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Modern Image Formats

By WordPress Performance Team

Performance & Optimization / Image Optimization & Compression

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

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

6.39/10

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 competes with several plugins that offer image optimization and WebP conversion, providing users with multiple options for similar functionality.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Supports AVIF and WebP image formats for modern optimization.
Simple and easy to use with minimal configuration required.
Lightweight plugin that integrates well with WordPress media library.
Candidate for future inclusion in WordPress core, indicating reliability.
Does not force generation of all image sizes, saving storage space.

Weaknesses

Lacks advanced settings such as adjustable compression levels.
No option to exempt certain images or fields from conversion.
Potential irreversible changes to media library after regeneration.
Limited support responsiveness reported by some users.

User Sentiment Analysis

With a 3.5 out of 5 rating and 60% of users giving 5 stars, the plugin is generally well-received for its simplicity and effectiveness, though 36% of users rated it poorly, highlighting significant issues.

Positive highlights

"Fantastic – simple & essential plugin" (DigitalGdn)
"Easy, fast, and works instantly; I highly recommend it." (couponsoffers)
"Works well out of the box. Keeps images small." (derekonomy)
"I use this plugin on all new websites; it works without problems." (lacoste89)
"Nice light plugin, does what it says." (nmask)

Common complaints

Plugin fails to serve generated images properly.
Lack of helpful support from the developers.
Irreversible damage to media library after regenerating thumbnails.
No warning about permanent changes to image formats after use.

Weaknesses

No option to set WebP compression value.
Some rough edges in handling legacy images.
No ability to exempt images from conversion.
Support responsiveness issues reported.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a lightweight, straightforward plugin to convert images to modern formats like AVIF and WebP without complex settings.

Not ideal for

Users who require advanced control over compression, need to exempt certain images, or want guaranteed support and reversible changes should consider other options.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers essential image format conversion to AVIF and WebP with basic functionality suitable for most users.

Final Verdict

Modern Image Formats is a solid choice for users wanting a simple and effective plugin to convert images to AVIF and WebP formats. It is lightweight, easy to use, and has no known security vulnerabilities, making it a reliable option for many WordPress sites. However, it lacks advanced features and has reported issues with irreversible media library changes and limited support responsiveness.

Users needing more control over image optimization or who are concerned about potential irreversible effects should consider alternatives. Despite these drawbacks, the plugin remains a valuable tool for straightforward image format conversion, especially given its free availability and potential future integration into WordPress core.

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.