Cache and asset delivery controls for WordPress

AEH Speed Optimization Pro brings browser caching, asset processing, lazy loading, and image optimization settings into one add-on. Its Pro features add options for external resources and custom file types, plus controls for CSS, JavaScript, HTML, fonts, scripts, and images.

These settings address various parts of page delivery. Cache rules set how long browsers retain files by resource type; minification changes the data sent; lazy loading delays media until it is needed; and image settings can convert or resize files for different devices.

Set cache rules by resource type

Expiry headers tell browsers how long to keep cached files. You can assign different expiry periods by MIME type, add rules for external resources and custom file types, and refresh the cache periodically. The extension can also unset Entity Tags (ETags), which browsers use to check whether a cached resource has changed, apply HTTP Gzip compression, exclude specific files from caching, and remove version information from files.

Expiry-header settings require the hosting server's mod_expires module and read/write access to the website's .htaccess file. When you apply those settings, the plugin updates that file.

Choose how CSS and JavaScript load

CSS options include merging multiple files, minifying them, loading processed files asynchronously, and placing small footer CSS files inline. JavaScript files can also be merged and minified, with an option to defer scripts. HTML minification reduces page data, and Google Fonts can be placed inline to reduce external requests.

Admin visitors can be excluded from minification, which can help avoid page-builder issues. These controls let you configure CSS and JavaScript separately according to how the site uses them.

Manage lazy loading and image formats

Lazy loading postpones the loading of images, iframes, videos, widgets, and shortcodes. Responsive images are supported, custom placeholders can appear while content loads, and critical components can be excluded so they load immediately.

Image settings can convert files to formats such as WebP or AVIF and resize images according to screen size and device type. The dashboard can display optimization statistics, savings, and performance improvements. The image optimization capability is described as reducing file size while maintaining clarity.

Setup requirements and sequence

Before configuring expiry headers, confirm that mod_expires is enabled and the plugin can read and write the site's .htaccess file. If another expires-headers plugin is in use, deactivate and uninstall it first.

1. Activate AEH Speed Optimization Pro and open its settings.
2. In Expires Headers, select the file types and MIME groups to include, set expiry periods, then submit the settings. The selected rules are saved and the .htaccess file is updated.
3. Set CSS, JavaScript, and HTML options in the Minification tab.
4. Choose media types, placeholders, and critical-element exclusions in the Lazy Loading tab.
5. Configure image conversion and resizing, then review the available optimization statistics.