WordPress: Enable Media Replace Adds a Convenience You’ll Love

The Enable Media Replace plugin adds the option to replace a file in the Media Library. Without it, the core WordPress method is inconvenient: delete the old file and upload the new file, or the other way around, and then replace it everywhere it’s used. With this plugin, you can replace an image or file by uploading a new file in its place.

Maybe that doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a convenience you’ll come to love. I’ve been using this plugin since I started working with WordPress, and I add it to every site. This post is my suggestion to use it.

So Simple It Barely Needs How-To Docs

It’s primary function is limited… upload a new file to replace an existing file. So documentation is limited. Here’s what the plugin page at WordPress says.

It’s simple to replace a file

1. Simply replace the file. This option requires you to upload a file of the same type as the file you want to replace. The attachment name remains the same regardless of what the file you upload is called.
2. Replace the file, use the new file name, and update all links. If you check this option, the old file will be replaced with the name and type of the file you are uploading. All links pointing to the current file will be updated to point to the new file name. Additional options for the folder to put the new file in or the date of the new file are also available on the replace screen.

Enable Media Replace page at https://wordpress.org/plugins/enable-media-replace/

You’ll find other helpful info at the plugin Knowledge Base

Basic How To Use Enable Media Replace

Upload New Image In the Media Library

In the Media Library, follow these steps:

1. Click the file you want to replace.
2. On the Attachment details window, click the “Upload a new File” button. You might have to scroll down to see it.
   
3. On the Replace Media Upload window, click the New area to upload a file.
4. Review the options.
5. Click Upload.
   

Upload New Image in the Block Editor

You can get to the Replace Media Upload screen from the Block Editor. Follow these steps:

1. Click the image you want to replace.
2. Click Replace.
3. Click Open Media Library.

This opens the Media Library with the image already selected.

4. Scroll down in the right column.
5. Click Upload a new file.

Conclusion: Learn and Use Enable Media Replace

This post is a suggestion to use Enable Media Replace. It adds a very helpful convenience that isn’t in core WordPress.

Get the plugin here:
Enable Media Replace at WordPress.org