ShortPixel is an image optimization plugin that offers one of the best image compression services to users. As any user of this extension knows, it offers 3 types of image compression – Glossy, Lossy and Lossless. Beginners are often curious to know how the three are different from each other. The actual differences between them are actually of a technical nature.
Lossless image compression in ShortPixel
Here, you can get no loss in quality. Each pixel is literally similar to the original in a compressed form. However, the final size of the file is not as tiny as the files offered in Lossy mode. In the Lossless mode, the size of a file is reduced without having any effect on the quality of the image at all. The bits or the binary data code digits are left unchanged and are only rearranged with more efficiency. This is similar to loading boxes into a big truck. A packer with experience knows how to fit the boxes together in the best fashion, so that more number of boxes can be fit into the same space.
This mode is advantageous in the sense that you can restore the compressed data in future. For instance, you may decide to modify or re-edit the image or like to use only a part of the file for some other project or restore the same to the original size without any penalty. The ShortPixel tool has an automatic backup feature integrated into the plugin. Thus, it can be restored always to the original irrespective of the compression type that you use.
When should you use lossless image compression?
When you are more concerned about image quality, the best choice is Lossless image compression. With lossless image compression, the file size of even the most high-quality pictures can be reduced without any impact on their appearance. Thus, regardless of what happens, you can reduce the size of image files – and consequently the load times – when you choose the Lossless mode. You can preserve images in full quality and even restore the data that you have compressed. However, there is the disadvantage that there is only the smallest reduction in the size of image files.
Due to small amount of data reduction, there are reduced image compression benefits such as SEO and website load time speed. Due to this reason, lossless image compression should not be the main preference for users. It is best to try this option only in specific situations, where changing the quality of image is not a viable option or when users plan to restore image files in original size and quality in the future. You can read more about lossless image compression with ShortPixel here. Please keep in mind that ShortPixel is not only a WordPress plugin.
Lossy image optimization in ShortPixel
This is another, and more popular, style of image compression. It can help reduce file sizes significantly – as much as 90%. There is just minimal change in the quality of images, which cannot even be perceived by the naked eyes at times. Due to this immense benefit at a small price, this type of image compression happens to be the commonest option.
Lossy image compression, as compared to lossless image compression, deletes parts of the actual data bits in order to achieve a reduction in file size. The data is generally negligible, such as wastes that are generated while images are processed. However, varied image processors extract data from various sections. For instance, the algorithms of a few compressors reduce the image background quality without making any change to the focal points of images. This results in higher file reduction, although restoration of compressed files is impossible in future. However, due to the automatic backup feature in the ShortPixel plugin, users are not affected.
When should you use lossy image optimization?
In this mode, the more the file compression, there is more risk of detectable differences. But the quality of the images is retained mostly. Thus, you can be assured that your photos will continue to look amazing. As file size is reduced significantly, load time is faster and there is better SEO advantage. A fast loading website is crucial for success online, and to get a boost in Google page rankings.
Beginners often wonder when to use this type of compression. Almost any industry can benefit from lossy image compression. As all websites use images, webmasters can benefit from lowered file sizes to improve the performance of their sites. However, photography blogs and similar websites might be the sole exceptions, given that high image quality is of topmost priority there. Such websites need to achieve a balance between load times (how they are affected by file sizes) and the quality of images.
Glossy image compression in ShortPixel
This is an exclusive ShortPixel option, and gives the best balance between decreasing file sizes and retaining optimal quality of images. In case of photography websites that are particularly designed for high quality visuals, it is important for the images to look amazing. The better the quality of the images is, the higher the success you can be assured of. However, the huge file size is an obvious disadvantage and can significantly reduce the load times of websites. This can harm the overall user experience, as well as ruin the score on Google Insights.
The Glossy Image Compression feature ensures the best image quality with reduced load time. Even after compressing the images, the quality is better than Lossy Image Compression mode with faster loading times and smaller file sizes.
When should you use glossy image compression?
In the Glossy mode, you can get a balance between Lossless and Lossy image compression modes. However, the quality of the final images is not as superior as Lossless.
The Glossy mode happens to be an appropriate choice for any website that centers on the visuals but requires quicker load times as well. Glossy image compression can be most beneficial for:
- Social media professionals
- Tourism websites, which use images for marketing
- Webcomics
- Digital artists
- Portfolio websites, of designing companies that display past works
- Photography blogs
Before you choose the Glossy mode, you need to consider the number of pictures that you have on your own website, and how these appear with Lossy Image Compression when compared to the Glossy Image Compression mode.
ShortPixel is not the only one image optimization tool available for WordPress or any other website engine. You can use it free of charge, but if you need any of premium plans have a look at https://www.coupon.surf/store/shortpixel/ where you can find official ShortPixel coupon code. This website uses ShortPixel too.
I tried several image compression tools and I use two of them. The first one is ShortPixel and sometimes I optimize images through TinyPNG. Please keep in mind that TinyPNG is for PNG files only.