts images to modern formats like WebP and AVIF during uploads. It supports automatic generation based on server capabilities.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.87/10

User Rating

3.5/5 (based on 25+ reviews)

Active Installations

100,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This plugin adds WebP and AVIF support for media uploads within the WordPress application. By default, AVIF images will be generated if supported on the hosting server, otherwise WebP will be used as the output format. When both formats are available, the output format can be selected under Settings > Media.

Modern images will be generated only for new uploads, pre-existing images will only be converted to a modern format if images are regenerated. Images can be regenerated with a plugin like Regenerate Thumbnails or via WP-CLI with the wp media regenerate command.

By default, only modern image format sub-sizes will be generated for JPEG or PNG uploads. Only the original uploaded file will still exist as a JPEG/PNG image, generated image sizes will be WebP or AVIF files. To change this behavior, there is a checkbox in Settings > Media labeled 'Output fallback images' that, when checked, will result in the plugin generating both the original format as well as WebP or AVIF images for every sub-size. This will only affect newly uploaded images after making said change.

This plugin was formerly known as WebP Uploads.

Comparing to Alternatives

Modern Image Formats is a straightforward plugin focused on converting images to AVIF and WebP formats, aiming for simplicity and integration with WordPress. Compared to other image optimization plugins, it offers a clean approach but lacks some advanced features.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Simple and clean interface with minimal setup.
Automatically converts images to AVIF and WebP formats.
Lightweight plugin with minimal impact on site performance.
Developed by WordPress contributors, ensuring good compatibility.

Weaknesses

Lacks options to adjust compression levels or quality.
No built-in support for regenerating or converting existing images.
Limited control over which images get converted or excluded.
No premium version offering advanced features or support.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback highlights the plugin's ease of use and effectiveness, but also points out some limitations and issues encountered.

Positive highlights

"I use this plugin on all new websites, it works flawlessly for AVIF conversion." – lacoste89
"Good plugin, simple and does what it says." – nmask
"Easiest way to get AVIF images without forcing all sizes." – Clicknathan
"My #1 plugin for image optimization!" – Masoud Golchin
"Worked out-of-the-box with WooCommerce and thousands of images." – anonymous

Common complaints

No option to set WebP compression level.
Does not serve generated images properly in some cases.
Lacks ability to exempt certain images from conversion.
Can cause irreversible issues with media library if not handled carefully.

Weaknesses

Support can be unresponsive when issues arise.
No features to convert or fix legacy images automatically.
Potential for site breakage if AVIF/WebP images are forced without fallback.
Limited user controls and settings for advanced needs.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use plugin to automatically convert new images to modern formats like AVIF and WebP, especially on new WordPress sites without complex image needs.

Not ideal for

Users who require fine control over image compression, need to convert existing image libraries, or want advanced exclusion rules and fallback options should consider more feature-rich alternatives.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides automatic conversion of uploaded images to AVIF and WebP formats with minimal configuration, offering good value for users needing basic modern image format support.

Final Verdict

Modern Image Formats is a solid choice for WordPress users wanting a simple, no-fuss solution to serve AVIF and WebP images, especially on new sites. Its lightweight design and WordPress-backed development ensure compatibility and ease of use.

However, the plugin lacks advanced features such as compression control, legacy image conversion, and robust support, which may limit its suitability for users with complex image optimization needs or large existing media libraries.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Modern Image Formats plugin.

AVIF

Images

Modern Image Formats

Performance

Webp

FAQ

Feedback is encouraged and much appreciated, especially since this plugin may contain future WordPress core features. If you have suggestions or requests for new features, you can submit them as an issue in the WordPress Performance Team’s GitHub repository. If you need help with troubleshooting or have a question about the plugin, please create a new topic on our support forum.