wajo
05-27-07, 12:19 PM
How To Insert an Image in Your Post
Updated 12/9/11 - Since 2007, this procedure has described only the Image Host method of inserting full-size pics in a post using the forum's tags. Now, this procedure describes two methods for inserting images in your posts:
Jump to:
Attach File - Standard or Modified.
Image Host.
The Attach File method inserts up to 5 images, represented by small thumbnails, in your post. The "Standard" option places thumbnails in-line in an "Attached Thumbnails" box at the bottom of your post. The "Modified" option places the thumbnails wherever you want them to be in your post. With both options: (1) the reader must click each thumbnail, one at a time, to view each full-size pic; (2) there's no way for the reader to see all your full-size images at once; (3) you can't copy the text and paste it in another post because the images are linked to the original post and only that post.
The Image Host method places as many full-size images as you want directly in your post, no clicking reqd, like the images I've used below to show the Manage Attachments menu. Since you're in control with this method, you can stack your pics vertically or, if they're small enough, side-by-side and show the reader all your images at once with no reader action reqd. Since all images are coming from an external host and embedded in your post with [IMG] tags, you can copy all the text or any portion, like one of the tagged image links, and post it elsewhere in AVS, with embedded image intact.
Attach File
Scroll down from your New Thread, Reply or Edit post window to Additional Options > Attach Files and click on Manage Attachments.
If Editing, you must be in Advanced mode ("Go Advanced" button), where you'll see this menu (split here to save space):
[IMG]http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r290/wabjxo/ManageAttachments-3.jpg http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r290/wabjxo/ManageAttachmentKey-4.jpg
Select files from computer or URLs from web or your image host.
Max. of 5 items total. Note list of file types and allowed sizes in the Attachment Key. Use top buttons to select files from computer and text entry boxes to enter image URLs. The URLs could be anything from the web or Direct Links (no tags) from your Image Host described below.
Click the Upload button (just one button if you have items in each category).
Uploading takes a little time depending on how big the file(s) are.
Click the "Close this window" link at top of menu or button at bottom.
If your 1st upload was less than 5 items and didn't fill up either of the 3 file or URL boxes, you'll be taken back to the Attach Files section of your post with a list of your uploaded files under "Current Attachments." Otherwise, the Upload menu will reappear for more entries and another click on "Close this window."
Select one of the following options for how your image thumbnails will appear.
Standard - In-line in "Attached Thumbnails" box at bottom of post.
If you like this option, you're almost done. Go to Step 6.
Modified - Anyplace in post.
If you like this option, place your cursor where you want an image to appear, click the paper clip at top of post, and select an image in the drop-down list. That image I.D.# will be placed in your post window, between tags, and will be seen by readers there, NOT at the bottom of your post. This makes for easier ref. with text close to or conjoined with images rather than having the images all at the very bottom of the post, where you have to tell the reader which image you're referring to (#1, #2, etc.)... esp. inconvenient when your post is LONG. :eek:
Here are three variations on image placement and annotation.
a - In-line with Text
Images in line with text: 230358 Here's a pic of what I'm talking about: 230359 This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text.
b - Above-and-Below
Inline images with text above-and-below, which allows lots of text and easy ref. to specific images. Images can be butted against each other (left) OR max. 1 space apart plus I.D. (right). Lines can also be butted or spaced apart as desired.
230361230362 OR #1> 230361 #2> 230362
Above-and-below allows lots of text w/o looking odd. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text.
c - In Table
Here are the same three images in a where you can put image I.D. above or below each pic (both shown here). If text gets too long, you'll create some ugly table cells. You also can't put text on more than 1 line cuz each Return/new para. creates a new table row... and a complete mess!
[TABLE]Image #1|Image #2|Image #3|
230361 | 230362 | [ATTACH]230363
Image #1 | Image #2 | Image #3
* * * * * * *
AFAIK, you can't use the [ATTACH] tags to insert images directly, either thumbnails or full-size, w/o the Manage Attachments menu. For direct-insert, you have to use the [IMG] tags and Image Host as described below.
When all done, click the normal Preview/Submit/Save button, as appropriate.
Remove or replace images as desired.
If you want to change your mind on the attachment list before you Submit or Save, click Manage Attachments again. That will open the Manage Attachments menu with a "Remove" option where you can delete one or more images, then Upload diff. images, if desired.
If you want to add, remove or replace images after posting, click Edit > Go Advanced below your post, then click on Manage Attachments, where you'll have the same options. The "Go Advanced" option might appear after clicking Edit, which means you're not in Advanced mode with Preview and Additional Options, like Manage Attachments, available.
Once images are posted with either option, you can Edit the post as often as you want, but you can't copy the text and paste in another post because that breaks the links you established... you'd have to delete the ATTACH/image code(s) and Upload again.
Go back to list.
* * * * * * *
Image Host
This procedure describes how to insert FULL-SIZE images directly in your AVS post, like the Manage Attachments menus above, using a free, outside, image-hosting website. You can place these images wherever you place your cursor.
At first glance, this procedure may seem long and complicated, but there are only four simple steps to start posting your images:
1. Set up free account at image-hosting website.
2. Upload pics to host site.
3. Copy the URL (web address) for your pic.
4. Paste URL in your AVS post between [IMG] tags.
This procedure describes the four easy steps and provides additional info, but once you paste your first pic, you won't need any procedure to remind you...it's really very easy.
1. SET UP FREE ACCOUNT AT IMAGE-HOSTING WEBSITE
To insert an image directly in a post, you first have to set up a free account on an image-hosting website. Luckily, there are many of those sites, such as photobucket.com, imageshack.us, freeimagehosting.net, AOL, your ISP, and many others. Google "image host" to find one you like.
During account setup, a good hosting site will ask if you want your pics/albums to be "Public" and viewable by anyone or if you want them restricted somehow. Choose "Public," "share with anyone," "view by anyone," or similar option so they can be viewed wherever you link to them. A good site will also allow you to set up "secure" albums for pics you want to limit to certain people, or to no one but you. Just make sure you upload pics to the right album...could be embarrassing.
Caution: People will be able to see your link text by right-clicking on the image and checking "Properties." Since that text will have your user/album name, you might want to use a screen-name rather than your real name when setting up your host account? :D
2. UPLOAD PICS TO HOST SITE
Once you've set up a free account at a host site, use its "UPLOAD" feature to place your .jpg, .gif, or .png pics in your "albums."
Warning: If you use your personal or business website as your host, be aware that pictures you post will give others a path (URL) to the "insides" of that website, from which they could "explore" other things you or others have posted there depending on the "snoop's" expertise. For such sites, you can either: (1) make sure your other folders and files are "restricted" (need password, etc. to view), or (2) make sure you don't post anything, anywhere in the website, that you really don't want others to see.
3. COPY THE URL (WEB ADDRESS) FOR YOUR PIC
When you are ready to paste a pic in an AVS post, go to your host site and copy the URL for that image, which is text that describes its address on the web, i.e. "your host site/your acct/picture.jpg."
If using photobucket.com (their procedure may change, other sites are similar):
Log in to your album.
Move cursor over the thumbnail (small pic) you want to copy, which drops down a set of text boxes below. Move cursor down to one of the two following boxes and either left-click it and it will auto-copy that URL text or, if that isn't working (often), highlight the text block with a left-click then Copy with right click/select, etc.:
a. Direct Link -- this is one URL you can use but it requires also using the Insert Image icon in the AVS post window. It's also the one to use with the Attach Files method described above.
b. IMG Code -- Same as Direct Link above, except it's easier to use since it already includes the [IMG] tags you'll need so you won't have to click the Insert Image icon. If you use this URL and also click the Insert Image icon, you'll end up with double [IMG] tags. Your link will show up properly, but it'll have an extra set of [IMG] tags that show on screen.
Common Mistake #1: Don't copy a link identified as being for "Email," "IM" or "HTML." An HTML Code will start with <a href and end with another >. These codes are for other purposes and not readable by AVS Forum's posting software.
Common Mistake #2: In some image-hosting sites, people often mistakenly copy the URL for the thumb or thumbnail rather than the full-size pic it represents. Make sure whatever URL you copy DOES NOT have a "th" or "thumb" or "thumbnail" in the text... it usually appears at the end, just before the file extension (.jpg, .gif or .png).
Tip: For pics you use often (once they are on the host site), you don't need to go to your host site to copy the URL. Just paste the URL text one time in a document on your computer, then you can copy that text much more quickly. There's no "magic" in the URL copied from a host website vs. the same text copied from a personal document; it just has to be plain text in the structure/format of a typical URL link ("http://...").
4. PASTE THE URL IN YOUR AVS POST BETWEEN [IMG] and TAGS
There are two ways to insert/paste the URL for your images in the AVS post window, depending on which URL you copied from your album.
a. If you copied "Direct Link": Click the "Insert Image" icon above the AVS post window, then immediately paste (Ctrl+V) the copied URL in the "Script Prompt" box, over the already highlighted "http://" in the box. You don't need to put your cursor in the box or delete the highlighted "http://"...pasting will replace that highlighted text. Then click OK.
b. If you copied "IMG Code": Since this URL already has the required and tags front and back, just paste (Ctrl+V) the copied URL in a blank area of your post. You don't need to use the Insert Image icon.
Whichever method you use, you should end up with an tag at the front of the URL, and a slash tag at the end. The tags tell the viewer's browser to display the image residing at the web address (URL) that you insert between the tags, like [IMG]your host site/your acct/picture.jpg. (The slash is a universal "end" command for an instruction.)
Important: There should be NO space between the [IMG] tags and the URL text and NO space inside the brackets.
ANOTHER METHOD FOR LINKING
You can also link to your pics, or other peoples' pics in other sites, by right-clicking on the full-size pic (not a small thumbnail). Click Properties at the bottom of the window that pops up, then copy the "Address: (URL)" for that pic, which should start with "http" and end with jpg, gif or png, then paste it as described above.
You can only use this "Properties/Copy URL" method on other peoples' websites that allow open and direct links to their pics...some do and some don't...depends on the website design and security. (Make sure you give proper credit to the site for a pic that's not yours....copyright laws apply.)
One common mistake is copying a "HTML Tag" (see above), which doesn't start with "http" and end with jpg, gif or png. If you see a link with "extra" text in front or behind, sometimes it works to copy all the text, then cut the "extra" parts.
Always a good idea to "Preview" links that you make to pics in another person's or company's website and, again, make sure you credit the other site.
SIZING YOUR IMAGES
Best to size your images/pics to make them draw on screen quickly for the many people who still use dial-up. Some host sites allow you to size your images/pics once they're uploaded. I like to size my pics before uploading to the host.
Either way, a good starting point is 320 PIXELS WIDE and "proportional" (which sets the length proportional to your specified width). 320 pixels wide is a 50% reduction in a typical 640 x 480 pic that many applications produce as their default size.
Experiment with dimensions, etc. and you'll find what works best for you and the AVS post window. The goal should be to keep pics small enough to see well but not take "forever" to draw on a dial-up user's screen -- a pic that fills the entire AVS post window can take a minute or more to draw and some people won't wait that long to see your "masterpiece."
Some approx. image-sizing refs (W x L) and screen-draw time @52Kbps dial-up speed (close to max. dial-up speed, many people have slower speeds):
150 x 128 pixels.......1-1/2" x 1-1/4"......filesize 3.5KB.....pops right up
472 x 375 pixels.......4-1/2" x 3-1/2"......filesize 33KB.......6 sec to draw
800 x 534 pixels.......7-1/2" x 5"............filesize 240KB....55 sec to draw
1092 x 615 pixels...10-1/4" x 5-1/2".......filesize 309KB....65 sec to draw
I hope this helps...explaining all this is a lot harder than actually doing it! :)
Good luck!
Go back to list.
Updated 12/9/11 - Since 2007, this procedure has described only the Image Host method of inserting full-size pics in a post using the forum's tags. Now, this procedure describes two methods for inserting images in your posts:
Jump to:
Attach File - Standard or Modified.
Image Host.
The Attach File method inserts up to 5 images, represented by small thumbnails, in your post. The "Standard" option places thumbnails in-line in an "Attached Thumbnails" box at the bottom of your post. The "Modified" option places the thumbnails wherever you want them to be in your post. With both options: (1) the reader must click each thumbnail, one at a time, to view each full-size pic; (2) there's no way for the reader to see all your full-size images at once; (3) you can't copy the text and paste it in another post because the images are linked to the original post and only that post.
The Image Host method places as many full-size images as you want directly in your post, no clicking reqd, like the images I've used below to show the Manage Attachments menu. Since you're in control with this method, you can stack your pics vertically or, if they're small enough, side-by-side and show the reader all your images at once with no reader action reqd. Since all images are coming from an external host and embedded in your post with [IMG] tags, you can copy all the text or any portion, like one of the tagged image links, and post it elsewhere in AVS, with embedded image intact.
Attach File
Scroll down from your New Thread, Reply or Edit post window to Additional Options > Attach Files and click on Manage Attachments.
If Editing, you must be in Advanced mode ("Go Advanced" button), where you'll see this menu (split here to save space):
[IMG]http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r290/wabjxo/ManageAttachments-3.jpg http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r290/wabjxo/ManageAttachmentKey-4.jpg
Select files from computer or URLs from web or your image host.
Max. of 5 items total. Note list of file types and allowed sizes in the Attachment Key. Use top buttons to select files from computer and text entry boxes to enter image URLs. The URLs could be anything from the web or Direct Links (no tags) from your Image Host described below.
Click the Upload button (just one button if you have items in each category).
Uploading takes a little time depending on how big the file(s) are.
Click the "Close this window" link at top of menu or button at bottom.
If your 1st upload was less than 5 items and didn't fill up either of the 3 file or URL boxes, you'll be taken back to the Attach Files section of your post with a list of your uploaded files under "Current Attachments." Otherwise, the Upload menu will reappear for more entries and another click on "Close this window."
Select one of the following options for how your image thumbnails will appear.
Standard - In-line in "Attached Thumbnails" box at bottom of post.
If you like this option, you're almost done. Go to Step 6.
Modified - Anyplace in post.
If you like this option, place your cursor where you want an image to appear, click the paper clip at top of post, and select an image in the drop-down list. That image I.D.# will be placed in your post window, between tags, and will be seen by readers there, NOT at the bottom of your post. This makes for easier ref. with text close to or conjoined with images rather than having the images all at the very bottom of the post, where you have to tell the reader which image you're referring to (#1, #2, etc.)... esp. inconvenient when your post is LONG. :eek:
Here are three variations on image placement and annotation.
a - In-line with Text
Images in line with text: 230358 Here's a pic of what I'm talking about: 230359 This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text.
b - Above-and-Below
Inline images with text above-and-below, which allows lots of text and easy ref. to specific images. Images can be butted against each other (left) OR max. 1 space apart plus I.D. (right). Lines can also be butted or spaced apart as desired.
230361230362 OR #1> 230361 #2> 230362
Above-and-below allows lots of text w/o looking odd. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text. This is filler text.
c - In Table
Here are the same three images in a where you can put image I.D. above or below each pic (both shown here). If text gets too long, you'll create some ugly table cells. You also can't put text on more than 1 line cuz each Return/new para. creates a new table row... and a complete mess!
[TABLE]Image #1|Image #2|Image #3|
230361 | 230362 | [ATTACH]230363
Image #1 | Image #2 | Image #3
* * * * * * *
AFAIK, you can't use the [ATTACH] tags to insert images directly, either thumbnails or full-size, w/o the Manage Attachments menu. For direct-insert, you have to use the [IMG] tags and Image Host as described below.
When all done, click the normal Preview/Submit/Save button, as appropriate.
Remove or replace images as desired.
If you want to change your mind on the attachment list before you Submit or Save, click Manage Attachments again. That will open the Manage Attachments menu with a "Remove" option where you can delete one or more images, then Upload diff. images, if desired.
If you want to add, remove or replace images after posting, click Edit > Go Advanced below your post, then click on Manage Attachments, where you'll have the same options. The "Go Advanced" option might appear after clicking Edit, which means you're not in Advanced mode with Preview and Additional Options, like Manage Attachments, available.
Once images are posted with either option, you can Edit the post as often as you want, but you can't copy the text and paste in another post because that breaks the links you established... you'd have to delete the ATTACH/image code(s) and Upload again.
Go back to list.
* * * * * * *
Image Host
This procedure describes how to insert FULL-SIZE images directly in your AVS post, like the Manage Attachments menus above, using a free, outside, image-hosting website. You can place these images wherever you place your cursor.
At first glance, this procedure may seem long and complicated, but there are only four simple steps to start posting your images:
1. Set up free account at image-hosting website.
2. Upload pics to host site.
3. Copy the URL (web address) for your pic.
4. Paste URL in your AVS post between [IMG] tags.
This procedure describes the four easy steps and provides additional info, but once you paste your first pic, you won't need any procedure to remind you...it's really very easy.
1. SET UP FREE ACCOUNT AT IMAGE-HOSTING WEBSITE
To insert an image directly in a post, you first have to set up a free account on an image-hosting website. Luckily, there are many of those sites, such as photobucket.com, imageshack.us, freeimagehosting.net, AOL, your ISP, and many others. Google "image host" to find one you like.
During account setup, a good hosting site will ask if you want your pics/albums to be "Public" and viewable by anyone or if you want them restricted somehow. Choose "Public," "share with anyone," "view by anyone," or similar option so they can be viewed wherever you link to them. A good site will also allow you to set up "secure" albums for pics you want to limit to certain people, or to no one but you. Just make sure you upload pics to the right album...could be embarrassing.
Caution: People will be able to see your link text by right-clicking on the image and checking "Properties." Since that text will have your user/album name, you might want to use a screen-name rather than your real name when setting up your host account? :D
2. UPLOAD PICS TO HOST SITE
Once you've set up a free account at a host site, use its "UPLOAD" feature to place your .jpg, .gif, or .png pics in your "albums."
Warning: If you use your personal or business website as your host, be aware that pictures you post will give others a path (URL) to the "insides" of that website, from which they could "explore" other things you or others have posted there depending on the "snoop's" expertise. For such sites, you can either: (1) make sure your other folders and files are "restricted" (need password, etc. to view), or (2) make sure you don't post anything, anywhere in the website, that you really don't want others to see.
3. COPY THE URL (WEB ADDRESS) FOR YOUR PIC
When you are ready to paste a pic in an AVS post, go to your host site and copy the URL for that image, which is text that describes its address on the web, i.e. "your host site/your acct/picture.jpg."
If using photobucket.com (their procedure may change, other sites are similar):
Log in to your album.
Move cursor over the thumbnail (small pic) you want to copy, which drops down a set of text boxes below. Move cursor down to one of the two following boxes and either left-click it and it will auto-copy that URL text or, if that isn't working (often), highlight the text block with a left-click then Copy with right click/select, etc.:
a. Direct Link -- this is one URL you can use but it requires also using the Insert Image icon in the AVS post window. It's also the one to use with the Attach Files method described above.
b. IMG Code -- Same as Direct Link above, except it's easier to use since it already includes the [IMG] tags you'll need so you won't have to click the Insert Image icon. If you use this URL and also click the Insert Image icon, you'll end up with double [IMG] tags. Your link will show up properly, but it'll have an extra set of [IMG] tags that show on screen.
Common Mistake #1: Don't copy a link identified as being for "Email," "IM" or "HTML." An HTML Code will start with <a href and end with another >. These codes are for other purposes and not readable by AVS Forum's posting software.
Common Mistake #2: In some image-hosting sites, people often mistakenly copy the URL for the thumb or thumbnail rather than the full-size pic it represents. Make sure whatever URL you copy DOES NOT have a "th" or "thumb" or "thumbnail" in the text... it usually appears at the end, just before the file extension (.jpg, .gif or .png).
Tip: For pics you use often (once they are on the host site), you don't need to go to your host site to copy the URL. Just paste the URL text one time in a document on your computer, then you can copy that text much more quickly. There's no "magic" in the URL copied from a host website vs. the same text copied from a personal document; it just has to be plain text in the structure/format of a typical URL link ("http://...").
4. PASTE THE URL IN YOUR AVS POST BETWEEN [IMG] and TAGS
There are two ways to insert/paste the URL for your images in the AVS post window, depending on which URL you copied from your album.
a. If you copied "Direct Link": Click the "Insert Image" icon above the AVS post window, then immediately paste (Ctrl+V) the copied URL in the "Script Prompt" box, over the already highlighted "http://" in the box. You don't need to put your cursor in the box or delete the highlighted "http://"...pasting will replace that highlighted text. Then click OK.
b. If you copied "IMG Code": Since this URL already has the required and tags front and back, just paste (Ctrl+V) the copied URL in a blank area of your post. You don't need to use the Insert Image icon.
Whichever method you use, you should end up with an tag at the front of the URL, and a slash tag at the end. The tags tell the viewer's browser to display the image residing at the web address (URL) that you insert between the tags, like [IMG]your host site/your acct/picture.jpg. (The slash is a universal "end" command for an instruction.)
Important: There should be NO space between the [IMG] tags and the URL text and NO space inside the brackets.
ANOTHER METHOD FOR LINKING
You can also link to your pics, or other peoples' pics in other sites, by right-clicking on the full-size pic (not a small thumbnail). Click Properties at the bottom of the window that pops up, then copy the "Address: (URL)" for that pic, which should start with "http" and end with jpg, gif or png, then paste it as described above.
You can only use this "Properties/Copy URL" method on other peoples' websites that allow open and direct links to their pics...some do and some don't...depends on the website design and security. (Make sure you give proper credit to the site for a pic that's not yours....copyright laws apply.)
One common mistake is copying a "HTML Tag" (see above), which doesn't start with "http" and end with jpg, gif or png. If you see a link with "extra" text in front or behind, sometimes it works to copy all the text, then cut the "extra" parts.
Always a good idea to "Preview" links that you make to pics in another person's or company's website and, again, make sure you credit the other site.
SIZING YOUR IMAGES
Best to size your images/pics to make them draw on screen quickly for the many people who still use dial-up. Some host sites allow you to size your images/pics once they're uploaded. I like to size my pics before uploading to the host.
Either way, a good starting point is 320 PIXELS WIDE and "proportional" (which sets the length proportional to your specified width). 320 pixels wide is a 50% reduction in a typical 640 x 480 pic that many applications produce as their default size.
Experiment with dimensions, etc. and you'll find what works best for you and the AVS post window. The goal should be to keep pics small enough to see well but not take "forever" to draw on a dial-up user's screen -- a pic that fills the entire AVS post window can take a minute or more to draw and some people won't wait that long to see your "masterpiece."
Some approx. image-sizing refs (W x L) and screen-draw time @52Kbps dial-up speed (close to max. dial-up speed, many people have slower speeds):
150 x 128 pixels.......1-1/2" x 1-1/4"......filesize 3.5KB.....pops right up
472 x 375 pixels.......4-1/2" x 3-1/2"......filesize 33KB.......6 sec to draw
800 x 534 pixels.......7-1/2" x 5"............filesize 240KB....55 sec to draw
1092 x 615 pixels...10-1/4" x 5-1/2".......filesize 309KB....65 sec to draw
I hope this helps...explaining all this is a lot harder than actually doing it! :)
Good luck!
Go back to list.