Wordpress: Modify JPEG Compression Ratio

Adjusting the JPEG compression ratio in WordPress can significantly affect the balance between image quality and file size. This snippet allows developers to modify the default compression ratio used when uploading JPEG images.

Using the jpeg_quality filter, the snippet sets the compression ratio to 80%. This value can be adjusted to be higher for better image quality or lower to reduce file size, depending on the needs of the site.

This setting is particularly useful for media-rich sites that need to manage bandwidth and loading times without significantly sacrificing image quality.

The snippet includes instructions on how to implement this change in a theme or plugin, ensuring that it does not conflict with core WordPress functionality or other plugins.

Additional considerations are discussed, such as the impact of changing compression ratios on SEO and user experience, particularly on mobile devices where data usage is a concern.