Pipeline Modes

Understanding the three processing modes in Picture Optimizer.

Picture Optimizer offers three pipeline modes, each designed for different workflows. You choose the mode in the confirmation step before processing begins.

Analyze & Export (Full Pipeline)

The complete pipeline that combines AI analysis with image compression.

What happens:

  1. Images are uploaded to the cloud service
  2. AI vision model analyzes each image and generates metadata
  3. You review and edit the AI-generated metadata
  4. Images are compressed, converted to your chosen format, and exported
  5. Processed images replace the originals in WordPress
  6. All metadata (alt text, title, caption, etc.) is applied to WordPress

Credits: 2 per image (1 for analysis + 1 for export)

Best for: New images that need both metadata and optimization.

Analyze Only

Generates AI metadata without touching the image file.

What happens:

  1. Images are uploaded to the cloud service
  2. AI vision model analyzes each image and generates metadata
  3. You review and edit the AI-generated metadata
  4. Metadata is applied to WordPress attachment fields

What gets updated in WordPress:

  • post_title — AI-generated descriptive title
  • _wp_attachment_image_alt — SEO-optimized alt text
  • post_excerpt — Descriptive caption
  • post_content — Extended description

What does NOT change:

  • The image file on disk remains untouched
  • The filename stays the same
  • No URL changes occur
  • No backup is created (not needed)

Credits: 1 per image

Best for: Images that are already optimized but need proper metadata for SEO and accessibility.

Compress & Export Only

Compresses and converts images without AI analysis.

What happens:

  1. Images are uploaded to the cloud service
  2. You configure export settings (format, quality, responsive variants)
  3. Images are compressed and converted
  4. Processed images replace the originals in WordPress

Filename behavior:

  • The original filename is preserved (e.g., IMG_1234)
  • Only the extension may change based on your format choice (e.g., .jpg → .webp)
  • If the extension changes, all URL references across your site are automatically updated

Credits: 1 per image

Best for: Images that already have good metadata but need file size optimization.

Comparison Table

FeatureAnalyze & ExportAnalyze OnlyCompress Only
AI metadata generationYesYesNo
Review & edit metadataYesYesNo
Image compressionYesNoYes
Format conversionYesNoYes
Responsive variantsYesNoYes
File replacementYesNoYes
URL reference updatesYesNoIf extension changes
Original file backupYesNoYes
Revert supportYesNoYes
Credits per image211

Smart Processing

When you select images that have already been processed, Picture Optimizer automatically detects their status and adjusts:

  • Already analyzed images are skipped in Analyze Only mode
  • Already exported images are skipped in Compress & Export Only mode
  • Fully processed images (analyzed + exported) are skipped in Full mode

The credit count updates dynamically to reflect only the images that need processing. You can override this with the Re-process all toggle.

See Smart Skip & Re-process for details.

Media Library Integration
How Picture Optimizer integrates with the WordPress Media Library.
Image Replacement
How Picture Optimizer safely replaces images and updates all references.