WordPress image size! Huh! It sounds like something straightforward, doesn’t it? But is it really?
Okay, let’s talk about it. What do you think a random internet user looks for before clicking on a link, blog, article, etc? Is it the title? Maybe it’s the header? tagline? The answer is mostly no, none of these.
But if you’re thinking about the feature image, we’d say, yes. According to many popular studies and journals, web surfers tend to click on attractive and informative feature images.
They tend to study the contents within the feature image, well before looking at the title or metadata.
This is where the magic happens. This is where/when a web surfer decides to click on your published content to have a further look.
Being able to captivate the audience with the feature image means an almost certain organic click.
Which is not that easy when you’re working with a competitive long-tail keyword or short-tail keywords, popular phrases, popular events, subjects, pop-culture references, etc.
So, the recommended WordPress featured image size by the DroitThemes development team is 1200×675 pixels or 16:9 ratio.
The Importance of Good Images
As mentioned earlier, an attractive featured image on WordPress can bring in more organized attractions and clicks without any extra work. The importance of good images cannot be understated.
A blog, article, post, newsletter, etc doesn’t matter what types of content it may feature, implementing quality, informative images are the key to success.
People tend to visually indulge before they start reading, and all this happens in split seconds upon encountering the said image.
So, selecting an excellent image to be featured in your next content is highly advisable.
A high-quality image not only attracts more eyes but is also great for maintaining a steady quality in various types of display resolutions.
WordPress Featured Images: What Are They?
A feature image is used for visually presenting the context information regarding a piece of content.
These types of images usually appear on top of content and get featured alongside the metadata of the said content, in the thumbnail section.
The featured image grabs the visitor’s attention, and imagination, and provides clues, information, and minor context regarding your content visually.
For example, The image featured here clearly indicates the talking point and subject matter at play.
The website’s active WordPress theme also plays a key role while determining how the feature image will be displayed.
While building a WordPress website, always try to pick the best WordPress theme for blogging and content publication.
Developer.WordPress.org Recommended WordPress Featured Image Size
WordPress defaults to the following image sizes
WordPress automatically creates three versions of your uploaded image, and they are:
- Thumbnail size: 150 px X150 px
- Medium size: 300 px X 300 px
- Large size: 1024px X 1024 px
What Is the Purpose of These Different Versions of WordPress Featured Image Sizes?
Consider the image of dimension used by the DroitThemes development team – 1200px X 675px.
That original image size may go up to 100KB.
Now consider having the original image dimensions as the thumbnail! Now wouldn’t that look abnormal for a thumbnail image, wouldn’t it!
And not to mention the performance impact that resolution would have if that resolution came with image size.
So it’s safe to assume the automated converted size by WordPress of 150×150 px is a safe and reliable bet.
The automatic resizing of images by WordPress is a great feature of course.
However, this awesome feature does work out well in certain scenarios.
For example, resizing an image by default may not be an adequate solution if a WordPress theme requires a specific image dimension.
Here at DroitThemes is something to talk about as we work with the WordPress featured image size of 1200×675 pixels.
In such cases, it is advisable to manually add a customized image size.
So how does it work?
Here Is a Short Tutorial on How to Add a Customized WordPress Featured Image Size
WordPress does automate your content for the best performance on its platform by resizing the original feature images with three different sizes and resolutions.
How about adding another default size? Would it be possible to include a custom WordPress image size?
Yes, it’s possible and we’ll show you how to do it properly.
Adding Custom Image Sizes Using Image Regenerate & Select Crop
Regenerate & Select Crop is a simple plugin that provides more functionality than just Regenerate Thumbnails.
Apart from letting users change the default featured image size, users also have the option of regenerating all existing images to match their preferred image size, setting default cropping options, or regenerating thumbnails.
Once installed and activated, head over to WordPress Dashboard > Regenerate & Select Crop, from here click on DEFINE CUSTOM IMAGE SIZES and set a name for your custom WordPress featured image size, and add the dimensions.
For this example, we’re using the WordPress featured image size of 1200×675 pixels.
After you’re done, make sure to hit Save Changes.
There are many more options provided with this particular plugin, we are not exploring this further, but we highly recommend you the user, explore and tweak around with the settings.
Step.01 Add Custom WordPress Image Size by Editing functions.php
For this, you’ll need to tweak some codes from your website’s functions.php file, but don’t worry we’ll be with you along the way.
As we’ll be tweaking some codes, you should back up the said file just to be on the safe side of things.
Now head over to the WordPress Dashboard > Appearance > Theme Editor.
Now click on the Theme Functions (functions.php) from here locate the following code with the theme editor by hitting Ctrl + F & hit enter, If the code is already there, leave it be and move on to the next step.
And if the code seems to be missing please enter the following string –
add_theme_support( 'post-thumbnails' );After you’re done, make sure to hit the Update file button.
Now to add your custom image dimensions insert the following code right below the previously mentioned code, the custom dimension –
add_image_size( 'my-custom-image-size', 1200, 675 );In particular, you need to update the content of the single quotes with the name of the new custom image size. We suggest something simple & descriptive.
The first value should be the width of the image and the second value the height of the image.
Follow the Best WordPress Featured Image Practices
It’s simply just not enough to upload and forget about important website components like feature images.
While choosing and uploading feature images for WordPress or any other website creation platform, we strongly recommend users follow some simple steps:
High-Quality Images
Feature images must be of high quality, and in clear and sharp resolution. A feature image represents you, your website, and your content so using a quality image is a must.
Users should choose something that looks good on both thumbnails and in posts.
Consistent Content
Upload images that are consistent with the content on your website. Upload features, content, logo, etc consistent with your brand. Maintaining a consistent take on your visual design helps build your brand and make it recognizable to your visitors.
Relevant Images
A human processes images faster than text. When you consider it a relevant, informative feature image can bring more attention to your site.
So, always try to maintain a strong relevance while considering feature images.
Copyright
Do not infringe on copyright matters. Always try to ensure your produced content, and if you are uploading something from another content creator make sure to take their legal consent before doing so.
Buying royalty-free stock photos from sites like Unsplash, Pixaby, and others is a great option.
To Wrap It Up
Featured images are an integral part of every WordPress website.
A well-designed and featured image can make your website look more professional and will greatly help increase your brand awareness. The same applies to online shops. Images are useful for selling products.
A well-designed and throughout feature image can also greatly impact the imagination of your visitors, helping you get more organic clicks and views.
With that said we hope that you’ve found this piece of content helpful and will consider sharing it with someone in need.
We thank you for stopping by and if you have any questions or concerns regarding this subject, feel free to let us know in the comment below.
