Compress JPEG & PNG Images vs reSmush.it: A Comparative Analysis

Posted by Josh Blackburn, in Image Compression Plugins

Image optimization plays a crucial role in website performance, user experience, and search engine optimization. Two common tools used for this purpose are Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it. In this article, we will compare these image optimization tools, shedding light on their features, functionality, and how they can help improve your website’s performance.

Compress JPEG & PNG images is a popular optimization tool that focuses on lossless compression. It ensures that images maintain their quality while reducing their file size. On the other hand, reSmush.it is a free image optimization tool that offers both lossless and lossy compression formats. It is widely used for its compatibility with various content management systems, including WordPress.

Key Takeaways

• Image optimization tools such as Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it contribute to improved website performance and user experience.
• Compress JPEG & PNG images focuses on lossless compression, while reSmush.it offers both lossless and lossy formats.
• Both tools are compatible with popular content management systems, making them accessible for a wide range of users.

Compress JPEG & PNG Images: An Overview

We understand the importance of image compression for website performance. Speed is essential, and using efficient compression tools is a crucial part of optimizing images. Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it are two popular plugins for WordPress users. In this section, we will focus on the Compress JPEG & PNG images plugin.

The Compress JPEG & PNG images plugin provides an easy-to-use solution for WordPress users to optimize their images, reducing their file size while maintaining good quality. This plugin employs intelligent algorithms to determine the ideal compression ratio for each image. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, ensuring images look great without sacrificing loading time.

One advantage of using the Compress JPEG & PNG images plugin is that it integrates seamlessly with WordPress, automatically compressing new images when they are uploaded. This feature simplifies the process of optimizing images for faster website performance. Furthermore, this plugin also supports WebP format, which provides smaller file sizes without compromising image quality.

In terms of user experience, the Compress JPEG & PNG images plugin offers drag-and-drop functionality for uploading images. It also provides visual editing tools for adjusting image quality, giving users full control over the desired output.

Finally, the developer community surrounding the Compress JPEG & PNG images plugin is active, providing updates, enhancements, and troubleshooting support for WordPress users. This support ensures that you will have a reliable, up-to-date solution for your image compression needs.

In summary, the Compress JPEG & PNG images plugin delivers a powerful and user-friendly solution for WordPress users looking to optimize their images. Its features, integrations, and support make it a valuable choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient image compression tool.

Understanding Image Compression

Image compression is a crucial aspect of managing images on websites and applications. It helps to significantly reduce the file size of images, which in turn, improves loading times and user experience. In this section, we will take a closer look at the different image compression methods and file formats commonly used.

There are two primary types of image compression methods: lossless and lossy. Lossless compression allows us to maintain the image’s original quality while reducing its size. This method is particularly useful for images that require high fidelity, such as medical imaging or professional photography. On the other hand, lossy compression reduces the file size by discarding some of the image information. This method typically results in a smaller file size but may lead to a noticeable loss of quality, depending on the level of compression.

JPEG (or JPG) and PNG are two popular image file formats used on the web. JPEG is a lossy format, which means that it retains the majority of image details while still providing relatively small file sizes. One of the drawbacks of JPEG is that it can suffer from visible compression artifacts at high compression levels. However, for most web applications, this is an acceptable trade-off for smaller file sizes.

PNG, on the other hand, is a lossless format that retains all the image details. It is great for images with sharp edges and precise details, like text or drawings. Unfortunately, PNG images tend to have larger file sizes than their JPEG counterparts.

A newer image format, WebP, has been gaining popularity in recent years. Developed by Google, WebP offers both lossless and lossy compression modes, making it a versatile choice for various image types and applications. It has shown to provide better compression and quality than JPEG and PNG in many cases.

While compressing images, it is also important to consider metadata. Metadata is additional information attached to image files, such as camera settings, geolocation, and copyrights. Some image compression tools may remove or modify metadata during the compression process. It is essential to understand the implications of metadata handling based on your specific use case.

When choosing an image compression method or tool, factors like the desired level of quality, metadata preservation, and compatibility should be considered. Two popular compression tools available today are Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it. Each tool offers unique features, but both aim to optimize images for web usage. As you explore these options, consider the specific requirements of your project to select the most appropriate image compression solution.

ReSmush.it: A Closer Look

As we take a closer look at reSmush.it, it becomes evident that this image optimizer offers a free optimization solution for the most standard file types, including PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, and TIF. In fact, it claims to provide up to 80% reduction in file size by using various algorithms, making it a popular choice for many website owners.

One of the reasons for this optimization tool’s popularity is its compatibility with some of the most common CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, and Magento. This makes it incredibly accessible and easy to use for those looking to improve their website’s load time and performance. With over 7 billion images already treated through this API, it’s clear that reSmush.it is a widely-used and reliable option for image optimization.

What sets reSmush.it apart from its competitors like Kraken and ImageOptim is the fact that it remains completely free of charge. This makes it even more attractive to website owners looking for a cost-effective solution to optimize images without sacrificing quality.

In the world of WordPress, reSmush.it stands out as a highly-regarded plugin for image optimization. It offers image size reduction based on several advanced algorithms and easily integrates with any WordPress site. Additionally, the plugin boasts a bulk operation feature that enables users to optimize all the images on their website with just a couple of clicks.

To sum it up, reSmush.it provides an efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for image optimization, catering to various platforms and file types. As website owners, it’s important for us to take advantage of tools like reSmush.it to ensure that our websites not only have visually appealing images but also load quickly and efficiently.

The Role of API Keys

When it comes to using image optimization services like Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it, API keys play a crucial role. In this section, we will discuss the role of API keys in utilizing these services effectively.

API keys serve as unique identifiers that allow developers to access and interact with a specific service, such as an image optimization API. By incorporating the API key into our applications, we can ensure secure communication with the service provider and manage the access to the optimization features.

Compress JPEG & PNG images, powered by TinyPNG, requires users to obtain an API key. This key allows limited usage for free, and users can acquire additional access by subscribing to paid plans. The API key makes it easier for the service provider to monitor and control the usage, ensuring the fair distribution of resources among all users.

On the other hand, reSmush.it offers a completely free image optimization API, without the need for an API key. This makes the integration process faster and more straightforward, allowing users to optimize images without worrying about rate limits or subscriptions. However, it’s worth noting that as a free service, it may lack certain advanced features and optimizations compared to its paid counterparts.

In summary, API keys are essential for implementing image optimization services like Compress JPEG & PNG images into our applications. They provide a secure way to access the features and manage the usage of these services. While reSmush.it does not require an API key, it still provides a reliable image optimization solution for those looking for a cost-effective option.

Exploring Image Formats and Sizes

When working with images, it’s important to choose the right format to balance quality and file size. Two popular formats are JPEG and PNG. JPEG is commonly used for photographs, while PNG is a lossless format suitable for graphics with a limited color palette or images with transparency.

In terms of dimensions, the height and width of an image directly impact its file size. Larger dimensions typically result in larger file sizes. To optimize images for web use, it’s crucial to consider the maximum width at which the image will be displayed at. This can help us avoid loading unnecessarily large images, leading to faster page load times and better user experiences.

For example, if we have a photograph in JPEG format:

• Maximum Width: 800 pixels
• Height: variable (maintaining aspect ratio)
• File Size Limit: 300KB

Retina images are another factor to consider when optimizing image sizes. These are high-resolution images designed to look sharp on high-density displays such as those found on modern smartphones and tablets. To ensure images look crisp on retina displays, we may need to double the image’s dimensions, which can increase file size. However, using compression tools like reSmush.it, we can mitigate this file size increase and maximize quality without overloading the bandwidth of the user.

When it comes to compressing JPEG and PNG images, there are many tools available, such as Img2Go and Image Resizer. These tools typically provide options to adjust the quality of the image, which directly impacts the file size. Lowering the quality leads to smaller file sizes, but it’s essential to find the right balance to ensure the image still appears clear to the viewer.

On the other hand, reSmush.it is a popular image optimization API that works by applying smart compression algorithms to reduce the file size without sacrificing visual quality. By integrating reSmush.it into our projects, we can automate the process of compressing and optimizing images during the development process.

To summarize, choosing the appropriate image format, dimensions, and compression settings are crucial steps in creating optimized, high-quality images for web use. By using tools like reSmush.it, we can efficiently maintain image quality while minimizing file size for faster page load times and better user experiences.

Analyzing Performance and Load Times

When comparing image compression tools like Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it, performance, and load times are crucial factors to consider. In this section, we will examine how these tools impact website speed and page load speed.

Both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it have been developed to optimize website performance by reducing image file sizes. Smaller image files not only save server space but also lead to faster loading times, which is essential for providing a seamless user experience. Since visitors often leave a website if it takes too long to load, using an image optimization plugin is highly recommended.

Compress JPEG & PNG images utilize both lossy and lossless compression techniques, allowing for a balanced trade-off between file size reduction and image quality. On the other hand, reSmush.it offers a customizable level of compression, enabling users to have control over image quality and file size reduction as per their needs.

As mentioned in a WP Rocket article, image optimization improves page load speed and helps retain website visitors. When deciding between Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it, it is essential to consider the impact each plugin has on website speed and performance while preserving image quality.

Lastly, the optimal image format (JPEG or PNG) should be chosen based on the content. JPEG is suitable for photographs and images with gradients, while PNG is ideal for images with transparency or sharp edges. Both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it support the optimization of these file formats to achieve the best possible performance for your website.

Tools and Plugins for WordPress

When it comes to optimizing images on your WordPress website, there are several plugins available that can help you achieve better performance. We’ve listed some of the most popular and effective WordPress image optimization plugins below.

Shortpixel Image Optimizer is a powerful plugin that offers both lossy and lossless compression options. This plugin allows you to automatically optimize newly uploaded images and can also be set up to bulk-optimize your existing images. Shortpixel provides a generous free plan and affordable premium plans for higher volume websites.

Imagify is another popular choice for WordPress image optimization. It offers three different compression levels: Lossy, Glossy, and Lossless, which allow you to find the perfect balance between image quality and file size. Additionally, Imagify is integrated with popular page builder plugins, which can help eliminate extra load time from images in those cases. You can learn more about Imagify here.

Optimole takes a somewhat different approach to image optimization. It uses a cloud-based system that automatically resizes and compresses your images based on the user’s device and browser. This ensures the best possible image quality for every user, regardless of their browsing environment. To learn more about Optimole’s features, check out this source.

Imsanity is a user-friendly plugin that helps you automatically resize and compress your images upon upload. This makes managing your media library much easier by preventing large images from taking up unnecessary space. Imsanity also lets you bulk-resize images already in your media library for an instant performance boost.

WordPress Image Optimizer plugins such as EWWW Image Optimizer and reSmush.it are also widely used for large-scale image optimization. Both plugins provide automatic image optimization upon upload and offer bulk optimization for existing images in your media library.

In conclusion, having a reliable WordPress image optimization plugin is essential for improving your site’s performance and user experience. We encourage you to explore the plugins mentioned above to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Lossless vs Lossy Compression

When it comes to image compression, there are two main techniques: lossless and lossy compression. Lossless compression maintains the original quality of the image, while lossy compression sacrifices some of the image’s quality to achieve smaller file sizes. In this section, we’ll discuss the differences between these two approaches and how they impact the quality of your images.

Lossless compression, as the name suggests, retains the original data of the image, ensuring that the picture quality remains intact after compression. This method is particularly suited for images that require high levels of detail and color accuracy, such as graphic design works and professional photographs. Formats like PNG rely heavily on lossless compression to ensure high image quality.

On the other hand, lossy compression reduces the file size by discarding some of the image data that is considered less essential. As a result, the compressed image may display a slight loss in quality, especially when zoomed in or viewed at larger resolutions. JPEG is a common format that uses lossy compression, making it suitable for web images and casual photography where a balance between image quality and file size is important.

While using Compress JPEG & PNG images, we can maintain high-quality image compression using lossless techniques. This tool is useful when we need crisp, clear images, particularly for professional use. However, if our primary goal is to reduce file size with a less stringent need for perfect image quality, we might consider using reSmush.it, a tool that primarily employs lossy compression.

In conclusion, the choice between lossless and lossy compression depends on the specific needs of our project. If preserving picture quality is a top priority, lossless compression, such as that used by Compress JPEG & PNG images, may be the best choice. But, if we need to strike a balance between quality and file size for web use or casual photography, lossy compression with reSmush.it could be the way to go.

Additional Features: CDN and Lazy Loading

When comparing Compress JPEG & PNG images with reSmush.it, it’s essential to consider additional features such as CDN and Lazy Loading. Both of these features can significantly improve site performance and user experience.

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) help distribute your site’s content across multiple servers, allowing users to access it more quickly and efficiently. With a CDN, your images can be served from a server closer to the user, resulting in faster load times.

While Compress JPEG & PNG images doesn’t offer an integrated CDN, it is compatible with popular CDN solutions like Cloudflare and Amazon CloudFront. This compatibility means that if you choose to use this plugin, you can still benefit from a CDN by utilizing a third-party service.

On the other hand, reSmush.it does not come with a built-in CDN either. However, just like the Compress JPEG & PNG images, it can be used in conjunction with CDN services for improved site speeds and performance.

Lazy Loading is another valuable feature that can help optimize your site’s performance. It defers the loading of images until they’re in the user’s viewport, reducing initial page load times and conserving bandwidth.

Although neither Compress JPEG & PNG images nor reSmush.it includes native Lazy Loading functionality, you can easily integrate this feature into your site using additional plugins or performance optimization tools. For example, the popular Smush Image Optimization Plugin offers both image optimization and Lazy Loading features.

In conclusion, while both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it lack built-in CDN and Lazy Loading features, they can be used effectively in conjunction with other tools and services to provide these functionalities. As a site owner, it’s essential to weigh your options and decide which combination of plugins or solutions best suits your specific needs.

Bulk Optimization and Image Libraries

When managing a large number of images on a website, bulk optimization is crucial to save time and conserve resources. Two excellent WordPress image compression plugins for bulk optimization are Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it.

Compress JPEG & PNG images is a handy and easy-to-use optimizer which allows you to reduce the size of your JPEG and PNG image files by up to 70% without any noticeable quality loss. This plugin works locally without going through a server, enabling you to convert and optimize images in real-time instantly.

On the other hand, reSmush.it is a more comprehensive image optimization service used in conjunction with its dedicated WordPress plugin. It provides an option for lossless optimization but also supports varying degrees of lossy compression to further reduce image size when necessary. reSmush.it is easy to use even for beginners and integrates seamlessly into your WordPress media library.

To make the most out of these plugins, you can optimize your images in bulk directly from your WordPress media library. Both plugins integrate well with the media library, allowing you to process multiple images at once. This helps to save time and effort by optimizing all images in one batch, speeding up page load times and improving overall site performance.

In conclusion, both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it are valuable tools for bulk optimization and managing image libraries in WordPress. By integrating these plugins with your WordPress site, you can significantly improve your site’s performance and streamline the management of large media libraries. Remember to consider the specific needs of your website and the desired trade-offs between image quality and file size when choosing the appropriate plugin and compression settings.

Review: Optimizing WooCommerce

When it comes to optimizing WooCommerce for better performance, we know choosing the right image compression plugin is an essential step. In this section, we’ll put two popular image compression plugins, Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it, to the test to see which one works best with WooCommerce.

Compress JPEG & PNG images is a powerful image optimization plugin created by TinyPNG. This plugin works seamlessly with WooCommerce and is designed to automatically compress JPEG and PNG images upon upload. One of the main advantages of using this plugin is its ability to preserve the quality of images while significantly reducing their size. Moreover, it offers bulk optimization, allowing users to easily compress images that were uploaded prior to installing the plugin.

On the other hand, reSmush.it is another popular image compression plugin that is specifically designed for WordPress. Its compatibility with WooCommerce ensures that store owners can optimize their images without any hiccups. Similar to Compress JPEG & PNG images, reSmush.it also offers automatic optimization upon upload and bulk compression for pre-existing images. What sets reSmush.it apart from its counterpart is its easy-to-use slider, giving users full control over image quality and compression levels.

When comparing these two plugins, we consider factors such as ease of use, quality of output images, and compatibility with WooCommerce. While both plugins prove to be user-friendly and offer similar features, it ultimately comes down to users’ preferences and specific requirements.

In conclusion, optimizing your WooCommerce store with image compression plugins such as Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it can significantly improve the overall performance, page load times, and user experience. Whichever plugin you decide to use, always remember that selecting the right tools and staying diligent about image optimization will improve your WooCommerce store’s chances of success.

User Experience and Usability

When it comes to user experience and usability, both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it offer intuitive and straightforward interfaces. Using these plugins, we can ensure that our website visitors have a seamless browsing experience. Let’s explore the features of each plugin that contribute to an enhanced user experience.

Compress JPEG & PNG images, provided by TinyPNG, offers a simple settings page where users can set up automatic compression for newly uploaded images and bulk compress existing images on their WordPress site. The plugin works seamlessly in the background, compressing images without affecting website performance. Furthermore, it integrates with popular page builders such as Gutenberg, Elementor, and Beaver Builder, ensuring compatibility and ease of use across different WordPress themes and setups.

reSmush.it, on the other hand, is a free image optimization plugin that also features an easy-to-use interface. Users can set their desired compression levels and enable features such as auto-optimization for newly uploaded images. One of the main advantages of reSmush.it is its support for multiple image formats, including JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP, allowing users to optimize various types of images on their website. Additionally, reSmush.it offers a bulk optimization feature, enabling users to compress existing images in just a few clicks.

In terms of user-friendliness, both plugins provide clear instructions and guides on their settings pages. These guides help users understand the available options and make informed decisions when configuring the plugins. Moreover, both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it offer extensive documentation and support to address any potential issues or questions that users may have.

In conclusion, both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it contribute to an improved user experience and usability for website owners and visitors alike. By offering easy-to-use interfaces, multiple image format support, and seamless integration with popular page builders, these image optimization plugins help enhance the overall performance and speed of WordPress websites.

Pricing: Cost Effectiveness

When it comes to pricing, these two image optimization plugins offer different plans catering to various needs. Let’s explore the cost-effectiveness of Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it to help you make an informed decision.

Compress JPEG & PNG images offers a pay-as-you-go system. Users can purchase a package based on their image optimization needs. The pricing starts from $0.009 per image for compressing up to 999 images per month, followed by a decreasing price for increasing image quantities. For example, clients who need to compress between 10,000 and 24,999 images per month only pay $0.002 per image. This plugin also provides the first 500 compressions free of charge every month. The detailed pricing can be found on the TinyPNG website.

On the other hand, reSmush.it is a completely free image optimization plugin. Users can optimize an unlimited number of images without any costs. However, it’s important to mention that reSmush.it offers fewer features when compared to Compress JPEG & PNG images, and might not be suitable for users seeking advanced image optimization features.

In conclusion, the pricing of each plugin significantly depends on your requirements and budget. Compress JPEG & PNG images offers more advanced features at a nominal per-image cost with the first 500 compressions per month for free, while reSmush.it is completely free for an unlimited number of images but with fewer features. Consider your needs and compare the pricing of these plugins to determine the most cost-effective option for your image optimization requirements.

SEO Implications

When it comes to image optimization for SEO purposes, choosing between Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it can have significant effects on your website’s performance, google search rankings, and traffic potential. We’ll discuss how these two popular WordPress plugins fare when considering their SEO implications.

Compress JPEG & PNG images, powered by TinyPNG, is a user-friendly plugin that provides efficient and fast compression for both JPEG and PNG image formats source. By reducing the file sizes of images on your website, you can improve loading times, which is an important factor for both user experience and search engine rankings. Faster loading times can lead to better user engagement, lower bounce rates, and increased organic traffic from search engines like Google. Furthermore, Compress JPEG & PNG images also offers handling of PDF files, which is an added benefit for marketing materials and documents integrated into your website.

On the other hand, reSmush.it is a popular image optimization plugin for WordPress that offers a free and simple solution to reduce image file sizes source. It supports a flexible API, compatible with various file formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF and more. The plugin allows for adjustable compression levels, meaning you can balance your images’ quality and file size reduction depending on your specific SEO and marketing goals. reSmush.it can help improve site speed, which, in turn, can boost search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic to your website.

In terms of SEO, both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it can play a crucial role in improving your website’s performance by optimizing image file sizes and loading times. Ultimately, choosing the right plugin for your website depends on your specific needs and goals in terms of image formats, supported file types, and compression preferences. By carefully evaluating each plugin, you can ensure that you’ll adopt a solution that can effectively enhance the SEO potential of your site and contribute to the overall success of your online marketing efforts.

Security and Backups

When it comes to image optimization plugins like Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it, we need to consider not only their performance but also their security features and backup capabilities. Both plugins offer different tools to ensure the security of your WordPress site and protect your visual content.

For the Compress JPEG & PNG images plugin, it automatically handles image optimization on their own servers. This means that your website’s resources are not used during the optimization process, minimizing the risk of your site being compromised. In addition to this, the plugin securely sends your images to their servers using encrypted connections, ensuring the safety of your data during transmission.

On the other hand, reSmush.it offers a hassle-free operation by processing images on their servers, ensuring that your website’s resources remain untouched. This not only helps in security but also in maintaining your site’s speed and performance. However, please note that reSmush.it doesn’t encrypt image data during transmission, which might be a security concern for some users.

In terms of backups, both plugins provide options to store original, unoptimized images before the optimization process takes place. With Compress JPEG & PNG images, you can choose to save the original images in a separate folder on your server. This is extremely helpful if you want to revert to the original, unoptimized image in case of any quality or performance issues.

Similarly, reSmush.it also offers the option to retain original images by storing them in a separate folder. This ensures you always have a backup of your non-optimized images if you need to revert to them or re-optimize them using alternative settings.

In conclusion, both Compress JPEG & PNG images and reSmush.it offer different security and backup features that help you maintain a secure and reliable WordPress site. While their approaches to security and backups may vary, both plugins provide essential tools to protect your data and optimize your images effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I compress images on WordPress?

Yes, compressing images on WordPress is essential for improving website performance, loading times, and user experience. Large, uncompressed images can slow down page load times, which can negatively affect search engine rankings and user engagement. By using image compression tools like reSmush.it and Compress JPEG & PNG images, you can effectively reduce the file size of images while maintaining their quality.

What is the best image optimization plugin for WordPress?

There are several popular image optimization plugins to choose from, including reSmush.it and Compress JPEG & PNG images. Both of these plugins offer user-friendly interfaces, support multiple image formats, and are free to use. The choice between these two plugins depends on your personal preferences, as well as the specific requirements of your WordPress website.

How do I compress already uploaded images in WordPress?

To compress already uploaded images in WordPress, you can use plugins like reSmush.it or Compress JPEG & PNG images. These plugins allow you to optimize existing images on your website in bulk, reducing the file size without sacrificing image quality. Simply install the plugin, follow the setup instructions, and run the image optimization process.

What is compress image size in WordPress?

Compressing image size in WordPress refers to the process of reducing the file size of images without significantly degrading their quality. This is achieved through various techniques, such as lossless and lossy compression, which help reduce the amount of data stored in image files. By compressing image size, you can improve website performance, optimize loading times, and save on storage space and bandwidth costs.

Which image formats can be compressed using plugins?

Popular WordPress image optimization plugins like reSmush.it and Compress JPEG & PNG images support the most common image formats, including JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, and TIF. These plugins are designed to work with these file types and provide efficient compression solutions for your website.

Are there any downsides to using image compression plugins?

The main downside to using image compression plugins is the potential loss of image quality, especially when using lossy compression methods. However, many plugins, like reSmush.it and Compress JPEG & PNG images, provide adjustable settings that allow you to balance image quality and file size reduction. Additionally, using reputable plugins ensures that you maintain control over your images and keep their quality at an acceptable level.