WordPress Media includes images, audio, videos, documents, spreadsheets, and files that are used all over the website. We first have to upload media that takes the server space to store the file and images and then we can insert it anywhere on the website to use it. To see the media library we have to go to the Media >> Library. However, WordPress powers around 39.5% of all websites on the internet as of 2021, according to W3Techs. Given its widespread adoption, it’s safe to assume that the Media Library feature is heavily utilized across millions of WordPress websites worldwide.
In this article, we will discuss All you need to know about the WordPress Media Library. Let’s Get started!
What is WordPress Media Library?
The Media Library Screen gives us the ability to view, delete, and change the media file name and info for uploaded media to the website. We can upload and delete multiple media files at a time. The Media library can be visible in two available modes: lists and grid. We can use the filter option to filter the data between images, documents, videos, spreadsheets, and more. You can find your desired media from the whole list by searching with the name of the media file in the search inbox.
If you have uploaded and installed any theme with its demo data, all of its media should be automatically uploaded and visible in the Media Library of the WordPress Dashboard. You can change that media from there according to your blog or web application.
Upload New Media: To upload a new media file on the website, you’ll find an option from the Media Library section called “Add New”. You have two ways to add a new media after clicking Add New button, either simply drag and drop the file to the Upload section (see image below), or click on Select File to select a file from your local system.
Customize Media Library: At the top of the Media Library, you will find the bar that contains options as View Mode, Filter by item, Filter by date, Bulk Select button, and a Search inbox.
- View Mode: We can toggle between List and Grid through this option. In list mode, items will be shown in the list with details as Select Checkbox, Filename, Author name, Uploaded To, Comments, and Date. In Grid mode, the file will be simply visible as a box.
- Filter by item: We can filter the media content with options like images, audio, video, documents, spreadsheets, archives, unattached, mine, and all media content.
- Filter by date: As the name suggested, you can filter the content by the date. There will be options to choose between each month of the year to filter. Ex: November 2021, December 2021, etc.
- Bulk Select: It is a button that allows the user to select more than one element at a time. After clicking Bulk Select, you will see another option called Delete Permanently. Select elements that you don’t require anyone to free up the space on the server and click on the Delete button.
- Search: You can search the media file with the name of the file. Enter the name of the file and it will automatically start searching for that file with a related keyword.
Media Detail: To see all the detail of the media file, click on that image or file. It will popup a window that shows Edit Image option, and more, shown in the image below:
In the right side of the Attachment Details window, you can see all the details like Uploaded on, Uploaded By, File name, File Type, File size, Dimensions, and more options to edit on.
- Uploaded On: It shows the date on which the file was uploaded on the WordPress server.
- Uploaded By: It shows the name of the author by which the file was uploaded on the WordPress server.
- File Name: It shows the name of the file.
- File type: It helps to identify the file type as in the above image it is showing image/jpeg.
- File size: It shows how much space that file is taking on the server.
- Dimensions: It shows the details of the pixel of the file such as 1080 by 720 pixels.
Apart from that, there are many more options that can be modified by the user for better results and to help website optimization. That options are:
- Alternative Text: It describes the purpose of the image. It is the same as adding the alt attribute in the HTML code of <img> tag.
- Title: You can see and change the title of the image from that option.
- Caption: If you want to add any caption for the image you can do that from this option.
- Description: Add a description of the image for the Media Library file.
- File URL: You will get the URL of the uploaded file from there. You can directly see that image by using the URL in any browser. You will also find a Copy URL to the clipboard button to directly copy the complete URL.
You can see there are a few more options just below all options on the right side. View attachment page, Edit more details and Delete Permanently options.
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Conclusion
The WordPress Media Library is a powerful tool that allows users to manage and organise various types of media files used on their websites. In this article, we explored the functionalities of the WordPress Media Library, including uploading new media, customising the library view, filtering media content, and editing media details. By understanding how to effectively utilise the Media Library, users can efficiently manage their website’s media assets and enhance the overall user experience.
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WordPress Media Library – FAQs
What is the WordPress Media Library, and why is it important for website management?
The WordPress Media Library is a centralised repository for storing and managing media files such as images, videos, audio files, documents, and more. It plays a crucial role in website management by providing users with easy access to their media assets, facilitating content creation and publishing, and enhancing the visual appeal of the website.
How do I access the WordPress Media Library?
To access the WordPress Media Library, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Media >> Library. Here, you can view, upload, edit, and manage your media files.
What are some key features of the WordPress Media Library?
Some key features of the WordPress Media Library include the ability to upload and delete media files, organise files into folders and categories, customise the view mode (list or grid), filter media content by type and date, and edit media details such as title, caption, and description.
How can I upload new media files to the WordPress Media Library?
To upload a new media file to the WordPress Media Library, go to Media >> Add New. From there, you can either drag and drop the file into the upload area or click on the “Select Files” button to choose a file from your local system.
Can I edit the details of media files in the WordPress Media Library?
Yes, you can edit the details of media files in the WordPress Media Library. Simply click on the media file you want to edit, and a popup window will appear with options to edit details such as title, caption, description, alternative text, and more. Additionally, you can view information about the file, such as file type, file size, and dimensions.