- Rebecca Tomasis
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Images are a core element of any website, they shape first impressions, improve your storytelling and influence how users engage with your content. As a website builder, Wix provides an intuitive platform not just for uploading and managing images but also for optimizing them for speed, quality and SEO.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Wix images are, how Wix image optimization works and share actionable tips to make the most out of your visual assets when understanding how to build a website.
What are Wix images?
Wix images refer to all image content used within the Wix platform, including:
Uploaded media like JPEGs, PNGs, SVGs, and WebP files
Stock photos available via Wix’s free media library
Gallery and background images
Images used in product pages, blog posts or social media feeds
Wix has a media manager that acts like a central hub for all your media assets. From here, you can upload, organize, rename and reuse images across different pages and projects.
Wix images supported file types
Wix allows you to upload the following image formats:
JPEG / JPG / JPE / JFIF: Ideal for photographs and images with gradients.
PNG: Supports transparency; suitable for logos and graphics.
GIF: Supports simple animations and transparency.
BMP: Standard bitmap image format.
HEIC / HEIF: High-efficiency formats commonly used by Apple devices.
TIFF / TIF: High-quality images, often used in printing.
WEBP: Modern format offering superior compression.
AVIF: Advanced format with excellent compression and quality.
RAW: Includes various camera-specific formats like .arw, .cr2, .nef, etc.
JPEG 2000: Advanced JPEG format with improved compression.
Note: Animated WEBP images are currently not supported and will be converted to static images upon upload.
What is Wix image optimization?
Wix Image Optimization refers to the automated process by which Wix enhances the performance of your images across devices and browsers. The goal? Reduce load time, improve user experience and boost SEO visibility, without compromising on image quality.
Here’s how Wix goes about optimizing your website images:
01. Automatic compression
When you upload an image, Wix compresses it intelligently. This means:
Large file sizes are reduced
But visual quality is preserved
Your site loads faster—especially on mobile
This compression happens automatically in the background and doesn’t require any user intervention.
02. Responsive image scaling
Wix dynamically serves different versions of an image based on:
Device (desktop, tablet, mobile)
Screen resolution (Retina displays)
Browser support
This ensures that a visitor with a smartphone won’t have to load a 2000px desktop image. Instead, they’ll get a smaller, faster-loading version.
3. Format conversion to WebP
Where supported, Wix converts images to WebP, a modern image format that offers:
25–35% smaller file sizes
Similar or better quality compared to JPEG or PNG
WebP support enhances site speed and SEO scores on platforms like Google Lighthouse.
4. Lazy loading
By default, Wix implements lazy loading, meaning that images load only when they’re about to enter the viewport. This significantly improves page load speed and performance for users.
Why Wix image optimization matters
Faster site performance
Slow-loading websites frustrate users and increase bounce rates. Optimized images reduce page weight, leading to faster load times and higher engagement. Quick-loading images lead to smoother interactions, reducing friction for users who may be on slow mobile networks or older devices.
Better visual quality across devices
Optimized images ensure sharp visuals on Retina and high-DPI screens without bloating your site. This is especially important for eCommerce stores and photography portfolios.
Image SEO on Wix
Wix doesn’t just optimize your image files—it also helps with Image SEO, an important but often overlooked part of search visibility. Here’s how:
Custom file names: When uploading, you can rename files with descriptive, keyword-rich names.
Alt text: You can (and should) add alt text to every image, helping search engines understand the image’s content.
Structured data: You can add schema markup to relevant images, especially in blog posts or product galleries, increasing the likelihood of appearing in Google Images.
Wix image optimization: pro tips
01. Start with high-quality, properly sized images
Upload images to your website or portfolio website that are:
Already cropped to the appropriate dimensions
Less than 5 MB in size (preferably below 1 MB)
In the correct format (JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics, SVG for logos)
Avoid uploading massive 4000px-wide images if they’ll only be displayed at 800px on your site.
02. Use Wix’s built-in image editor
Before publishing, you can crop, resize, and apply filters using the Wix image editor. This ensures consistent visuals and reduces the need for external tools.
03. Add alt text to every image
Use descriptive, specific phrases. Instead of “image1.jpg,” try “handmade ceramic bowl with blue glaze.” This helps with accessibility and improves SEO.
04. Name files strategically
Search engines crawl file names, so include target keywords in them. For example:
Instead of: IMG_2345.jpg
Use: eco-friendly-tote-bag.jpg
05. Use galleries wisely
Wix provides different gallery types: slider, grid, masonry and more. Choose layouts that:
Enhance your user flow
Prevent unnecessary loading of high-res images all at once
06. Consider image background effects
Wix allows you to add scroll effects, fixed backgrounds, and parallax transitions. These are engaging, but be careful—they can also slow down your site if overused with large images.
07. Enable lightbox effects
Use lightbox effects to allow users to see images in full size without navigating away from the page.
08. Use SVGs for icons and logos
SVG files scale infinitely without losing resolution and are typically smaller in size than JPEG or PNG logos.
Tip for image management
If you need to replace an image, Wix allows you to:
Swap an image without breaking its link or layout
Retain SEO attributes like alt text and captions
Automatically apply the same image settings to the replacement
This feature is especially useful for seasonal content updates or product catalog changes.
Wix image optimization tips for eCommerce
For eCommerce businesses, images are more than decorative—they’re the online equivalent of a product on a shelf. The quality and load speed of your product images can directly affect conversion rates. When it comes to your ecommerce website, your product images should be high-resolution but optimized to load quickly on both desktop and mobile. Use multiple image views: front, side, detail shots, and context-of-use images to build buyer confidence.
Wix’s auto-optimization is especially useful when you have a large product catalog, as it minimizes the need for manual resizing. Remember to name your files with product-related keywords (e.g., leather-crossbody-bag.jpg) and use consistent alt text like “Black leather crossbody handbag with silver buckle – women's fashion.” This enhances your visibility on image search engines like Google Shopping.
Additionally, use zoom-in functionality or a lightbox feature to allow closer inspection without slowing down the page. For categories or homepage carousels, stick with compressed hero images. Wix’s lazy loading and WebP format mean faster page loads which is critical during high-traffic sales events.
Wix image optimization for photographers
For photographers, your website is your portfolio—it must be visually stunning, fast and easy to navigate. By supporting high-resolution images Wix lets you showcase your work using customizable galleries such as masonry, grid, full-width or slideshow formats.
With Wix you can organize your images into genre-specific folders like weddings, landscapes, portraits, etc. Use SVG logos for branding and opt for WebP or JPEG images under 1 MB each to ensure faster load times without compromising on your quality.
Wix’s automatic scaling ensures your images look perfect across all devices but you can also take control with manual cropping, hover effects and gallery captions. Each image should include alt text, not just for SEO but to improve accessibility, a detail that makes your site accessible for everyone.
You can even enable client-proofing galleries using password-protected pages to privately share sessions. Add watermarks to protect your work and use Wix’s integrations for print services or digital downloads.
Wix image optimization for bloggers
As a blogger you probably rely heavily on images to break up text, support storytelling and boost their SEO. Whether you write about travel, lifestyle, food or business, well-optimized images enhance readability and help illustrate your key points. Wix makes it easy to add images to your blog posts using its drag-and-drop editor or by embedding visuals through the rich text editor.
Start each blog post with a feature image that's eye-catching and relevant. Resize it before upload to about 1200x630 pixels for optimal loading and social sharing. Always add alt text that reflects the content or emotion of the image. For example, “Sunset at Cinque Terre coastline” is better than “travel1.jpg.”
Wix’s automatic WebP conversion and lazy loading features ensure that even image-heavy blog posts load efficiently. Use visual storytelling by creating image grids, pull quotes, and infographics—just make sure they’re mobile-optimized. You can also link images to related blog posts or landing pages to keep readers engaged longer.
Top 9 tools to create images for every purpose with Wixel
Images play a vital role in creating impactful content across all platforms. They not only enhance visual appeal but also help communicate your message more effectively. Whether you're crafting a how-to guide, sharing a personal story, or promoting a product or service, the right image can elevate and strengthen your message.
However, not all images are equally effective. When creating or choosing visuals, it's essential to consider their purpose and how they align with your brand and messaging strategy. This approach ensures your visuals resonate with your audience and support your overall goals.
With the Wixel suite of tools, you can easily create images for a variety of purposes. Here are some of the features and how you can use them to enhance your creative projects.
Turn your idea into a visual in seconds. Just describe what you’re imagining, pick a style, and let the AI do its thing. Whether it’s digital art or photorealistic images, you’ll get something tailored to your needs.
02. Photo editor
Easily fine-tune your photos. Adjust colors, tweak details, swap out backgrounds, or add new elements with AI tools. Whether you’re going for small touch-ups or bold edits, this makes it simple.
03. Photo filters
Give your pictures some personality with filters. Choose from moody, retro, vibrant and more to get the vibe you’re after. Play around until you find the look that fits your story.
Fix blurry photos, sharpen details, and brighten colors in a few clicks. It’s like giving your images a quick refresh with a little AI magic.
Add more background or space around your image effortlessly with this tool—ideal for extending skies in landscapes or creating room for text.
06. Image resizer
Resize your images without them getting blurry. Whether it’s for social media, websites, or something else, this tool makes sure your visuals fit perfectly.
07. Image converter
Change your image file format in no time. Convert to JPG, PNG, WebP, and more without losing quality. Plus, you can process multiple files at once to save time.
08. Image cropper
Crop your photos exactly how you want. Use presets like square or widescreen, or go freestyle to focus on what matters most. You can even edit several images at once to stay consistent.
Design content that stands out on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. These templates are easy to customize—just tweak the colors, fonts, and images to make them your own. Perfect for posts, stories, and banners.