Create a slideshow

Use the Slideshow block to display multiple images in sequential order with transition effects. In this guide, you will learn how to add a slideshow and add images to your slideshow.

To add a slideshow to your site, follow these steps:

1. Go to your site’s dashboard.
2. Depending on where you want to add the slideshow, navigate to a page, post, or template and edit or create a new:
   • Page: Navigate to the Pages section of your menu.
   • Post: Navigate to the Posts section of your menu.
   • Template: Navigate to Appearance → Editor and select the template.
3. Click the + block inserter (plus icon) and search for “Slideshow”.
4. In the results, click the Slideshow block to insert it.
5. Select one of the following options to add images to your slideshow:
   • Upload: Select images from your device to upload to your site. See supported file types.
   • Select Images: Select from one of the following options:
     • Media Library: Select images you’ve already uploaded to your site.
     • Your phone: Add images from your phone using the Jetpack mobile app.
     • Google Photos.
     • Pexels Free Photo Library.
     • Openverse Free Images.
   • Generate with AI: generate an image using AI by describing what you want. 
6. Click “Save“ or “Publish” in the top-right to apply your changes.

To add more images to an existing slideshow, follow these steps:

1. Click the Slideshow block you want to edit.
2. In the block toolbar, click the “Edit” option.
3. Select the “Add to gallery” link and choose from the two tabs:
   • Media Library: Select images you’ve already uploaded to your site.
   • Upload files: Select images from your device to upload to your site. See supported file types.
4. Click the “Add to Gallery” button.
5. Click the “Update Gallery” button.
6. Click “Save“ or “Publish” in the top-right to apply your changes.

To change the order of images in your slideshow:

1. Click the Slideshow block you want to edit.
2. In the block toolbar, click the “Edit” option.
3. Click and drag any image thumbnail to a new position in the sequence. Images will appear in your slideshow in the order shown from left to right.
4. Once you’re satisfied with the new order, click “Update Gallery“.
5. Click “Save” or “Publish” to apply your changes.

The Slideshow block displays your images in their original dimensions. If you want your slideshow images to all be the same size, here are some suggestions:

• Before uploading, crop all images to the same dimensions (such as 1280px × 720px).
• Choose a consistent aspect ratio for all images (16:9, 4:3, or 1:1 square).
• If you don’t have a preferred image editing software, there are free tools you can explore.

Tip: For slideshows, dimensions around 1280px wide and 720px high work well, providing a good balance between quality and performance.

To add new captions or modify existing ones in your slideshow, follow these steps:

1. Click the Slideshow block you want to edit.
2. In the block toolbar, click the “Edit” option.
3. Enter your caption in the text field below each thumbnail.
   • You can also add alternative text using the “Attachment details” section on the right.

4. Click the “Update Gallery” button.
5. Click “Save“ or “Publish” in the top-right to apply your changes.

Captions added in the Media Library automatically appear when inserting a new image. Captions added to the Media Library will not appear on previously added images. Manually add the caption, or re-insert the image.