Do you like having a large feature photo on your pages or posts?
If so, you’re going to love this!! One of the many cool advantages of the WordPress Thesis theme is the built-in option to add feature images to pages and posts. Obviously, you can just insert your feature image, but then it can be a bit clunky to be entering text around the image, especially if the photo is real large.
There is a better way to do this so your WordPress edit box will no longer be cluttered by a huge image and your feature photo will appear exactly how you want it when viewed by site visitors.
Here’s how to do it!
The simple instructions are to copy your image URL, paste it into the Thesis post image field, and pick your positioning options.
And here’s the detailed instructions…
First, make sure that the Thesis post image field (shown below) is visible in your edit page or edit post. You should see it below the big white edit box. If you don’t see it, click on the WordPress screen options tab in the upper right corner of your WordPress page or post. This is to the left of the WordPress help tab. Within the screen options, add a check mark next to post image and thumbnail. Now scroll down through your edit post or page until you find the post image field and paste your image URL into this field. Also select your positioning options which are pretty self-explanatory.
How to find your image URL?
The easiest way is to click on the upload/insert button that sits on top of the toolbar and copy the image URL. However don’t actually insert your image into to post, otherwise the image will appear twice. You can also go into the media library and get the image URL, but that’s an extra step.
What about resizing the image?
Good news! Thesis will re-size your image so it fills the width of your post or page. And the height of your image will be re-sized also so it is proportionate to the new width. However, if your image is smaller than the width of you post or page content area it will not be enlarged since that would only stretch and distort the image.
What if I want to precisely crop my images? Everything below is for those that want absolute 100% control over the images.
If you have photo editing software such as Photoshop, you might want to precisely crop your feature images before uploading. If that’s the case, you will likely want to know the maximum possible width for your photo. Click on “+ more info” above the post image field and you’ll find the max image pixel width which is based on the content width for your site.
Don’t have photo editing software — not a problem!
If you want to precisely crop your images but don’t have a program like Photoshop, more good news! WordPress has a built-in cropping tool right in the media library. This is fantastic if you just want a part of your image to be featured.
If you want to use this WordPress feature, upload your image directly to the media library and then click on the edit button. This button is right under the image thumbnail. You’ll see a photo editing box that will let you crop your image. Drag your mouse across the image to select the portion of the photo you want to keep. You’ll notice the width and height numbers instantly change in the crop box on the right as you drag your mouse. Once the image is cropped exactly as you want, click on the crop icon which is the one on the left. Then click update media. (see screenshot below)
Now copy and paste the image URL into your post image field.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Does it make any different what photo file type is used such as jpeg, gif, or png?
Really appreciate the visuals too.
JPEGs are best because generally they will load the fastest on your WordPress page. However, if part of the image is transparent and you want to keep the transparency, then the image should be a GIF or PNG.
I definitely prefer using Photoshop to crop and size the image before they are uploaded since it is more precise and has a ton more editing features. Also within Photoshop you can save the image for the web and optimize it for a fast loading time. The entry level Photoshop Elements will even do this and it costs less than $80.