If you are getting an error, the server cannot process the image. While uploading an image through the WordPress media uploader directly from the media, trying to insert an image into a post, or trying to set up a post attachment for the featured image.
The server cannot process the image. This can happen if the server is busy or does not have enough resources to complete the task. Uploading a smaller image may help. Suggested maximum size is 2560 pixels.
The best practice is to always upload images of smaller dimensions since 4K screen resolution is 3840 x 2160 pixels and HD screen resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels, but most websites have grid range within 1400 pixels in modern website design. So always try to resize your image for smaller dimensions which fit your needs and don’t put extra load on website as well. Remember, the larger images you insert into posts, the larger the page size, which effects website loading speed.
What causes server cannot process the image error?
When you upload an image through WordPress’s media uploader. The file is sent to your website hosting server for image processing. So there are certain tasks server performs before moving image from its temporary uploaded directory to WordPress’s uploads folder. Like checking the extension, image size, its name.
So if the image’s size is large and your upload_max_size is also large but the server is still not processing the image, this can be because of the memory available to utilize and the memory required to process the certain image doesn’t match.
If your maximum upload file size is smaller than the required maximum upload file size. First increase the maximum file upload size for WordPress.
If that still doesn’t help, Then try the following action:.
How to fix server cannot process the image error?
The most common reason for cannot process the image error is low memory, which is required to process the certain image you are trying to upload.
Please download wp-config.php and add the following line just between <?php /** and then upload to your server. I hope this solve the issue for you. This method works only for WordPress as define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’ constant is related to WordPress only.
//Code to Insert
define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );
//Insert view.
<?php
define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );
/**
* The base configuration for WordPress
*
* The wp-config.php creation script uses this file during the
* installation. You don't have to use the web site, you can
* copy this file to "wp-config.php" and fill in the values.
*
* This file contains the following configurations:
*
* * MySQL settings
* * Secret keys
* * Database table prefix
* * ABSPATH
*
* @link https://codex.wordpress.org/Editing_wp-config.php
*
* @package WordPress
*/
We have explained various ways to increase the memory limit please checkout our article how to increase php memory limit for WordPress.
Conclusion
Handling the errors or troubleshooting them can be challenging and frustrating but you should always stay calm and have patience if you want to tackle the error. In our experience we have mostly experienced the error server cannot process image in WordPress due to low memory limit.
Adopting the best practices and making sure the performance of the website remains high, we never upload images larger than 1920 pixels in width and 1080 pixels in height, but there are certain business types that need higher resolution images, like photographers. In such cases, we have to find ways!
We are always happy and available for free website consultation and support. Check out our WordPress maintenance service.
