Removing image sizes from WordPress Media Library with remove_image_size

The remove_image_size function in WordPress is used to remove a custom image size that has been previously added using the add_image_size function. This function is useful when there is a need to streamline the number of image sizes generated by WordPress, which can help in optimizing storage and performance by eliminating unnecessary image sizes.

When an image size is removed using remove_image_size, WordPress will no longer generate that specific image size for newly uploaded images. However, it is important to note that this does not affect existing images that have already been generated with the removed image size.

By managing the image sizes in this way, developers can have greater control over the media library and the image processing workflow within a WordPress site.

Parameters

  • $name (string), required. The image size to remove.

Return Value

The remove_image_size function returns a boolean value: true if the image size was successfully removed, and false if it failed.

Examples

How to Remove a Custom Image Size

function remove_custom_image_size() {
 remove_image_size('custom-size');
}
add_action('init', 'remove_custom_image_size');

This code snippet demonstrates how to remove a custom image size named custom-size. The remove_image_size function is called within a custom function remove_custom_image_size, which is then hooked to the init action. This ensures that the custom image size is removed when WordPress initializes.

How to Remove Thumbnail Image Size

function remove_thumbnail_image_size() {
 remove_image_size('thumbnail');
}
add_action('init', 'remove_thumbnail_image_size');

This example removes the default thumbnail image size. The remove_image_size function is used within the remove_thumbnail_image_size function, which is hooked to the init action. This will disable the generation of the thumbnail image size when new images are uploaded.

How to Remove Multiple Custom Image Sizes

function remove_multiple_custom_image_sizes() {
 $sizes_to_remove = array('custom-size-1', 'custom-size-2', 'custom-size-3');
 
 foreach ($sizes_to_remove as $size) {
 remove_image_size($size);
 }
}
add_action('init', 'remove_multiple_custom_image_sizes');

This snippet shows how to remove multiple custom image sizes at once. An array of image sizes is defined and iterated over using a foreach loop. Each image size in the array is removed by calling remove_image_size within the loop. The remove_multiple_custom_image_sizes function is then hooked to the init action to ensure that the image sizes are removed during the WordPress initialization process.

Conclusion

The remove_image_size function in WordPress is a valuable tool for developers who need to manage and customize image sizes within their themes or plugins. By allowing the removal of custom image sizes that are no longer required, this function helps in optimizing website performance and ensuring efficient use of server resources. Its ability to streamline image management makes it a practical option for maintaining a clean and efficient media library. Utilizing remove_image_size, developers can maintain better control over the image sizes generated by WordPress, thereby enhancing the overall flexibility and customization of their projects.

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in WordPress Functions