You run WP Smush on PNG images. File size increases. PNG becomes larger than original. That is frustrating because compression should make files smaller.
A common issue is that PNG compression works differently than JPEG. PNG images with simple graphics (logos, icons) are already optimized. Running Smush adds metadata or converts to different PNG format. File size increases.
This is not WP Smush being bad. Some PNGs cannot be compressed further.
Why WP Smush Increases PNG File Size
PNG compression is lossless. It does not remove data. It reorganizes data. For already-optimized PNGs, there is nothing to reorganize. Smush may add color profiles, metadata, or convert to 32-bit PNG. File size increases.
This is not WP Smush being broken. PNG optimization has limits.
The Most Common PNG Size Increase Causes
- PNG already optimized (using TinyPNG or similar before)
- Simple graphics (logos, icons, line art) – already minimal
- PNG-8 vs PNG-24 conversion (Smush may up-convert)
- Color profile added (sRGB, Adobe RGB metadata)
- PNG with transparency (some optimizations add data)
Check what type of PNG you are compressing.
How to Fix WP Smush PNG Size Increase
- Restore original PNG from Smush backup
- Do not run Smush on simple PNG graphics
- Use TinyPNG instead (better PNG compression)
- Convert PNG to JPEG if no transparency needed
- Use WebP format instead of PNG
Skipping PNG optimization is sometimes best.
When to Optimize PNG (And When to Skip)
Optimize PNG: Screenshots, detailed graphics, images with gradients, large PNG files over 100KB.
Skip PNG optimization: Logos, icons, buttons, small graphics under 10KB, already optimized PNGs.
Simple graphics do not need compression.
Alternative: Convert PNG to WebP
Instead of optimizing PNG, convert to WebP. WebP is smaller than PNG and JPEG. Use ShortPixel or Imagify for WebP conversion. Delete original PNG if WebP works.
WebP is the future. PNG is legacy.
People Also Ask About WP Smush PNG Problems
Why does Smush make my PNG files bigger?
PNG already optimized or too simple. Skip optimization for logos and icons.
Should I stop using WP Smush for PNG?
Use TinyPNG for PNG. Use Smush for JPEG. Or convert PNG to WebP.
Is WP Smush worse than EWWW for PNG compression?
EWWW can also increase PNG size. Same PNG limits.
Final Thoughts
If WP Smush makes PNG larger, restore original. Skip PNG optimization for logos and icons. Use TinyPNG or convert to WebP. Your PNG files will stay small.