Image Sizes for Websites
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Hi!
I am creating a website, and I would like to know if WordPress has recommended sizes for the images we upload to the media gallery?
I am guessing that what I need is the largest size we need to upload, given that in WordPress I’ll be able to size the large images downward as needed within the website layout.I would like to get started on the right foot, thank you!
Sally
The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
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Hi Sally!
I would like to know if WordPress has recommended sizes for the images we upload to the media gallery? I am guessing that what I need is the largest size we need to upload, given that in WordPress I’ll be able to size the large images downward as needed within the website layout.
That’s a great question with no one simple answer.
I see that you are using the TwentySeventeen Theme – excellent choice! At the bottom to the theme’s information page are quick specifications for pictures/videos used as header images, and i have quoted them here for you:
The recommended Featured Image size is 2000 wide by 1200 high.
The recommended Header Video and Header Image sizes are 2000 wide by 1200 high.Beyond these suggested sizes for those two specific uses, bigger is not necessarily better. Unless you have the Business Plan, there are limitations on storage space in your blog. And large format photos can quickly use up your available space!
Another thing to keep in mind is that beyond a certain point, the human eye cannot tell any difference in the quality of the photo. If you are planning on just having a few photos on your site, you can likely load as big an image as you want.
If you are going to upload lots of photos, then you want to pay some attention to the amount of storage space you have, and how big an image you really need. Managing the image size and quality is known as Image Optimization. Optimizing them so they take up less space is discussed in:
https://en.support.wordpress.com/media/image-optimization/Take a look, and if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!
dave
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Thank you, Dave, for all this great information!
There is a really good chance that I’ll be changing themes. For example, for the purposes of my custom hat website I like the look of the GeneratePress theme. If I am understanding you correctly, it sounds like I need to check each potential theme’s information pages regarding image size requirements before starting the big project of uploading pre-sized hat images?
Although I was hoping for some recommended standards for sizing across themes in WordPress, it sounds like there are real differences between what each theme allows.
And yes, I will have hundreds of images to add to the website, to the pages and sliders, so I’ll be sure to check those size tips for whichever theme I finally go with.
And I’ll check out that link on optimization, I am sure that will be helpful to me as well.
Thanks so much!
Sally -
Hi Sally!
You are welcome! I have been owned by a few horses in my day and you have some excellent photos on your site.it sounds like I need to check each potential theme’s information pages regarding image size requirements before starting the big project of uploading pre-sized hat images?
The image size suggestions are for the Featured and Header images for the pages themselves. You are free to use any size image you want anywhere on your page, though WordPress might crop or resize some images to fit.
I was hoping for some recommended standards for sizing across themes in WordPress
It is always a good idea to check the theme information page to learn about the Theme’s features.
There are no real limitations on images you use in posts. I bring up Image Optimization because, as I mentioned before, large images can take up all the available space in your Media Library. Smaller sized imaged that have been “optimized” allow you to upload more images into the available space.
You do have the option of purchasing additional storage space, or upgrading your plan for additional space.
Before you go much further, i recommend you read the information in the Image Optimization document to help you understand some of the intricacies of sizing and quality.
best,
dave -
Thank you again for all your information, Dave, I’ve got some reading to do!
I have just one more question for you. Do you know if there is a standard nowadays for what an image’s resolution should be? I hear different viewpoints about whether the old standard of 72 dpi (ppi) is still correct, or whether a new standard of 96 dpi (ppi) has taken its place.
I have always created my web photos at 72 dpi, and for print photos at 300 dpiu. From what I am reading, it sounds as if most are saying that 72 dpi is the only image resolution that you can view on your monitor, and that all other images are automatically edited or “translated” into 72 dpi.
Any help is most appreciated, thank you!
Sally -
Hi Sally
I think once you read the Image Optimization document a lot of your questions will be answered!Do you know if there is a standard nowadays for what an image’s resolution should be?
In the end, what the monitor can render is the highest resolution you need be concerned with. But that is a side journey you do not really need to travel. 72 dpi has been the standard for a while now and despite advances in monitor technology, will likely remain the standard until the next big breakthrough.
Like the Image Optimization document discusses, you can save space in your Media Library by using smaller, lower resolution images and no one will notice any difference in the image quality!
best,
dave -
Dave, thank you for your patience and great information today.
You have just confirmed what I read not only in the Image Optimization article you sent me but others that are online as well..72 dpi it is, anything I can do to save valuable Media Library space is a good thing indeed.
Thanks again! ;)
Sally -
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