The user is seeking to reduce storage usage by disabling or removing 3X images in Discourse. They have a large image storage footprint, with significant space taken by 3X images in both original and optimized folders. sam clarifies that 3X is a naming convention, not a size indicator, and suggests using the downsize_uploads.rb rake task to reduce image fidelity and storage. zogstrip explains that downscaling requires updating both files and database records. The user accidentally deletes the original images, prompting concern about recovery. sam suggests recovering from the optimized folder, though with reduced quality, while zogstrip advises restoring from a backup. The user confirms they lack a backup with uploads. sam directs them to check upload URLs via Rails console, and zogstrip confirms that images are stored on disk, not in the PostgreSQL database.
Like @sam said, if you truly want to reduce your disk usage, you will need to downsize all your originals and re-generate all your thumbnails (ie. “optimized” images).
It’s an involved process since you have to update both the files on disk and the associated records in the database.
I’ve just ruined my /original folder during moving from one folder to another.
Is there any way to use images from /optimized folder? or from Postgres DB?