Mediapapa Feature
Deletion Warnings are alerts triggered by Mediapapa when you attempt to delete a media file that is still referenced somewhere on your site. They block the deletion and show you exactly where the file is in use, preventing broken references without requiring a manual audit.
How Deletion Warnings work
When you select a file for deletion, Mediapapa checks the usage index for any active references to that file. If references exist — in a post, a widget, an ACF field, a nav menu — Deletion Warnings displays the locations and prevents the deletion from proceeding.
The warning shows you the list of locations where the file is referenced. You can then decide whether to update those references manually, use Safe Replace to redirect them to a different file, or cancel the deletion.
Deletion Warnings vs the trash model
Some plugins (Media Cleaner, WordPress core) use a trash model: files are moved to trash before permanent deletion, and you can restore them if something breaks. Deletion Warnings take a different approach — they prevent the problem before it occurs by checking usage first. You never need to discover broken references after the fact.
Both approaches have tradeoffs. The trash model is more forgiving if the usage scan misses a reference. Deletion Warnings are more proactive if you trust the completeness of the usage index.
Frequently asked questions
Can I override a Deletion Warning?
Yes. Deletion Warnings can be dismissed and the deletion can proceed. The warning is informational — it shows you where the file is used and asks you to confirm. It does not permanently block deletion.
Are Deletion Warnings available in the free version?
Yes. Deletion Warnings are part of Mediapapa Free. The usage index that powers them is also free. Bulk deletion operations require Pro.
Related terms: Usage Index · Safe Replace · Unused Media
Mediapapa Feature
What are Deletion Warnings in Mediapapa?
Deletion Warnings are alerts triggered by Mediapapa when you attempt to delete a media file that is still referenced somewhere on your site. They block the deletion and show you exactly where the file is in use, preventing broken references without requiring a manual audit.
How Deletion Warnings work
When you select a file for deletion, Mediapapa checks the usage index for any active references to that file. If references exist — in a post, a widget, an ACF field, a nav menu — Deletion Warnings displays the locations and prevents the deletion from proceeding.
The warning shows you the list of locations where the file is referenced. You can then decide whether to update those references manually, use Safe Replace to redirect them to a different file, or cancel the deletion.
Deletion Warnings vs the trash model
Some plugins (Media Cleaner, WordPress core) use a trash model: files are moved to trash before permanent deletion, and you can restore them if something breaks. Deletion Warnings take a different approach — they prevent the problem before it occurs by checking usage first. You never need to discover broken references after the fact.
Both approaches have tradeoffs. The trash model is more forgiving if the usage scan misses a reference. Deletion Warnings are more proactive if you trust the completeness of the usage index.
Frequently asked questions
Can I override a Deletion Warning?
Yes. Deletion Warnings can be dismissed and the deletion can proceed. The warning is informational — it shows you where the file is used and asks you to confirm. It does not permanently block deletion.
Are Deletion Warnings available in the free version?
Yes. Deletion Warnings are part of Mediapapa Free. The usage index that powers them is also free. Bulk deletion operations require Pro.
Related terms: Usage Index · Safe Replace · Unused Media
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