Images in LibGuides: Why, When, and How?
Why include images?
By including images, you create a more visually dynamic LibGuide for users. You can include images for a variety of reasons:
- to create visual interest for decorative reasons
- to add clarity to a complex topic or concept through infographics
- to show off examples of unique or interesting resources
When to include which
Decorative images
Decorative images can be anything from a short and wide banner image at the top of a page, to image icons used to draw attention to content. To write alt text or image descriptions for these images, consider why you chose that specific image and how you think it relates to the rest of the content. This will give those using screen readers a comparable orienting experience as others.
Infographics
Infographics can help make sense of complicated issues within a topic and help students visualize connections between topics. Writing Alt Text for these can be tricky. If the same information is verablly presented elsewhere in the LibGuide, you can rely on that information and just describe the visuals. If its not elsewhere presented the alt text box is where you'll need to include the verabl description of the information
Examples
Why'd you pick it? What is it?
How to adjust
How to add image
You can add pictures in the HTML/Rich Text Editor by clicking on the image icon in the second row of options. That will open the Image Properties window. To upload an image click on the Browse Server button towards the upper right hand corner. This will open another browser window that looks like the screenshot below
How to edit image size and alt text
If you need to adjust the size of an image, or you need to go back in and add alt text, double click on the image in the Rich Text Editor and that will open up the image properties window shown below. If playing with image sizes, remember to click the lock button to maintain the original aspect ratio the same and keep the image from looking too wonky.
Resources to find images
Where to find Images
Two options that are available for use with your IU creditentials are Adobe Stock and Adobe Express
- Adobe Stock: This resources is for premade images like pictures, illustrations, and vector icons
- Adobe Express: This resources is for when you want to make a custom image, banner, or icon
If you prefer non-Adobe options, here are two other places to check out
- Creative Commons Search: You can search in several places at once with a Creative Commons Search. If you find images through here, make sure you're following the image's creative commons license and properly attributing the work to its creator
How to Size
Banners
For banners: Set 850px
This is a banner at 850px
Examples
For examples: Keep the aspect ratio locked, and set the width to between 500-800px. If your example has text, you'll want to test to make sure it's still fully legible on a computer and a mobile screen.
This is an example at 500px
