How to compress images and PDF with the Joomla extension

Install the Joomla image compression extension

Download the zip package of the extension here.

 

The extension can be installed through Joomla standard by uploading the zip files in the Joomla extension manager. Click on browse and Upload and Install. The extension will be uploaded, unzipped and installed.
Note: the extension require Joomla 3.9 minimum to work properly, the latest version is always better :)

install-image-compression-extension

 

A successful install message should then be returned.

joomla image optimizer install

 

Authenticate or add with your API key to start compressing images and PDF

Once the component is installed and activated you can register a free trial account or use and existing account. Note that once your account is created or connected, the API key will be added automacally and you can start using the service.

after install

 

Click on one of the button "Create a trial account" to register a new account.

free trial optimization

 

If you already have an account, just login, your API will be filled automatically. Plus if you have some sub accounts registered on your ImageRecycle account, you can pickup one on a next screen.

existing account

 

The API key will also be available here on imagerecycle.com on the My account > API and quota menu.

API joomla optimization

 

Using a sub-account to optimize all your clients media

Sub account creation button with dedicated API key can also be generated from the My account > API and quota menu. Subaccount number is not limited and each sub-account have a dedicated quota you can define (perfect for multiple clients websites). Once you use the sub-account API key, the image quota will be deducted from this sub-account quota.

sub account API

 

Optimize existing & new images and PDF

With the Joomla component you have option to optimize already existing images (for an existing website) or new images once they are uploaded. To list your Joomla website images  optimization interface click on: Components > ImageRecycle. You can manually optimize existing images one by one or use the bulk optimizer by checking several images and PDF then Optimize selected > Apply.

manual optimization

 

The bulk action "Optimize all images" will run the process of optimization of all your content.

optimize all launched

 

Automatic compression of images and PDF

You have options to setup when the content optimization will be executed automatically. By default it's executed automatically every 5 minutes. You can also force the optimization process on content saving. note that this process will require few second during the content saving to be fully executed. This option is useful for high traffic website in order to save bandwidth.

Advanced optimization

 

You can also revert to original if needed during the backup storage time (1 month), images will be replaced on your server automatically.

revert image

 

Select the server folders to optimize your Joomla media

In the global configuration you can select which folder you want to optimize. If you're using 3rd party plugins that store images or pdf in root folder you can force optimization. If you uncheck a folder, optimization won't be made in the folder.

folders

 

Image optimization quality and PDF compression activation

Quality options can be defined per content type. For example, if you want to disable PDF optimization to keep original quality for print, you can select No compression as PDF compression parameter.

optimization quality

 

Images auto resizing before running optimization

You have option to activate an auto image resizing. It means that all the images stored on your server will have the max size specified in the options. You can also set a min and max size to be optimized in Kb.

image resize

 

Images optimization exclusion by weight

You have advanced exclusion parameter that let you exclude/include specified server folders from optimization.This parameter is very useful for third party plugins or themes that add their own folders. You can also define a range of file size for your optimization.

A good setup here avoid applying compression on unneeded images, ie. the content not displayed on public side of your WordPress website.

min max filters