One of the most frequent questions we receive about server modules concerns image processing libraries and WebP support. This article explains what WPX uses by default, why we use it, and what options are available to you.
GD Library (Default Image Processing Library)
WPX uses the GD library as the default image-processing solution on all servers.
The GD library is a lightweight, fast, and reliable image-processing library that supports all essential image-related tasks, including resizing, cropping, compression, and format conversion. It is fully compatible with WordPress core and the vast majority of WordPress themes and plugins.
We use GD by default because it:
- Consumes fewer server resources
- Provides excellent stability and performance
- Handles all standard image-processing tasks efficiently
For most WordPress websites, GD delivers the best balance between performance and reliability.
Imagick (Optional)
By default, Imagick is not installed on WPX servers. This does not affect normal website functionality or image handling.
Some plugins may display a warning such as:
“Warning: The optional module, Imagick, is not installed or has been disabled.”
This message can be safely ignored, as the GD library will handle image processing without issues.
Can Imagick Be Enabled?
Yes, Imagick can be enabled upon request. However, it is not generally recommended unless your website or plugin has a strict requirement for it. Imagick is a heavier module and uses more server resources, which can impact overall performance when it’s not truly necessary.
WebP
WPX fully supports WebP images.
Since WordPress 5.8, WebP images are supported natively, allowing you to:
- Upload WebP images directly to the Media Library
- Convert existing images to WebP using compatible plugins
- Resize and optimize WebP images just like other image formats
WebP images offer improved compression while maintaining high quality, helping reduce page load times and improve performance.
Stuck at any point? Don’t worry, just click the live chat widget in the bottom-right, and one of our support agents will assist you in under 30 seconds.