What Type of Image Files Does WordPress Use?

WordPress uses a variety of image files, depending on the theme and the image requirements. For example, a blog theme might use a header image, a featured image, and a stock photo.

A photo gallery might use a header image, an image for each post, and a featured image. A WooCommerce store might use images for product listings, for gallery products, and for product detail pages.

When you upload an image to your WordPress site, you can use either a standard file type, such as a JPEG, or you can use one of WordPress’s image formats. WordPress supports several image formats, including:

GIF
JPEG
PNG
BMP
If you use a GIF file, WordPress will create a small image that uses the GIF file as the background. WordPress will not compress or optimize the GIF file.

If you use a JPEG file, WordPress will create a larger image that uses the JPEG file as the background. WordPress will compress and optimize the JPEG file.

If you use a PNG file, WordPress will create a smaller image that uses the PNG file as the background. WordPress will not compress or optimize the PNG file.

If you use a BMP file, WordPress will not create an image.