Description

By default, adding an image to the WordPress media library requires you to import or upload the image to the WordPress site, which means there must be a copy of the image file stored in the site. This plugin enables you to add an image stored in an external site to the media library by just reading list of remote images using CDN service’s (Cloudinary) API. In this way you can host the images in a dedicated server other than the WordPress site, and still be able to show them by various gallery plugins which only take images from the media library.

The plugin provides a dedicated ‘Media’ -> ‘Import images’ submenu page.

Supported CDN services:
* Cloudinary
(others coming soon)

External Services

This plugin connects to an external service provided by Cloudinary to retrieve and display media assets.

What the service is:

Cloudinary is a cloud-based media management service.
The plugin uses the Cloudinary API to fetch and display remote images and videos.

Why it is used:

The plugin retrieves media assets from Cloudinary instead of storing them locally in WordPress.
This allows centralized media management and delivery via Cloudinary.

When data is sent:

Data is sent only when the user configures the plugin and performs actions such as importing or synchronizing media.

What data is sent:

Cloud name
API key
API secret (used for authenticated requests)
Requests to list media resources

How it works:

The plugin communicates with Cloudinary using REST APIs over HTTPS.
It uses the Cloudinary Admin API to list media resources.
Example endpoint structure: https://api.cloudinary.com/v1_1/{cloud_name}/resources
API requests are authenticated using the API key and API secret.

What is not sent:

No personal user data is transmitted unless explicitly configured by the site administrator.

Documentation and policies:

Support

Support requests, bug reports, feedback, and feature requests can be submitted via the support forum or the plugin’s blog page: Import CDN-Remote Images Plugin.

If you find the plugin useful, please consider leaving a 5-star review. You can also support my work with a donation.

Collaboration

I am a freelance developer available for custom development, integrations, and technical consulting. If you have a project related to this plugin, feel free to get in touch.

Screenshots

Settings Page — Cloudinary
Import Page — Bulk URL
Import Page — Cloudinary
Sample imported image 1
Sample imported image 2

Installation

Upload the plugin files to the /wp-content/plugins/import-cdn-remote-images directory, or install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly.
Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ screen in WordPress.

Usage

After installation you can use the plugin to add external media without import:

Go to setting page of plugin and save required CDN service parameters such as Cloud name, API key, API secret.
Click the ‘Media’ -> ‘Import images’ submenu in the side bar.
Click ‘Update’ button and automatically fill in the URLs of the images you want to add.
Click the ‘Add’ button, the remote images will be added.