In the video below, we explain how you can add images to your topics or articles. Please note, updates have been made to the Image Editor since this video was created:
How can I add images?
In the +Content box in any topic or article you will see an IMAGE element. When you add an image element you will be prompted to upload an image from your computer or select an image from our image library.
Note: An alternative option for including interactive images in your courses is to use the Hotspot element. Hotspot images allow you to overlay images with labelled markers for explorers to click on.
Uploading your own images
If you upload an image, we recommend keeping the file size as small as possible. Each image should be around 50-100kb (and no larger than 5mb).
Images are automatically resized to fit, but you can instantly see how your images look onscreen to confirm its size. We support PNGs with transparent backgrounds and animated GIF files, as well as standard JPGs.
Importing images from our image library
Alternatively, you can select our image library and then search for suitable images. There are almost 2,000,000 different images in our library. Just enter a search term, review the options and import your image.
Image descriptions and captions
After selecting an image from our library or your computer, you can optionally add a description and caption.
Descriptions: Describe the image for visually-impaired explorers, enabling them to hear the description with their screen reader.
Captions: Provide a caption to be displayed beside the image or as an overlay, then specify the caption location, position and background (if applicable).
Caption location: Choose to display your capture beside the image or as an overlay.
- Beside: Specify if you want the caption to appear below, above, left or right of the image.
- Overlay: Specify if you want the caption to appear as an overlay at the bottom (Below), top (Above), covering the image (Cover), or to the left or right of the image.
Caption position: When you select left or right as the location for your caption, you can also specify how much of the image element should be taken by the caption or how much of the image itself should include the caption overlay (25% or 50%). We recommend using a 50/50 split for smaller images or longer captions.
Caption background: For overlay captions, you have the option of a light or dark background, or you can select no background (None). We recommend editing the colour of the text to suit the selected background. For example, for a dark background, change the text colour to white.
To see how different caption configurations appear, please refer to the examples below.
Note: When adding captions to images, you have the option to edit the appearance of the text. For example, the font type, size and colour. We recommend changing the font colour to suit whether your overlay caption background is dark, light, or when you choose to have no background.
Editing your images
Whether you upload your own image or import an image from our library, you can edit your image online too. Click here to learn more about our image editor (to crop, annotate, filter, add frames, and much more).
Tips on using images
Images should be used to explain or demonstrate knowledge but can also be used to add something interesting or colourful to your topic.
Try to use images to...
Provide a flowchart or visual representation of your knowledge.
Present a table.
Display a picture of a tool.
Provide examples or variations.
Show a graphical representation of your knowledge.
Break up points with lots of text.
If you use images as a way to break up points, we recommend cropping your image using the 'Header' ratio available when you click 'Crop shape' in our image editor. This crop ratio is very suitable for header images.
Examples
Captions beside images:
You can add captions to your images with the choice of positioning them below, above or to the left or right of your image.
Below
Above
Left 25%
Right 50%
Overlay captions:
You can add captions as an overlay to your images with the choice of positioning them at the bottom (Below), top (Above), as a cover, or on the left or right side of the image with a light, dark, or no background colour.
Below (light background)
Above (no background)
Cover (light background)
Left 50% (light background)
Right 25% (dark background)
Image cropping:
You can use the image editor to crop images to the shape which best suits your requirements. For example, we recommend the "header" crop for decorative images. Other pre-set shapes include "portrait" crop.
Header crop
Portrait crop
Image descriptions for screen readers:
You can also write a description of the image to be read aloud by screen readers.