=== Auto WebP & Alt Optimizer ===
Contributors: Wodey
Tags: webp, image optimizer, seo, auto alt, image compression, gd library
Requires at least: 6.0
Tested up to: 6.9
Stable tag: 1.5
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Automatically convert uploaded images to WebP format using native GD library for maximum compatibility, and auto-fill image Alt text for better SEO.

== Description ==

You know that **Site Speed** and **SEO** are the keys to success. 

**Auto WebP & Alt Optimizer** is a lightweight yet powerful tool designed to solve two major problems automatically:

1.  **Image Size (Speed):** It automatically converts your uploaded JPG/PNG images into the modern **WebP** format. WebP images are significantly smaller (often 30-50% smaller) than standard JPEGs.
    * **New in 1.4:** We now use the native PHP GD library (`imagewebp`) to ensure compression settings work on all server environments, bypassing common WordPress cache issues.
2.  **Image SEO (Ranking):** It automatically cleans up your image filenames (removing hyphens and underscores) and sets them as the **Alt Text**. Google relies on Alt text to understand images, and this plugin ensures you never forget to fill it in.

### Key Features

* **Native WebP Conversion:** Uses low-level GD functions to guarantee file size reduction.
* **4 Quality Levels:** Choose from Low (20), Medium (50), High (80), or Very High (90) quality presets to suit your needs.
* **Auto Alt Tags:** Converts `my-product-photo.jpg` to "My Product Photo" automatically.
* **Zero Bloat:** No complex configuration. Just install, select a level, and forget.

### Why use this plugin?

* **Boost Core Web Vitals:** Smaller images mean faster LCP (Largest Contentful Paint).
* **Save Storage:** Stop storing duplicate versions of images. original files are replaced to save space.
* **Automate SEO:** Save hours of manual work filling in Alt tags.

> **Note:** This plugin processes images upon upload. It does not currently process images already existing in your Media Library.

== Installation ==

1.  Upload the plugin files to the `/wp-content/plugins/auto-webp-alt-optimizer` directory, or install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly.
2.  Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' screen in WordPress.
3.  Go to **Settings -> WebP & Alt Settings** to configure the plugin.
4.  Enable the switch and select your desired Quality Level (Recommended: High - 80).
5.  Done! Upload a new image to test it out.

== Screenshots ==

1.  **Settings Panel:** Simple interface with quality level dropdown (Low, Medium, High, Very High).
2.  **Media Library:** Shows images converted to WebP format automatically.

== Changelog ==

= 1.4 =
* Changed quality selection to fixed presets (Low, Medium, High, Very High) for better usability.
* Switched to native PHP GD library functions (`imagewebp`) to solve server compatibility and caching issues.
* Added support for retaining PNG transparency.

= 1.3 =
* Improved image resizing logic to force cache refresh.

= 1.2 =
* Fixed Text Domain mismatch issues.
* Improved sanitization and security.

= 1.0 =
* Initial release.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.4 =
Major update: Switched to native GD library for reliable WebP conversion. Settings now use fixed quality levels.