No. Image Optimization never modifies your original files. Optimization happens only on the copy that's delivered to a visitor's browser. The file you uploaded stays exactly as it is in your Media Library and in the Infinite Uploads cloud.
Note: Image Optimization is included with the Business plan. If your site is on the Starter plan, the Image Optimization section of the Account & Settings module shows an upgrade notice in place of the settings. See our pricing page to compare plans.
What "optimization at delivery" means for your files
When someone loads a page, we take your original, create an optimized version on the fly (a smaller, right-sized, next-gen format), and deliver that. The optimized copy is cached for speed, but it's a delivery copy. Your source file is never overwritten, re-saved, or replaced.
Because of this, a few things are always true:
- Your Media Library is unchanged. Files still appear as the JPEGs and PNGs you uploaded, at their original dimensions. That's expected. You're seeing your source files, not the delivery copies.
- You can change settings freely. Switch optimization levels, adjust the max width, or turn the whole feature off, and your originals are always intact and ready to serve.
- Turning it off is instant and lossless. Disable Image Optimization and we go back to delivering your originals, with nothing lost.
What about "Strip metadata"?
The Strip metadata option removes EXIF, GPS, and color-profile data, again, only from the delivered copy, not your original. This makes files smaller and removes potentially sensitive information (like the GPS location a photo was taken) from images you serve publicly. Your stored original keeps all of its metadata. It's on by default, and recommended.
Why it works this way
Never touching your originals is a core design choice. It means the feature is completely reversible, you can experiment without risk, and you always have your pristine source files if you migrate, redesign, or download your library. You get the speed benefit of modern formats without giving up control of your source images.
Have a question about your files? Submit a support request and a member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours.