Title: Image IDs differ after syncronization
Last modified: March 7, 2022

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# Image IDs differ after syncronization

 *  [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/)
 * (@elarpa)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/)
 * On my multisite installation I get different image IDs….
 * My problem is that although everything is syncronized (with Media Sync) between
   all the subsites, new images get different image IDs on each subsite, which makes
   it impossible to copy posts from site to site….
 * Does anyone know how to get the same image IDs for new images across subsites?

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 15 total)

 *  Plugin Author [erolsk8](https://wordpress.org/support/users/erolsk8/)
 * (@erolsk8)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15438224)
 * I guess that by “same image IDs” you mean that `wp_<site-id>_posts.ID` would 
   be the same between multiple sites. And that’s an interesting question.
 * But to understand it better, I’d have some questions:
    1. Do you first access
   one subsite and use Media Sync, then open another subsite and use Media Sync 
   on same images but in a different folder, so effectively different images? Because
   each subsite only sees their own images… 2. Do you need those image IDs to be
   some specific ID or any ID as long as it’s same across all subsites?
 * What I can tell you now is that **this plugin does not set any specific ID** (
   it’s just auto-incremented) since it uses the same function that’s used by WP
   Media Library when a new file is uploaded:
    [https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/functions/wp_insert_attachment/](https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/functions/wp_insert_attachment/)
 * And in that documentation, I just found this:
 * > If you set the ‘ID’ in the $args parameter, it will mean that you are updating
   > and attempt to update the attachment.
 * So it should be possible to force a specific ID, I’m just not sure **how to figure
   out which ID to use**. All we know (from this plugin’s perspective) is a file
   name, file path, and maybe some metadata from the file itself.
 * I could create a filter hook ([https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/hooks/filters/](https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/hooks/filters/))
   which would allow customizing `wp_posts.ID` (or basically whole `$args` parameter
   passed to `wp_insert_attachment` function) for each image that’s being processed.
    -  This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by [erolsk8](https://wordpress.org/support/users/erolsk8/).
 *  Thread Starter [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/)
 * (@elarpa)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15438583)
 * Hi erolsk8,
 * Thank you very much for your detailed answer. Respect!
 * By image ID I mean “wp-image-38263” that is being inserted into posts. Example:
   NEW POST>ADD MEDIA>UPLOAD FILES>SELECT FILES>OPEN>INSERT INTO POST:
    `<img src
   ="https://autentical.nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/Vampire_Anarchistica_90_Autentical.
   png" alt="" width="209" height="81" />`
 * Why? Because when I import or copy posts from one subsite to another subsite 
   all images are copied with that number (not with the URL). So when they do not
   co-incide between sites I get different images (or no images) on the copied posts.
   That is my problem because I copy and import a lot of posts between subsites.
 * All my subsites use the same folder for image files, so they have exactly the
   same image files available. E.g. Autentical.nl is subsite 46, but as you can 
   see from the above link it links to the image file of subsite 42 – just like 
   all the other subsites.
 * So I use Media Sync individually on each of the sites, so that they import any
   image from /wp-content/uploads/sites/42/ into the individual media library of
   each subsite. In theory they should all have the same number of images in the
   media library and they should all asign the same number to the next new image
   inserted. But they dont!
 * After syncronizing all subsites (with Media Sync) I get these numbers when inserting
   a new image:
    Autentical.com: wp-image-37915 Autentical.de : wp-image-38222 Autentical.
   nl: wp-image-38266 Autentical.it: wp-image-38158 Autentical.dk: wp-image-37953
   Autentical.es: wp-image-36904
 * And this means that I cannot copy or import anything without loosing the images….
 * I guess it could be interesting to force a specific number, e.g. starting all
   sites from wp-image-40000 and counting from there (instead of counting from the
   present different numbers).
 * I just realized now while writing this that new posts get IDs in the same range,
   e.g. post=38281. That explains why Media Sync is not enough to align IDs. The
   different number of posts make up the difference…. That is why!
 * But is there a way to easily force the count to start from e.g. 40000 ?
 * Thanks again for your effort. Much appreciated.
 * /Michael
    -  This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/).
 *  Plugin Author [erolsk8](https://wordpress.org/support/users/erolsk8/)
 * (@erolsk8)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15438882)
 * Oh, I see. But this would require taking a closer look, as I don’t see an easy
   solution right now. I’ll try to figure it out (during the weekend maybe), though
   I can’t promise it 100%.
 * So if anyone sees this, please feel free to jump in and help 🙂
 * It’s all laid out explained nicely, thank you for that.
 * Erol
 *  Thread Starter [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/)
 * (@elarpa)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15458763)
 * I found this little code:
 *     ```
       global $post; 
       $post = get_post( $ID, OBJECT );
       setup_postdata( $post );
   
       //Do something
   
       wp_reset_postdata();
       ```
   
 * Might I just change the second line? e.g.:
 *     ```
       global $post; 
       $post = 40000;
       setup_postdata( $post );
       ```
   
 * And where to insert it? In custom CSS ?
 *  Plugin Author [erolsk8](https://wordpress.org/support/users/erolsk8/)
 * (@erolsk8)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15458784)
 * Oh no, that is PHP code, so it shouldn’t go with CSS, and unfortunately, it is
   not really correct, so that wouldn’t work for sure 🙂
 * I’ve been trying to figure out some proper solution for this just now. But it’s
   not so simple. I mean, forcing that ID to be the same might work, but it’s too
   hacky, it might cause some strange behavior or just increase IDs too much, so
   it’s not a stable solution in my opinion.
 * Though I wanted to ask – how do you copy posts from one subsite to another? I
   think that all of this should be handled at that moment.
 *  Thread Starter [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/)
 * (@elarpa)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15459552)
 * Mainly I use a Python3 import function on each of the subsites (to import from
   a 3rd party website). And if the post-IDs are not alike then the imported pictures(
   in a shared media folder) won’t show. I also have a post copy function, but that
   gives the same result.
 * I have tried to get the post-ID to the same level on two sites – and then the
   import works. But it was hard enough to get it up to same level op two sites –
   leave alone trying to get all 7 sites aligned…
 * Media Sync has worked just fine to get all the libraries syncronized, but it 
   doesn’t syncronize the post-IDs – and therefore the pictures only show on the
   1st import – not on the others…
 *  Plugin Contributor [Simon Kane](https://wordpress.org/support/users/simonkane/)
 * (@simonkane)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15462105)
 * As erolsk8 no doubt also suspected, that’s VERY custom code doing that.
    Actual
   WordPress work (core, plugin, and custom) is always done in PhP for various reasons.
 * In any event, WordPress does not support post_id synchronization across sites(
   separate or multi-site), alsoo for various reasons – some of which you are encountering.
   Note also that media objects are also “posts”, along with several other things
   in WP and it’s various enhancements (eg. WooCommerce).
 * I do not know why you want/need to duplicate content across multiple sites, but
   I suspect this issue will only become a larger problem over time.
 * If it helps and is eCommerce (at least if it’s Woo), there are many supported(
   by plugin providers) ways to sync-up multiple online stores.
 *  Plugin Author [erolsk8](https://wordpress.org/support/users/erolsk8/)
 * (@erolsk8)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15462285)
 * I see, and this python function is probably useful because it imports from some**
   external website**. So maybe it should be used **only once** (maybe even on some
   subsite that isn’t published) and then to use some WordPress-friendly tools to
   copy that content to all other subsites.
 * For example, I just tried using default WordPress Import/Export tools (to copy
   post from one multsite site to another) and images are also copied properly without
   any issues. And there are probably various plugins to help with this.
 * Or if this doesn’t work, maybe you can find WordPress developer (e.g. on [https://www.upwork.com/](https://www.upwork.com/))
   to come up with some custom solution.
 * And just to follow up on what Simon said – WordPress saves pages, posts, post
   drafts, revision, images, and soo many other things in one single database table(
   called `wp_posts`). Therefore this `ID` we’re talking about can be ID of image,
   ID of post, etc. So forcing some specific ID is really sensitive. Just imagine
   for example some other changes happening on the website (which update this table
   and create new IDs) while this import (with specific ID) is in process… It can
   create too much mess that will be impossible to clean up.
 * I hope I didn’t discourage you too much, so if you have any other questions or
   ideas just let me know 🙂
 *  Thread Starter [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/)
 * (@elarpa)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15462393)
 * Thanks for your input, both of you.
 * I have in fact been using a WordPress copy tool, but it copies the IDs of the
   pictures and therefore does not get the right pictures along. Hence the need 
   to align IDs.
 * As per your suggestion I have now also tried the build-in import/export function
   and it does the same: It imports the image IDs with the result that all the wrong
   images are presented on the posts.
 * I don’t understand how you could import without any issues… I do not get the 
   right pictures when using the export/import function. Maybe because the image
   ID are already in use on that subsite. But I have also tried where the IDs are
   not in use – then they just get imported without images (empty image boxes)…
 * I guess I will have to try to find a developer. Thanks again for your input and
   suggestions.
 *  Plugin Author [erolsk8](https://wordpress.org/support/users/erolsk8/)
 * (@erolsk8)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15463453)
 * > I don’t understand how you could import without any issues… I do not get the
   > right pictures when using the export/import function. Maybe because the image
   > ID are already in use on that subsite.
 * Maybe because I imported it from “Main” subsite:
    [https://pasteboard.co/NBV302Rzbi2X.png](https://pasteboard.co/NBV302Rzbi2X.png)
 * This is how content ends up looking (so image HTML is exactly the same and it’s
   not nested under subsite):
    [https://pasteboard.co/5zce9PZolk1l.png](https://pasteboard.co/5zce9PZolk1l.png)
 *  Thread Starter [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/)
 * (@elarpa)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15463510)
 * Thanks.
 * I see now it it because you copy ‘normal’ posts with inserted images.
    I copy
   pages constructed with “Page Builder” where the images are inserted in a different
   way (I am not sure how).
 *  Thread Starter [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/)
 * (@elarpa)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15463915)
 * Erolsk8:
 * Is it possible to make the Media Sync plugin syncronize all (or selected) subsites
   at once?
 * And/or is it possible to schedule frequent syncronizations, e.g. once a day or
   once a week?
 * I mean instead of entering 7 different subsites to start the syncronization frequently.
 * Thanks for leting me know.
    /Michael
 *  Plugin Author [erolsk8](https://wordpress.org/support/users/erolsk8/)
 * (@erolsk8)
 * [4 years, 2 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15464088)
 * > I see now it it because you copy ‘normal’ posts with inserted images.
   >  I copy
   > pages constructed with “Page Builder” where the images are inserted in a different
   > way (I am not sure how).
 * It should be the same for pages (I used default “Page Builder”). But I’m not 
   sure, maybe there is a different way to add images.
 * > Is it possible to make the Media Sync plugin syncronize all (or selected) subsites
   > at once?
 * No, you need to enter a specific subsite. That’s done intentionally in order 
   to follow how WordPress (Media Library) works by default. Though I’ll think about
   adding such feature. I just need to make sure it doesn’t cause some unexpected
   mess in the database.
 * > And/or is it possible to schedule frequent syncronizations, e.g. once a day
   > or once a week?
 * Unfortunately no, but someone else already expressed the need for this, so I 
   hope I’ll find some time to create such functionality.
 * Thanks for the feedback.
 * Erol
 *  Thread Starter [elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/)
 * (@elarpa)
 * [3 years, 11 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15769514)
 * Hi Erol,
 * I am still trying to solve this issue…
 * But I have run into a problem: The ‘Media Sync’ stops after scanning – and I 
   have to click ‘Import selected’ manually.
 * Is it possible to avoid this stop and make it all-in-one process (e.g. scan, 
   mark all, mark ‘default’ and import in one go)?
 * Thank you for your help.
    Kind regards, Michael
 *  Plugin Author [erolsk8](https://wordpress.org/support/users/erolsk8/)
 * (@erolsk8)
 * [3 years, 11 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/image-ids-differ-after-syncronization/#post-15769689)
 * Hi [@elarpa](https://wordpress.org/support/users/elarpa/), I don’t think that’s
   possible at the moment. It’s intentionally multi-step manual process, to reduce
   the possibility of people messing up their database.
 * But I have some plans to simplify it or even automate it with scheduled imports
   for advanced users. I just don’t know when will I find time for that and it would
   probably be paid extension.
 * Erol

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