Media Library Cleanup Before Migration
Reduce duplicate images, obsolete thumbnails and broken media references while preserving the files that still matter.
Inventory referenced media
Search page markup and database content for actual file references. Large CMS libraries often contain years of unused thumbnails, duplicate uploads and abandoned campaign assets.
Keep the best source file
Preserve a high-quality original or appropriately sized master. Generate the smaller web version you need instead of carrying every historical derivative into the new site.
Rename only when useful
Changing every filename creates work and can break inbound image links. Fix meaningless or problematic names when there is a clear benefit, but do not treat renaming as mandatory SEO theatre.
Use modern formats carefully
WebP or AVIF can reduce weight, but ensure your hosting and markup are configured correctly. Keep dimensions explicit to reduce layout shift.
Check alt text in context
Alt text belongs to the page context, not the media library in isolation. During migration, review important images where they appear and use descriptions that help users rather than stuffing keywords.
Detect duplicates by content, not filename
CMS libraries often contain the same photograph under several names or sizes. Compare dimensions, visual content and file hashes where possible. Keeping the best source and regenerating only the sizes the new site needs can simplify storage without sacrificing quality.
Protect externally referenced files
Before deleting old PDFs, brochures or images, check whether they have direct inbound links or are embedded in newsletters and third-party sites. A file that is not linked from the current navigation can still be valuable. Preserve the URL or redirect it if the content has moved.