To upload media in WordPress, click Media > Add New in your dashboard. Drag your files into the upload area, or click Select Files. When the progress bar finishes, your file is in the library.
What you can upload
You can add pictures, PDFs, audio, video and other files to your WordPress website. Common types such as JPG, PNG and GIF all work.
Each site also has a size limit for each upload. The upload screen shows that limit, so check it before you start.
Upload a file in five steps
Start at your dashboard. The menu is on the left side of the screen.
Open the Media menu
Click Media on the left side of the dashboard. Then click Add New.
Add your files
Drag files into the upload area. Or click Select Files and pick them in the window that opens.
Watch the progress bar
A bar shows how much of each file has uploaded. Wait until it is done.
Click Edit
When the upload ends, click Edit. This opens the media editor with the file's details.
Fill in the details
Add a title and alt text. Alt text describes the picture for visitors who cannot see it.
Upload problems and fixes
If your browser has trouble with the multi-file uploader, use the browser uploader link below the upload area. It also works on older browsers.
If WordPress says the file is too large, resize it first. A free tool such as Windows Paint can shrink a photo in seconds.
If WordPress says the file type is not allowed, convert it to a common type such as JPG or PDF.
Good habits for your library
Name your files in plain words before you upload. A name like omaha-office.jpg helps search engines more than IMG0042.jpg.
Resize large pictures first. Small files load sooner, and fast pages keep visitors on your site.
Always fill in the alt text. It helps people who use screen readers, and it helps search engines understand the picture.
You can find every upload later under Media > Library. Click a file there to change its details.
Check your files before you upload
A few seconds of checking saves time later. Open the file and make sure it is the right one. Check that the picture is not sideways or cut off.
Look at the file size. Pictures from a phone or camera can be very large. A web page needs much less, so shrink the picture first.
Upload only what you will use. Extra files fill your hosting space and make the library hard to search.
If you upload many files at once, give them clear names. You will find them faster when you need them in a post or page.
Where uploaded files go
WordPress stores each file on your hosting account. It sorts them into folders by year and month.
Your web hosting plan sets how much space you have. If you fill it up, uploads will fail.
If you need help with Omaha web design or hosting, call Websnoogie at 402-813-4034, or contact us.
Common questions
Where do I find a file after I upload it?
Go to Media > Library in your dashboard. Every uploaded file is listed there.
Why does my upload fail?
The file may be over the size limit, or it may be a type WordPress does not allow. Resize it or convert it to JPG, PNG or PDF and try again.
AboutRod and Tami Atwood
Rod and Tami Atwood and other Websnoogie contributors write the Websnoogie blog. Rod has built websites since 2004 and founded Websnoogie, LLC in Omaha in 2012. Tami is co-owner, content editor and billing expert. Call us at 402-813-4034 or write to staff@websnoogie.com.
