To add images to a WordPress post, place your cursor where the picture should go and click Add Media or the image block. Pick a picture from your media library or upload a new one. Adjust it, then click Update.
Two ways to add a picture
Adding images is easy. You can upload a new picture from your computer, or pick one you already uploaded. Both ways put the picture into your page or post.
The media library holds every image you have added to your site. You can reuse any of them as often as you like.
Add an image from the media library
Use this when the picture is already on your site.
Open the page or post
Go to Pages > All Pages or Posts > All Posts. Click the title you want to edit.
Place your cursor
Click in the text where you want the picture. The image goes where your cursor sits.
Click Add Media
In the classic editor, click Add Media above the text box. In the block editor, click the plus icon and choose Image.
Open the Media Library tab
WordPress first offers to upload a file. Click the Media Library tab to see all earlier uploads.
Select the picture
Click the image you want. A panel on the right shows its settings.
Set the options
Type the alt text. Choose the alignment and the size, then click Insert into Post.
Preview and publish
Click Preview to see the page. Click Update or Publish to make it live.
Choose size and alignment
Scroll down the right side of the media panel. You will find the options for the picture. They include the size, the alignment and the link.
In many cases, choose align left or align right. The text then wraps around the picture. Center works well for wide images that stand alone.
Upload a new picture instead
If the picture is not on your site yet, click the Upload Files tab. Pick the file from your computer. You can also drag it from your desktop into the editor.
After the upload ends, the new picture also joins your media library. You can then use it on other pages without uploading it again.
Before you upload, resize large photos. Big files make your pages slow. A width of about 1200 pixels is enough for most pages.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is skipping the alt text. Alt text is a short description. It helps visitors who use screen readers, and it helps search engines understand the picture.
Another mistake is placing the cursor in the wrong spot. If the image lands in the wrong place, click it and drag it, or press Ctrl+Z to undo.
Last, do not use a picture you do not have the right to use. Use your own photos or pictures you have paid for.
Need a hand?
If your picture does not show after you update, clear your browser cache and reload. A caching plugin may hold the old page for a short time.
Want us to set up or fix your WordPress website? Call Websnoogie in Omaha at 402-813-4034 any day from 7 am to 10 pm, or contact us.
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.
