Yes, ShortPixel allows you to resize images. This means that you can upload an image of any size and ShortPixel Image Optimizer will take care of resizing it.
To do that, it’s as simple as enabling a setting. You can find it by going to Settings > ShortPixel > Image Optimization > Resize large images.
Note: This feature resizes only the full original images, not the thumbnails. Also, take into account that, even though it’s uncommon, your hosting might limit the size of your uploads. Therefore, if you can’t upload a big image, it will be better to check it with your hosting, as ShortPixel accepts any image size.
There are two resizing options in our plugin settings menu. Keep in mind that the original aspect ratio is preserved in both cases.
Resize images – Cover #
This method resizes your image by taking its smallest side (width or height) and scaling it to match or exceed the smaller dimension you’ve set in the resize settings. The original aspect ratio is preserved, and the larger side is adjusted proportionally.
Example 1
Resize dimensions: 1000×1200
Original image: 2000×3000
- The smaller side of the image is 2000px, so it will be resized to 1000px.
- The aspect ratio is maintained, so the larger side becomes 1500px.
Result: Resized image is 1000×1500.
Example 2
Resize dimensions: 1800×1400
Original image: 1170×2077
The image will not be resized because the Cover method requires the smallest side of the original image to be at least as large as the setting.
Result: The image remains 1170×2077.
The smallest side of the image (1170px) is smaller than the resize setting (1400px).
Important: The resized image should not be smaller than your largest thumbnail. You could actually enter a smaller value, but then you won’t be able to regenerate your largest thumbnail, if ever required.
Resize images – Contain #
This method resizes your image by taking its largest side (width or height) and scaling it to match the largest dimension you’ve set in the resize settings. The original aspect ratio is preserved, and the smaller side is adjusted proportionally.
Example 1
Resize dimensions: 1000×1200
Original image: 2000×3000
- The largest side of the image is 3000px, so it will be resized to 1200px.
- The aspect ratio is maintained, so the smaller side becomes 800px.
Result: Resized image is 800×1200.
Example 2:
Resize dimensions: 1800×1400
Original image: 1170×2077
- The largest side of the image (2077px) is resized to 1400px.
- The aspect ratio is maintained, so the smaller side becomes 790px.
Result: Resized image is 790×1400.
Use the Contain method when you want to resize both larger and smaller images to fit within specific dimensions.
If you are not sure which option is better for your use case, please test it on a few images from your WordPress Media Library. Make sure to keep the Image backup option active, in case you are not pleased with the results.