WordPress removing original image after resize?

Question

In wordpress media library is there any way to remove original image after a resize? It seems to keep the original and I feel this wastes a lot of space.

Answer 1

You have to use wp_generate_attachment_metadata filter to manipulate upload image.

Here is the code:

add_filter('wp_generate_attachment_metadata', 'txt_domain_delete_fullsize_image');

function txt_domain_delete_fullsize_image($metadata)
{
    $upload_dir = wp_upload_dir();
    $full_image_path = trailingslashit($upload_dir['basedir']) . $metadata['file'];
    $deleted = unlink($full_image_path);

    return $metadata;
}

Code goes in function.php file of your active child theme (or theme). Or also in any plugin php files.
The code is tested and fully functional.
Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I don't know the direct answer to this and it's a good idea to keep the original image for internal wordpress plugins.

However one way you can reduce the storage and reduce cost is to use the AWS S3 Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/amazon-s3-and-cloudfront/ This will require you to first setup an AWS S3 Bucket. Feel free to ask another question related to doing that if it doesn't make sense.