# Image optimization · Tech watch

[Canonical source](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/tags/image-optimization>)

Adapting image dimensions, formats and loading to interface needs.

## [Astro 7.4 adds build timings and parallel prerendering](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/astro-74-adds-build-timings-and-parallel-prerendering>)

Astro 7.4 introduces `astro build --timings`, breaking down time spent rendering pages, running Vite plugins, processing Markdown, and transforming images. The release example shows how the report exposed sequential network requests and helped cut generation time for blog pages.

The release also separates image services for build and runtime, and adds `notFound()` for manually composed entrypoints. Parallel prerendering and custom redirect pages remain **experimental**; the former can increase memory use. One upgrade requirement to check: Astro now requires Node.js 22.22.0 or later.

2026-10-23 · [Markdown](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/astro-74-adds-build-timings-and-parallel-prerendering.md>) · [Original resource](<https://astro.build/blog/astro-740/?ck_subscriber_id=2550494205&utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=%E2%9A%9B%EF%B8%8F%20This%20Week%20In%20React%20%23302%3A%20Next.js%2C%20React%20Router%2C%20DevTools%2C%20Security%2C%20shadcn%2C%20Hydrogen%2C%20Vinext%2C%20Mutative%2C%20R3F%20%7C%20RN%200.88%2C%20Expo%2058%2C%20Navigation%2C%20FastImage%2C%20Screens%2C%20Device%20Hub%2C%20Edge%20to%20Edge%20%7C%20TypeScript%2C%20PHP%2C%20CrUX%2C%20Rsdoctor%2C%20Astro%20-%2023823401>)

## [IPX: resize and convert images through URLs](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/ipx-resize-and-convert-images-through-urls>)

IPX combines sharp and svgo to transform local images or images from allowed domains. Size, format and quality can be specified directly in the resource URL.

2025-09-07 · [Markdown](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/ipx-resize-and-convert-images-through-urls.md>) · [Original resource](<https://github.com/unjs/ipx>)

## [Transform Directus images with the Unpic provider](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/transform-directus-images-with-the-unpic-provider>)

This guide shows how to generate Directus image URLs or use the provider in an Unpic component. CMS-specific options can be passed through without changing the component API.

2025-01-23 · [Markdown](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/transform-directus-images-with-the-unpic-provider.md>) · [Original resource](<https://unpic.pics/providers/directus/>)

## [ThumbHash: compact image placeholders with transparency](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/thumbhash-compact-image-placeholders-with-transparency>)

ThumbHash stores a compact image placeholder alongside application data. It encodes aspect ratio and transparency to improve the display before the full image loads.

2024-09-14 · [Markdown](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/thumbhash-compact-image-placeholders-with-transparency.md>) · [Original resource](<https://github.com/evanw/thumbhash>)

## [BlurHash: show placeholders while images load](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/blurhash-show-placeholders-while-images-load>)

BlurHash turns an image into a short string representing a blurred placeholder. Clients can render it immediately to avoid empty boxes during image loading.

2024-09-14 · [Markdown](<https://sebastien.rigaux.be/en/tech-watch/links/blurhash-show-placeholders-while-images-load.md>) · [Original resource](<https://github.com/woltapp/blurhash>)