- Consider whether or not an image would add context to your text. It's okay for an image to be used purely for decorative purposes, but don't let your images detract from the text.
- Remember that images are subject to copyright. Consider using things like Google's search for creative commons licensed images or many of the other free, legal image libraries for you to use in your guides.
- On that note, consider whether you need to add citation information to your images.
- Images can link out to external resources. It's best to ask - "Will linking out add to the user's experience?" If so, then go ahead! (Ex. linking a logo image to a vendor's website)
- Crop or resize your images if necessary. Images that have large dimensions tend to be large files - which means it takes longer for them to load.
- Use descriptive file names.
- Bad: asd98yfbjHYWF.jpg
- Good: students-studying.jpg
- Create Folders in your libraries to help you quickly find your images
- Remember that images are saved under your user unless you create them in the shared library. If you think other TLs at your site may wish to use them (e.g. school logos, core-competency triangles, etc.) then consider putting them in the shared folder
Naming conventions
Come up with a naming Convention for All Image Files: PageAbbreviation_BoxAbbreviation_Title
Examples:
- URLS_Guidelines_ExampleURL.png
This makes it much easier to locate your files.
Image formats
Always use PNG for uploading to guides as this is a higher quality, loss-less format that allows for transparency.
Avoid using loss formats like .Jpg