Mediapapa Feature
The usage index is Mediapapa’s comprehensive map of where every file in your media library is referenced across your WordPress site. It scans posts, pages, Gutenberg blocks, ACF fields, Elementor widget meta, widget areas, nav menus, theme options and the WordPress options table.
What the usage index scans
Standard content: every post and page is scanned for image IDs and URLs in post content and post meta. This covers Gutenberg block attributes, Classic Editor content, and standard featured image references.
Page builders: Elementor widget data is stored in post meta as serialised JSON. Mediapapa deserialises it and scans for file references. ACF field values — repeaters, galleries, image fields — are scanned recursively.
Global locations: widget areas, nav menus, the WordPress options table and theme customiser settings are all part of the scan. A file used in a global header widget is tracked just as precisely as one used in a single post.
What the usage index enables
The usage index is the foundation for everything else in Mediapapa. Unused media detection — zero references in the index. Deletion Warnings — block deletion if the index shows any reference. Safe Replace — update every reference in the index before removing a file. The accuracy of all three depends on the completeness of the scan.
Frequently asked questions
How often does the usage index update?
The usage index is updated when you run a scan. In Mediapapa Pro, you can schedule automatic rescanning at regular intervals. In the free version, scans are triggered manually. New uploads are indexed on upload.
Can the usage index miss a reference?
The index covers every context Mediapapa scans. If a reference is stored in a custom plugin’s own table outside of wp_postmeta or wp_posts, it will not be in the index. The Help Centre lists exactly what is scanned in each version. Running a full scan before any bulk deletion is always recommended.
Related terms: Deletion Warnings · Safe Replace · Unused Media · Unattached Media
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