Should You Resize Images Before Uploading or Just Use Smush? (Pros & Cons Explained)
If you run a WordPress site, image optimization is one of the easiest ways to improve load times and SEO. Tools like Smush, ShortPixel, or Imagify can automatically compress images — but here’s the question most site owners forget to ask:
👉 Do you still need to resize images before uploading, or can Smush handle everything for you?
Let’s break down both approaches and see which one truly delivers the best results for your site.
🧩 Option 1: Upload Full-Size Images and Let Smush Optimize Them
This is the quick and easy route: upload your high-resolution images directly to WordPress and let Smush automatically compress them.
✅ Pros
1. Effortless setup
Smush automatically compresses images as you upload them — no manual resizing needed.
2. Keeps your original files
Smush can retain high-resolution copies in case you ever need them for print or redesigns.
3. Bulk optimization
You can re-optimize all media files later with one click, handy if you change compression settings.
4. Works with WordPress image sizes
Smush optimizes all generated sizes (thumbnail, medium, large) automatically.
❌ Cons
1. Wastes storage and bandwidth
Full-resolution images (e.g., 6000×4000 px) can be several MB each, bloating your uploads folder.
2. Slow uploads and backups
Large files upload slowly and make backups heavier.
3. Doesn’t resize pixel dimensions
Smush compresses file weight, not pixel dimensions. Oversized images remain oversized.
4. Slower site performance if large images load
If your theme accidentally serves the full image instead of a resized version, page load times can tank.
🧮 Option 2: Resize Images Before Uploading (Then Use Smush)
This is the professional workflow: resize images to match your site’s display size before uploading, then let Smush handle the compression.
✅ Pros
1. Smaller files from the start
A resized 1200×800 image might be under 300 KB — instead of several MB.
2. Faster uploads and lighter storage
Saves hosting space, bandwidth, and time.
3. Better control over dimensions
You decide exactly how large your images need to be for your layout.
4. Less strain on your server
WordPress processes smaller images more efficiently.
5. Improved Core Web Vitals
Properly sized, compressed images improve site speed and SEO.
❌ Cons
1. Slightly more manual work
You need to resize each image before upload.
2. No built-in high-res backup
You’ll need to store originals elsewhere.
3. Risk of under-resizing
If you make them too small, images might look blurry on retina screens.
⚖️ The Best Approach: Resize First, Then Smush
For the best performance and SEO results, the winning strategy is simple:
- Resize your images first to the max size your site needs (e.g., 1920 px for full-width banners, 1200 px for blog content, 800 px for thumbnails).
- Then let Smush optimize them automatically during upload.
- Keep originals backed up offline or in cloud storage in case you need larger versions later.
This workflow combines efficiency, quality, and speed — giving you the best possible site performance.
🧠 Pro Tools for an Efficient Workflow
Here are some tools to make the process fast and painless:
- Canva, Figma, or Photoshop – resize and export at exact pixel dimensions
- TinyPNG or Squoosh.app – pre-compress images before upload
- Smush, ShortPixel, or Imagify – handle automatic compression and lazy loading inside WordPress
💡 Final Thoughts
Smush is an excellent plugin for optimizing image file size, but it can’t fix oversized dimensions. The best practice for any WordPress site is simple:
Resize your images before uploading — then use Smush to fine-tune compression.
You’ll enjoy faster load times, lower storage costs, and a smoother user experience — and your SEO will thank you.
