IrfanView RIOT Plugin Missing? 3 Ways to Fix Save for Web

Quick answer: The RIOT plugin is missing from IrfanView because it was removed in version 4.58 (released 26 May 2021). If you cannot find the “Save for Web (Plugin)” option any more, you are not alone. You have three ways to get image optimization back: use IrfanView’s built-in “Set JPG file size” option, use RIOT as a standalone program, or install the older IrfanView 4.57.

I have been using the amazing RIOT plugin integrated in IrfanView for over a decade now and find it very useful and valuable, and almost all images on this blog have been optimized using RIOT.

What is the RIOT plugin in IrfanView?

RIOT stands for Radical Image Optimization Tool. It is a free image optimizer, light weight and fast, that compares the original and the optimized image in real time in two windows side by side, so you can see how much the file size will be reduced as you try different settings, like switching from JPG to PNG or reducing the quality from, let’s say, 90% to 70%.

Based on the visual comparison, it is easier to decide how much quality you can give up for a smaller file.

This is an invaluable tool for bloggers who want to control image file sizes and save on server storage costs. If you keep uploading high quality full size images, they can quickly fill your hosting storage limits and force you to upgrade to a more expensive hosting package.

Why is the RIOT plugin missing in IrfanView?

According to the IrfanView version history, the program added a built-in file size option for JPG saving in version 4.51 (2018), so the plugin was no longer needed. In version 4.58 the RIOT plugin was removed, with the note to use “Set JPG file size” in the JPG save options instead. That is why the “Save for Web (Plugin)” option no longer leads to RIOT in current versions.

Fix 1: Use IrfanView’s built-in “Set JPG file size” option

This is the simplest fix and you do not need to install anything or go back to an old version.

1. Open your image in the latest IrfanView.
2. Go to File > Save As and choose the JPG format.
3. In the JPG save options window, use the Set JPG file size option to choose a target file size, then save.

It does not give you the side-by-side preview that RIOT does, so check the saved image to see if the quality is acceptable.

Fix 2: Download standalone RIOT software

You can always download the RIOT software from the official website and use it on its own to optimize images for your site. At the time of writing, the website lists RIOT as free, actively updated and available for Windows (64-bit), macOS and Linux.

But this is a slower process, as you first have to use IrfanView to crop and resize your image and save it, and then open the image again in RIOT to get the optimized version.

Would it not be easier if we could restore the original IrfanView?

Fix 3: Install an older version of IrfanView (4.57)

If you check the IrfanView change log, support for the RIOT plugin was removed in version 4.58. This means that if you download version 4.57 you will get the RIOT plugin functionality back in your IrfanView installation.

Download older software versions safely from sites like FOSShub, which list the older IrfanView versions, including 4.57.

I chose the 64 bit Windows installer for my 64-bit Windows computer, but if you have an older computer you can choose the 32 bit option (check your PC). It is better to choose the installer (the .exe files) rather than the zip files, unless you know how to use them.

First uninstall the current latest version of IrfanView. After you restart your computer, install the old installer of version 4.57 of IrfanView and the plugins, which will now include the RIOT plugin.

Now you can see the option for Save for Web (Plugin) restored, which, when clicked, will take you to the RIOT options.

Warning: The latest software versions improve features and also fix bugs and security issues found in older versions. Going back to an older version is therefore generally not recommended for the security of your computer. If you do it, you do it at your own risk and we bear no responsibility.

Which fix should you use?

• Fastest and safest: Fix 1, the built-in “Set JPG file size” option, in the latest IrfanView.
• Best for comparing quality: Fix 2, standalone RIOT, if you want the side-by-side preview.
• Only if you want the old workflow: Fix 3, version 4.57, and only if you accept the security trade-off.

Frequently asked questions

Why is “Save for Web (Plugin)” missing in IrfanView?

The RIOT plugin was removed in IrfanView 4.58, according to the official version history. Use the “Set JPG file size” option in the JPG save options instead.

Is RIOT still available?

Yes. RIOT is available as a free standalone program for Windows, macOS and Linux from its official website.

Which IrfanView version still has the RIOT plugin?

Version 4.57 and earlier. The plugin was removed in 4.58.